Allow me to explain

So clearly everyone and their neighbor thought I was referring to them specifically in my last post. I wasn't. Here are the exceptions to my vent (as in, that post was not about you) ::

*Mothers/parents/siblings/ag teachers/county agents taking pictures of their kids. My mom took pictures of us. I will take pictures of my children. Y'all are not who I mean. AT ALL.
*People the show has contacted/contracted/paid to take media shots for the show's website/press release purposes ONLY. 100% of these type people introduce themselves to us, are wonderful to work with, and know what their job is as well as ours. They hand their images into the show each day, and never worry about them again. Nor do they take the time to promote them. They work for the show, not for themselves.
*iPhone photographers.
*Most breed reps. Example of awesome breed reps - the crew at the limmy association. A-mazing. That's not to say they are the only breed that is wonderful to work with... just using them as an example.
*Breeders. If you bred the calf, you have every right to take a picture of the calf from ringside.
*Publications, as long as they are not hindering the potential income of the official photographer - i.e. not selling images, or handing out images that are identical to what the official photographer is shooting.
*Around the grounds photographers. I'm talking like picturing fitters, grounds shots, people pictures, cool scenic type stuff. This does not include promotional shots of a single animal at.... oh let's say, Denver. I can think of an individual you can ask as to why that's a big no-no.
*If there isn't an official photographer, do whatcha want.

**Oh- and if you really want a picture of your exhibitor in the ring, just ask us... if we are able, we ALWAYS fill those requests.

Now, here is why I - like 100% of the livestock photographers who have ever been an "official show photographer" - am upset. I love this job. It is my everything. And, ultimately, these people are hindering my job and thus my life. It is my passion, and it is also my income. So yes, I'm upset... Because these type of photographers are -essentially- purposely taking money away from the official photographer. Stock shows seek out what photography company they would like to use. Sometimes, they even pay them to be there. They trust that we will give the exhibitors the most professional product.

On that note- Try to do those pictures at some shows, and you will be banned from the grounds. And that is NOT in our control. At all. The show is the one that watches for those type people and is the one that wants them out.

So, think what you want of me. But I can almost bet, those of you who were unhappy with my post have never been an official photographer. Now, I know my vent will not stop this issue. We have been dealing with this kind of unprofessionalism since the invention of the scissor pose (thanks, Walt;) ). But, if you read my blog...well... maybe you'll think twice about trying to be the unofficially ring shot photographer at a show or event that has not hired you or asked you to cover it.



Thank you to everyone who called, texted, messaged, voiced words of love and positivity about my last post. Y'all are the ones who know me and the person I really am.

Vent Session Saturday

Currently, I'm sitting in a hotel overlooking the Riverwalk in San Antonio, Texas. Tomorrow we start day 10 of SALE. It's been an incredible show thus far. Lots of excitement for my show babies, and also lots of disappointment for them. If y'all follow me on social media, than you know how much I love my show family and how much they mean to me....

But anyway... with the thought process of love, also comes the thought process of what you do not love. And thus, another vent session must commence.

If you are not the official show photographer, I don't give a DAMN what media credentials you have, get the eff out of my ring and away from my backdrop. I'm so sick of seeing people post their ringshots, with a tacky logo, or some GOD AWFUL effect on the image. Or a yards shot that is FREAKING TERRIBLE. And get the HELL AWAY FROM THE BACKDROP! What is wrong with you?!?!? You aren't the one that set-up the animal. I AM. You taking that image gives the indication that you did the work on getting that animal looking the way it does. AND YOU DIDN'T. And that's a copyright violation. And makes people think you are more talented than you are. Which is wrong. Cuz I know what kind of set-ups y'all are capable of. And - to put it nicely - they don't look like ours. Now why y'all gonna go and lie to a bunch of innocent exhibitors?

Done pretending. If I whipped my camera out at a show that I was not the official photog for, y'all would have a come apart. So, you pull that low budget camera out around me again, and just be prepared for me to lose all respect for you.

You want to take pictures, EARN THE RIGHT TO BE THE OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHER. You know how many exhibitors laugh at the work y'all type of "professionals" are doing? Like a freaking lot. And, no, I am not just saying that.

I love watching "photographers" pop up and then dwindle out within three years.

Just saying.



****This DOES NOT include show mommas trying to get cool pictures of JUST their children. Or breeders who want to take pics of the cattle they bred, raised and sold, like Pearl. Cause Pearl is awesome. And she respects ShowChampions. ****