Horse Show PHOTOGRAPHER

If you love the excitement of horse shows and taking great pictures, becoming a horse show photographer might be the career for you!

- JESSICA O'CONNOR

Does sitting arena or course-side with a camera in hand, documenting the highlights of equestrian athletes' days in the show ring sound like your dream job? If so, pairing your creativity and knowledge of equine events may be a career path you want to learn more about.

There are a couple of different business models in the realm of horse show photography, but the focus of this article will be on “official” show photographers. “OPs,” as they are commonly referred to in the business, strive to provide high-quality pictures of every exhibitor during the event. Many also provide posed win photos with a backdrop setup or in the arena.

Knowing how to present each equine sport in a way that projects a positive image to the public is an important part of the official photographer's job. The photos they sell to riders are not just treasured keepsakes; their images are also found on the pages of industry magazines and in the content used by breed associations and show production teams on social media and in advertising.

A DAY IN THE LIFE

An OP’s work begins well before the first rider enters the in-gate. For a multi-day show, most arrive the day before or very early the morning of the first competition day. Sales booths and backdrop areas must be set up with computers, samples, props and lighting.

Then it’s time to scout the arenas or courses for the best places to catch the action. To do this, OPs will walk cross-country courses, study the next day’s patterns at a breed or stock horse show, or find the jumps that offer the best angle, background and lighting on a hunter/jumper course. Once they’ve determined the best places for their team to take great photos, it’s time to set up and adjust lighting (if used) and double-check equipment.