Update #2 - Day in the life...

Here are some photos that describe a typical day in the life of an Argentinian press photographer. But first, I've been so lucky to have had to wear this nice vest for the past 4 days. Ha, I look like some inmate from a country jail.

As you'll see, shooting at this event was not easy. Especially today with all four arenas going at once. Angus, Hereford, Dairy and Horses were all being judged at the same time. The stands were packed and press were everywhere. Things got real heated when it was time to select a Grand Champion. All of the press photographers and videographers would flock to the scene. You literally had to squeeze your way in and try and avoid all the other lenses/bodies in your way. It was intense! I would try and get my camera anywhere it would fit. I think I even I took a shot through someone's legs at one point. Of course everything is complete chaos. Half of the press don't even know what an animal is supposed to look like so they're just taking snap shots, while the other half are anticipating the animal to walk into the right pose. All I know is you better fire off your shots because you don't have any time to waste. The wife of the American judge for the Herefords came up to me and said she counted over 100 press bodies in the show ring at one time. Talk about media frenzy. Anyways, here are a few of my shots from the day. Enjoy.

Some sort of Albino Argentinian horse.

A couple of big bull shows today. Here's one from the Angus show.

Full house as usual. Everyone's bundled up because it was cold today!

Sneaked over to the dairy show to get a few shots.

The Hereford lineup.

Just a handful of my compadres that I was hanging out with the past few days.

As you can tell, there are orange vests as far as you can see. Orange = press.

My Argentinian contact, Carlos, jumps in the air after wining the Grand Champion Angus Bull.

Carlos looks relieved and excited as the judge makes the official selection. It was a long day showing animals.

Here is the winning exhibitor for the Hereford bulls. He also looks pretty pumped.

He's soon swarmed by press for interviews.

Probably the best shot that I could make out of the huge media scrum.

Carlos and his family with the Grand Champion Angus Bull after a long day of showing.

Sometimes the best shots are when you least expect them. I was heading home when I stepped out of the doors of the main convention center and I saw this sky. I thought I might as well snap a picture up in the stands to show the beautiful evening as well as the historic arena where all the action took place.

Update #1 - Thursday July 30th

Well, things have been interesting to say the least! After arriving at the hotel and a little nap after an overnight flight from Houston, I go to grab my laptop out of my carry-on bag and there's nothing there. I couldn't believe it because I practically sleep with my macbook so the state of trauma started to kick in. I realized that I left it on the plane in the seat pocket as I was deboarding, hands full of customs paper work and droggy from the overnight flight. Not a good situation!!! It'll probably end up being a very costly mistake because if it's in the hands of an aiport employee, that isn't with Continental airlines, Adios Amigos!!! Never see that again. It's probably already stripped into parts and being sold in some slum on the outskirts of Buenos Aires. Doh! In Canada or USA, this would be an easy lost and found retrieval situation, but Argentina, not so much.

Other than that, I've been busy photographing at the Exposicion Rural the past couple of days. It's a short work from the beautiful boutique hotel I'm staying at for an extremely favourable off-season rate. The event I'm covering is located in Palermo and Palermo Soho is THE place for Buenos Aires' young, hip and trendy crowd. The stores and boutiques around here are enough to make a fashionista go crazy. Very much like New York, except for more garbage in the street and EVERYTHING is gated or locked in some way, shape or form. Haha, I know that sounds negative, but I might as well give you the truth!

The event I'm covering is basically a showcase of all things rural and agriculture in Argentina. They have everything here, from polo horses, cattle, sheep, tractors, radio stations, steak houses, cars, and every imaginable tertiary industry that services the agriculture industry. It's very impressive to say the least. Half of the facilites are ultra modern convention type buildings that you would see in San Diego, Austin, etc. - the other half are these traditional European looking arenas and horse barns with vaulted ceilings that have been fully restored. The horse barns are all full of gaucho type of men looking after the horses, and you can recognize them by the traditional Argentinian garb they're wearing.

I've been working closely with the Angus and Hereford cattle breeds here. They have been super hospitable and nice enough to help me get around, translate things, and basically keep me in good hands. I'm really excited to see how the whole show photography scene works down here and they seem to be excited to learn about the American shows that ShowChampions Inc. covers. It's been a great cross-cultural exchange so far.

Three things I've already learned about Buenos Aires and the Argentinian people - they love their dulce de leche spreads on toast, in pastries and in all other sorts of variets (very delicious), and the snack food of choice is hands-down the empanada. They come in a variety of flavours, but so far jamon y queso is the flavour of choice. For all you dulche de leche fans, you better book your trip because Argentina will be heaven for you. The third is that everyone is wearing some sort of wool, tweed, leather or cordurouy hunting jacket or blazer in earth tone colours. Very fashionable I must say. Their classical approach to clothing definitely showcases their European heritage. They must not believe in synthetic material, haha.

Anyways, I've got one more day at the show, but here is a select few shots to showcase the event. For the full set of images, head over to http://www.showchampions.com/ to take a peak.

Hotel Esplendor Palermo

Press interviewing politicians about the recent agriculture funding cuts.

Exposicion Rural

Here are some photographs of the event in Buenos Aires that I'll be photographing for www.ShowChampions.com. The event is called the Exposicion Rural and it takes place in Palermo Viaje of Buenos Aires. Palermo is considered the hip and trendy district of Buenos Aires so there should be plenty of sights and sounds. Also, the outdoor classical style arena should make for some exciting photo opportunities.

Stay tuned to the blog for more updates!

T-A...N-G-O

I only wish I could edit and produce videos like this. It certainly gives me some ideas though.

Music compliments of the Gotan Project.

Things I Look Forward To...

... in Buenos Aires

The colourful Boca neighborhood

Felix store in Palermo - One of Buenos Aires' finest streetwear stores

Locals doing the Tango at the San Telmo Market on Sundays

The busy streets in the San Telmo market.

The crazy nightlife that BA has to offer.

Arrival

T-minus 6 days until I land in Buenos Aires. Looking forward to the hotel after what should be a long flight. Not looking forward to the crazy taxis and reckless driving. If I can get into the city safe and sound - it's show time!