08/09/2026
I wanted to share something that I think is important for competitors to understand. And not as a complaint, and certainly not to make anyone feel bad, but simply to give a little insight into what goes on behind the scenes for photographers at barrel shows, rodeos or any sports event! I also think I speak for other photographers as well by saying thisā¦
When we pull into an event, we arenāt there because weāre getting paid to sit in the arena for hours. Most event photographers work on commission, meaning we invest our own time, equipment, travel, and energy with the hope that the photographs we capture will be purchased afterward. Why? Because most of us holding a camera love it just as much as you do!
And when the last barrel racer, bronc or bull of the night leaves the arena, our job isnāt over. Thatās when many more hours of work often begins. We go through thousands of images, cull and sort them, and as professionals we choose the moments that best represent each run. We edit them individually, adjust lighting and color, crop and straighten, and do everything we can to make those photographs look their absolute best. We spend time trying to create something a little different, something that makes a competitor and their animal stand out and gives them a photograph theyāre proud to have. For myself I try and always ask myself āwould I love this photo if it were me and my horse?ā and if not I trash it. Unless of course itās a funny photo that I know for certain that rider would be okay with me posting/sharingā¦
Then comes uploading, organizing, sorting, and making sure those images are available for everyone to find. So while you may see us sitting in the arena for the duration of the show, there are often many more hours of work that you never see.
Lately there has been a noticeable decline in photography sales all over. It makes us question if our prices are too high or if our work isnāt what the people want. We go down deep rabbit holes. We get imposter syndromeā¦look it up itās an actual thingš
There are more hobbyist photographers offering photos, which is okay because there is absolutely room for others who enjoy photography. But when professional photographers are being undercut, when images are screenshotted instead of purchased, or when people simply choose not to support event photography at all, it becomes increasingly difficult for photographers who rely on these sales to continue making the investment required to be there.
I also want to add having good photographs from the photographers who know what to look for and how to showcase the sports professionally for events like rodeo and barrel racing in turn preserves the sports. It shows the world that this industry is amazing and full of people who love their animals and why we have such a passion for it. And we donāt want more than anything for our ability to do this to die out.
With that said Iām not saying anyone is obligated to buy a photograph. I completely understand that not everyone can or wants to purchase one. I also know myself and others would work with people who might canāt afford the full price without judgement. Because when you love what you do it really isnāt just about the money side itās about just wanting people to have that photo to share and keep but in the same sense we have to make a living also.
But hereās something just to think aboutā¦
If the majority of riders at a show purchased just ONE photograph from their run/ride, it could make a tremendous difference. That one photo might seem like a small purchase to you, but collectively, those purchases help cover the photographerās time, travel, equipment, editing, software, storage, and all of the other costs that come with doing this.
More importantly, it simply tells the photographer:
āWe appreciate you being here.ā
Many of us picture takers ride horses ourselves and we share that very same passion you do. We understand the time, energy and money you put into what you do to make yourself the best you can be. And being able to freeze and capture that in a picture brings us so much joy!
We donāt expect everyone to understand all of the work that happens behind the scenes. We just hope that knowing a little more about it gives you a different perspective the next time you see a photographer sitting in the dirt behind the lens.
If you like a photograph, please consider supporting the person who took it. Because when you purchase that photo, youāre not just buying an image. Youāre helping make it possible for us to keep showing up, keep creating, and keep doing something we genuinely love.
If you made it this far bless youā¦ And I want to truly thank each and every one of you who buys photos from me and my fellow photographer friends at shows! Those that share your images and tag us! The ones who check on the photographers, bringing us food and drinks. And the ones who simply just sit and talk to us to pass the time. It always means more to us than youāll ever know!
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