Have you ever found yourself standing in front of the Official Show Photographer's booth looking through hundreds of pictures to find the ones of you and your horse? Ever noticed how the pictures of you and your horse look just the same as everyone elses?
I used to show hunters. I know all about the big time show photographers and how they work. But, that's their job. It's a hard job photographing every horse and pony in every ring, especially at a big show. They don't have the time or ability to be creative or focus on making each individual horse and rider look special.
The dilemma is this: As a horse lover and competitor, you have spent a lot of money to get to that show and make sure you and your horse look good. You don't want to look through hundreds of pictures that all look the same. You and your horse are special and unique after all.
You need a photographer who appreciates you and your horse. One who understands all it took to get there.
Next time you show, you can go through the countless Official Show Photographer's photos trying to find one that captures you and your horse perfectly only to settle for the one that looks like all the other pictures. Or... you can hire your own personal photographer who will take time to get to know you and your horse. I want to ensure that your pictures will be something special for you to help you remember the champions you and your horse are.
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At a horse show, Official Show Photographers are there to work for the show and themselves. If you ask, they will make sure they photograph you and your horse when you enter the ring. But if you watch them, they have set areas around the ring they stand and photograph all the horses. Look on their websites. You will see the same angles for every horse that passes in front of their lenses. In order to operate as official show photographers, they have to do this. It saves time and ensures they photograph everyone.
If you hire a private photographer, like myself, you can ensure that all photos are taken of you and your horse(s) at the show. Not only that, but since I only allow myself to be booked by one stable per day, I promise I will get shots of only you and your horses. That allows me the time and ability to get to know you a little, follow your horses throughout the day, and get creative and beautiful photographs of you and your horses. They will be unique to you and your horse.
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I only allow one stable/farm/individual to book each day of a show. Book early or your day might be taken. I require that the whole day must be booked so that I can get to know you and your horse(s) a little bit, go over your schedule for the day, capture candid moments, learn your course/test/pattern, photograph your schooling and classes/events, etc.
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Pricing for show photography works a little different than my private shoot pricing. When booking please be sure to indicate which day(s) you are booking and how many horses you have showing.
You can book for your whole stable or just for you and your horse(s). Keep in mind that if you have more horses, I will attempt to split my time equally across all of your horses.
Private Horse Show Photography pricing will vary depending on travel time and any extra arrangements required.
Pricing for private horse show photography starts at $350 per day (up to 10 hours of being on show property). Depending on the amount of traveling involved, this price might go up or special arrangements may have to be made*.
Pricing does not include prints/items. You will receive a book/CD or emailed proofs from which to choose from if you decide to order prints/items.
* If there is extensive travelling involved, special arrangements (including accomedations or alternative travel) might have to be made at the expense of the client. When booking, please let me know where the show is located so I can give you an accurate quote.
* A non-refundable down payment of $100 per day is required to book your show date(s).
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Like the idea but not sure how to make it work? I understand how much it costs to show. All the money it takes in training and lessons to get there, your equipment and outfits, braiding, etc. It adds up.
So how can you make it more affordable to hire a private show photographer?
Here are some ideas:
- Have your whole stable hire me for the day. You can then split the price with whoever else is showing that day.
- Have your whole stable hire me for the whole show. You can then split the price with anyone showing.
- On your own? Don't worry. Surely you may know of people who show the same circuit as you. Ask around and find someone to go in on hiring a private show photographer for the day/show. Split the cost.
- Check with the horse show to see what you need to have. If you are showing hunters, for example, HITS Ocala during the 2009 winter circuit made the decision that braiding wasn't required. That right there will save you $30-$100 per horse per day if you don't need to have your horse braided.
- Are you trying to sell your horse, market your stallion for stud, or boost recognition of your stable/lesson program/show team? People can tell when you have professional photos on your website/ads. Boost your visibility by investing in professional photos taken at horse shows.
- Save up! You should book with me well in advance, so you may have a couple months to save up money to cover the cost of the photography.
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So, are you interested in having your competition photographs reflect how special you and your horse are? Please contact me about your upcoming competition. Don't wait! Book today so your date isn't taken.
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