Spring in Alberta has a way of testing your patience right out of the gate. Between the weather, the equipment, and the clock, it is a constant hustle to get things done. But as we sit here on this Tuesday in the middle of May, I am feeling a deep sense of accomplishment—both in the fields and behind the lens.
Here is a look at what has been happening in the dirt and behind the scenes at EMIAC Studio this week.
Getting Seed in the Ground
Last week was an absolute battle against the elements. The high winds were relentless and frankly, not much fun to deal with. But that didn't stop my baby brother from getting the air seeder moving around each field. He pushed through the dust and the gusts, and by the end of the week, we officially had seed in the ground.
My role in the seeding process is pretty straightforward: I follow behind him with the roller. Because he moved on to planting the canola, it means our pedigree seed grain is officially all in the ground for the year. I spent my Friday and Saturday night in the cab of the tractor, finally catching up to him and finishing my rolling passes around 1:30 AM on Sunday morning.
Since we don’t roll canola ground, that 1:30 AM shutdown meant I actually got to take the rest of the weekend off. And as if perfectly on cue, Sunday brought us a little bit of moisture. It wasn’t nearly enough to break any records, but it was something. I can see it in my backyard and in the trees—that little drink of water helped liven everything up.
The Reality of the Reset
Taking the weekend off meant yesterday and today were dedicated to the unglamorous, behind-the-scenes reality of running a household and a business. You can’t live out in the dirt forever. Sometimes, resilience just looks like catching up on housework, doing the laundry, and deep-cleaning the kitchen.
It is easy to get caught up in the hustle and feel like you always need to be producing, but taking a breath to reset your physical space is critical. It is all part of the balance.
The CPRA Application: Putting Skin in the Game
Amidst the laundry and the kitchen duty today, I crossed a massive milestone off my list. I finally completed my Canadian Professional Rodeo Association (CPRA) Digital Media Creator application.
I went into the local registries, stood in front of a Commissioner of Oaths, and got the paperwork officially stamped and signed. It has been boxed up and sent off—along with a silly $250 deposit.
I have to be honest, it is incredibly frustrating to pay a $250 fee just to get a committee to look at your portfolio. But that is the cost of entry, and I am putting my skin in the game. I am submitting eight years of professional work. Is it a traditional, massive rodeo portfolio? No. A lot of it is BMX competitions, cattle shows, and a handful of straight-up bull riding events. I have never tried to do this specific circuit for income before, so I know my submission might look a little different than the standard rodeo action shooter's.
But I am hoping they see the bigger picture. I am hoping they look at that portfolio and understand that I am not just an amateur with a camera. I know how to handle myself around heavy livestock, I know how to compose a shot, and most importantly, I know how to tell a story. I am hoping they accept me into the fold to bring a totally new perspective to their circuit.
Changing the Viewpoint at BRC Clive
Speaking of new perspectives, I am beyond excited for our next Bull Riders Canada (BRC) event in Clive.
I officially pulled the trigger this weekend and ordered the DJI Osmo Action 6 camera and a high-end microphone setup. My vision for Clive is to take things out of the grandstands and put the audience right in the dirt. I want to get one of the bullfighters to wear this camera and mic on a chest harness during the event.
It is one thing to watch a ride from the side of the arena or through a cell phone video. It is an entirely different, visceral experience to see exactly what the bullfighter sees. The speed, the chaos, the heavy breathing, the split-second decisions—I want to capture all of it.
I want to give the Cowboys, the fans, and the community a completely different aspect to look forward to viewing. This is about building the EMIAC brand into something that doesn't just document the sport, but actually immerses you in the Grit and Grace of it all.
We are putting seeds in the ground on the farm, and we are putting seeds in the ground for this studio. Now, we put in the work and see what grows.
#EveryMomentIsAChoiceStudio #GritAndGrace #FarmLifeBalance #PerfectlyImperfect #BehindTheChutes #MentalHealthMatters #EmiacStudio #AgricultureLife
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