White Feather Photography: Collins takes photography to the next level

By Leesa Teale

LPR Publisher                                                         

        This week’s ‘Making a Splash in Lockhart’ features our very own Anthony Collins, owner and photographer of White Feather Photography.

      Most of you know Collins as our very own editor and photographer, capturing the heart of our community through his lens and words. But what many may not realize is that Anthony’s skills extend far beyond the newspaper, he’s also a professional rodeo photographer, traveling across Texas to document the action, grit, and spirit of the rodeo circuit with his main rodeo company Diamond Cross Rodeo.

      Collins’ photography career began 18 years ago, when he covered University of Oregon sports, USA Track and Field events, and professional sports. Over the years, his experience behind the camera has grown into a passion for telling stories through the power of sports photography, bringing moments of triumph, perseverance, and community to life.

     For the past few years, Collins’ photography career has focused primarily on rodeo events, capturing the excitement and intensity of the arena. More recently, he has expanded his portfolio to include Professional Bull Riders (PBR) events, adding yet another thrilling dimension to his growing body of work.

     This past September, Anthony was selected as the official photographer for the upcoming 2025 Cowboys Professional Rodeo Association (CPRA) Finals. 

    During the same event, he received the distinguished honor of being named the ‘CPRA Photographer of the Year’, earning recognition among top photographers from across Texas.

    “This is a great honor for me,” Collins said. “There are so many talented photographers in our business, and I’m fortunate enough to bring home the buckle.”

    When asked what his favorite photo that he has taken is, Collins responded, “It is probably the photo of Maggie, a Diamond Cross Rodeo bucking horse. She was just walking along the fence prior to the Chisholm Trail Rodeo and I just started snapping away. I actually framed this one particularly and have it hanging in my home above the fireplace. Plus it’s just a really stellar picture. ” 

    One of the most “stolen” pictures he has taken over the years is of “Ducky”, Oregon’s mascot on the back of a motorcycle. 

     Collins has been asked by many to do more personal photo shoots but he would rather be behind the lens getting peppered with dust and dirt at a arena, preferably indoors, as the summer rodeo season can be extremely unforgiving. 

     Whether he’s covering local events here in Lockhart or chasing the thrill of the arena lights, Anthony’s dedication to storytelling shines through every frame. His work continues to put both Lockhart and its people in focus, one photo at a time.