From the Lens of Mark deFabry

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In each edition, Cowboy Lifestyle Network features a talented rodeo photographer who deserves the opportunity to have her or his work showcased to a national audience. In this edition, we feature Mark deFabry of deFabry Photography in Reno, Nevada. Mark deFabry has an eye for photography. He’s got a passion and appreciation for the western lifestyle. Mark was born in Pasadena, California, and grew up in San Gabriel, California. He had an interest in photography starting from a young age and soon discovered that he loved it. Mark had the opportunity to shoot photography at some professional football games in Los Angeles, the Rams versus the Raiders as well as horse races at the San Anita Park in Arcadia, California. Mark eventually moved up to Reno, Nevada where he received an opportunity to shoot photography at the Reno Rodeo where he came to fall in love with the rodeo sport truly. Mark’s been doing photography for about 40 years and has been a photographer at the Reno Rodeo for about 13 years. From all aspects of capturing the western lifestyle, the love and the passion are there.

“Patience, persistence, and perspiration make an unbeatable combination for success.” -Napolean Hill

Old School – I loved the gathering of cowboys and their expressions. The anticipation of the rider hitting the ground where he ultimately walks away unscathed.

“Every obstacle is an opportunity to become a stronger version of yourself.” -Unknown

My eye was drawn to the cross as he rides with faith and thinking of his upcoming ride.

“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” -Les Brown

The worn fingers, with chalk and tears of this glove, are of sentimental value. This glove has been along the journey of the rider’s highs and lows.

“Saddle up and follow your dreams.” -Chris LeDoux

I loved capturing his facial expression to the motion of the fringe on his chaps. Pictured, Kody Lamb

“Dedication and commitment are what transfer dreams into realities.” -Unknown

Cowboy up – I’m always amazed the riders’ competition is always there to help them out and root for them. It’s the cowboy lifestyle. His fierce expression and intense focus say it all. Pictured, Kaycee Feild

“Believe in yourself and you will be unstoppable.” -Unknown

Amberley Snyder is an inspiration. She inspires others to work hard and overcome obstacles in pursuit of what they love to do. Her smile says it all. To hear her story you should watch Walk. Ride. Rodeo. Pictured, Amberley Snyder.

“Hold the vision, trust the process, be relentless.” -Unknown

From his expression of the grinding of his teeth to fellow riders cheering him on. It’s truly a friendly competition. Pictured, J.B. Mauney

“True success is overcoming the fear of being unsuccessful.” -Paul Sweeney

Going for it – as soon as that gate opens it’s game on.

“You don’t follow your passion. You take it with you.” -Mike Rowe

I loved capturing the intensity of the rider to the pick-up rider assisting him to safety. The focus is on all eyes including the horses.

“No matter what knocks you down in life, get back up and keep going. Great blessings are a result of great perseverance.” -Unknown

This shot captures the adrenaline and intensity of the rider getting back to safety with the help of the bullfighter. Captured by Mark deFabry

Cowboy Lifestyle Magazine

This article was created for the Summer Issue of the Cowboy Lifestyle Magazine which was released in early July. You can catch this article and many more by checking out the full issue. For more information on Cowboy Lifestyle Magazine, visit the website here.

Megan deFabry

Howdy, I'm Megan deFabry. I grew up in Reno, Nevada, but since 2017 my heart has called Texas home. I now reside in Austin, Texas since 2020. I'm driven by my faith, cherished relationships with family and friends, and my professional ambitions. I'm passionate about digital marketing and journalism, especially the wide-open spaces of America's Western lifestyle, the grit of agriculture, the excitement of rodeo, and the heart of country music. For nearly a decade, I've been sharing this way of life through storytelling. And like any good cowboy tale, there's a loyal sidekick, my little Dachshund, Frank, who I adopted from a shelter in New Braunfels, Texas, back in 2018. He keeps me grounded, reminding me to chase horizons and savor life's simple joys. I graduated from Texas State University with a Bachelor of Science in Consumer Affairs and a minor in Mass Communication. My major taught me to decode consumer behavior, which is crucial for marketing, while my minor sharpened my storytelling skills. Since then, I've spent years mastering SEO and content strategy, staying ahead in a fast-moving field. My work even caught the eye of Cowboy Lifestyle Network's CTO, Irish Padmore, who recognized me for contributing to his research on Consumer Behavior in the Age of AI. Since 2018, I've been honored to work at Cowboy Lifestyle Network. Now as Editor-in-Chief writing, editing, and publishing articles that capture the cowboy spirit, crafting strategies rooted in Western values, and building real client connections. Guided by ethical journalism, I aim to tell stories that resonate and reflect the unsung heroes of the Western spirit.