Roundup Record Tribune & Winnett Times -

Local talent, Mary Peters, found her niche' with a camera in her hands. She has been "Catching the Moment" the last few years as a PRCA Rodeo photographer.

Mary was born and raised in Lewistown, and has been a photographer for many years previous to becoming a PRCA Rodeo Photographer. Photography came natural to her, and she never got bored of improving on her art. She began publishing when doing a real estate guide for an ad book out of Great Falls. From there she started publishing wildlife photos. Before becoming a PRCA rodeo photographer Mary suffered a head injury and had to relearn how to use her camera, an obstacle, but Mary met the challenge. Eventually, "It came time for rodeo's and I walked into the arena in Roundup, and it felt like I had been there her whole life", Mary explains. "I had never been raised on a ranch, or been around animals, but I felt completely at home."

Becoming a PRCA Rodeo Photographer doesn't happen for just any photographer. Mary had to apply and be vetted through a rigid process that took her five years. She had to apply with multiple portfolios of her work and get two letters of recommendation that had to be from PRCA Rodeo photographers who have either been photographer of the year for PRCA, or have been a photographer for ten years in the PRCA. There are only 80 PRCA photographers for the entire PRCA circuit.

The action shot that so many dream of but never can achieve, Mary fills books with. On the June 2018 edition of Western Horseman, Mary's bucking horse is on the front cover with a feature article of her work. Ross Hecox, editor in chief of the Western Horseman wrote of Mary, "We immediately recognized a fresh perspective. She (Mary) works the angles, positioning herself above the action for some photos and aiming her camera from ground level for others, which makes it astonishingly obvious how high a bronc can launch from earth."

Mary is fast paced, energetic, and enthusiastic. The energy shines through in her photography. She is willing to kneel, squat, and stand for hours to catch the moment with crisp clarity. The photo quality captures every hair, line, muscle, dirt, and expression that even the seasoned sport observer will never see. The power of animals is unparalleled, and nothing shows that as well as a great action photograph. Taking pictures of animals requires patients at best, but getting the perfect action shot without blurring or a bad angle takes unique skill. Catching some of the cowboy's greatest moments of sport, Mary continues to make a name for herself. The 2020 American Buckle magazine features Mary, and there are a couple photos that are from the beautiful Roundup rodeo grounds.

Mary Peters

Mary has so many other interests as well, and is in the process of working over several vintage RV's. Her unique eye for detail shows in this process as well. She uses authentic vintage items, not the traditional "repaint" you often see in the new RV makeover craze. The vintage RV and Bed and Breakfast, "B and B", is Mary's new venture. Because she has so much energy, she is planning a blog and hoping to host artist retreats when she has everything set up.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and Mary is telling the story with her photos. Keep your eye open for Mary the next time you are at the Rodeo. She might be down by the gate behind a foot long lens. Keep on "Catching the Moment" Mary!