So… you’ve decided you want to be a horse show photographer.

Are you crazy?
Just kidding. 😄

From the outside, being a horse show photographer can look pretty glamorous. Let me gently shatter that illusion for you.

What it actually looks like is long days that start at least an hour before the first class—and often end hours after the last one wraps up. It’s gear malfunctions at the worst possible moment, grabbing a snack while jogging between arenas, and laughing at the idea of a real bathroom break. It’s paying your help and realizing you’re briefly in the red.

But it’s also meeting incredible people who love horses as much as you do. It’s getting to photograph truly exceptional horses. And yes—it is pretty cool seeing your images show up in national magazines.

So if you’re still in? Let’s talk about how to do this the right way. 

One of the most important things you can do is learn the discipline you want to photograph.

Why does this matter? Because timing is everything.

You need to know the difference between a correct moment and a throwaway moment. You need to recognize the shot that sells—the perfect stop, the correct lead, the ideal foot placement—not just a pretty image.

Thinking creatively is wonderful, and clients absolutely love those artistic shots. But creative images don’t replace the money shot. You must deliver both.

If you need practice, start small. Shoot at shows without an official photographer. Better yet, talk to a local trainer and ask if you can photograph lessons. That’s one of the best ways to learn timing without pressure.

What you should not do is show up to a horse show and start shooting because it’s “public.”

Most shows—especially larger ones—have an official photographer who worked their way up through the smaller shows. Respect that. This industry is small, and reputations travel fast. Someday you will be the official photographer—and you won’t appreciate someone shooting over your shoulder either.

Being able to capture the right moment in a single frame matters.

If you’re using strobes, this isn’t optional—strobes don’t recycle fast enough for burst mode anyway. But beyond that, nailing the shot deliberately shows skill, confidence, and understanding of the sport.

Practice. A lot.

Very few photographers create a business plan—but they should.

A business plan is a roadmap. You can adjust it over time, but it forces you to think through how this business will actually function. Along with that, you must understand your Cost of Doing Business (CODB) and your Cost of Goods Sold (COGS).

These numbers tell you whether you’re making money—or quietly losing it.

I’ve seen photographers charge rock-bottom prices, then realize they’re earning about $2 an hour. That’s not sustainable, and it’s not fun.

Once you know your CODB and COGS, then you can price appropriately. Do not base your pricing on what someone else charges. Their costs are not your costs.

If you sell digitals, I strongly recommend selling low-resolution files for personal use only.

Your high-resolution digital files are your negatives—they are your most valuable asset. Selling them cheaply is like giving away the farm. It devalues your work and, whether it sounds dramatic or not, it devalues the work of other show photographers too.

Okay. Rant over. 😅

Most horse shows book their contractors—announcers, judges, videographers, photographers, secretaries—6 to 12 months in advance.

So we start small.

Find a local show you’re interested in and contact the show producer or manager. Ask if they already have an official photographer.

• If they do, thank them sincerely.
• Let them know you’d be happy to help in the future.
• Follow up with an email including a few sample images and your contact information.

Professional, respectful, memorable.

If they say yes—congratulations. You just booked your first show.

During that conversation, be clear about your needs:

• Do you require a booth?
• Power?
• An RV spot?
• How many arenas are running?
• Indoor or outdoor?
• Is there a dress code?

Yes, dress codes are a real thing at some rodeos and discipline-specific shows.

Take notes. These details go straight into your contract.

Handshake deals are mostly a thing of the past.

Every show I shoot signs a contract—and it protects both of us.

Your contract should cover things like:

• Booth space and power
• Show name, location, and contact info
• Rules regarding outside shooters
• Meals (if any)
• Images provided to the show and usage rights
• Vendor fees (I don’t pay them—and I don’t give photos if I do)

This needs to be a symbiotic relationship. Both parties should benefit.

Once you’ve outlined what you need, have an attorney finalize your contract. It’s not scary. It’s smart. And once it’s done, you can reuse and adjust it for future shows.

Send the contract as early as possible, address concerns, and then—put the show dates on your calendar. Missing your first show would be… unfortunate.

Before the show:

• Clean and test all gear
• Charge all batteries
• Pack backups (camera bodies, lenses, lights, transmitters, hard drives)
• Bring snacks, water, and personal essentials

Lists are your friend. You’ll add to them after every show.

And please—have backups for everything. I’ve had cameras, lenses, lights, transmitters, and computers fail at shows. Sometimes more than one in the same day.

For outdoor single- or two-day shows, I arrive about an hour early. Indoor shows or setups with lighting and booths require more time.

Check in with the show office. Introduce yourself to the secretary. Pick up draw sheets or back number lists. Say hello to the announcer—they can be your best salesperson. A business card and a friendly introduction go a long way (donuts don’t hurt either).

Walk the arena. Learn the course or pattern. Know where you need to be.

We’re professionals. Act like it.

Step into the arena.
Take a breath.
Enjoy it.

Because yes—it’s exhausting, chaotic, and unpredictable.

But if you love horses, love photography, and respect the craft, being a horse show photographer can be incredibly rewarding.

And that makes it all worth it.