Show season is in full swing and keuring season is right around the corner. Now is an ideal time to get quality shots and footage of your horse at these events. Here’s what you can expect when you hire a professional photographer or videographer at a competition or inspection.
Most photographers charge a fee to take photos of your horse at shows or keurings, usually $25-$75, that will be applied to your order. This basic shooting fee allows you digital access to proofs, approximately 15-30 images per dressage class. Photographers offer a range of packages, such as a selection of 4-6 of your favorite images for use on social media or a few prints, as well as calendars, canvases, mugs and more.
Professional photographers usually capture the true quality of your horse’s movement better than photos shot on your phone by a friend or family member. Getting just the right moment in the trot, canter or pirouette is a skill honed by taking thousands of photos. It is a huge accomplishment to participate in a show or keuring and it’s fun to document the occasion with some professional images.
You may even find that the USDF or your breed organization needs a photo of you for year-end awards, medals or other achievements and it’s nice to have a pro shot ready to send. Plus, stallion owners like to highlight their stallion’s offspring, especially when they are earning good scores or receiving ribbons and trophies.
It’s also useful to get professional video at horse shows and keurings. The event’s videographer usually has the best seat in the house, allowing them to capture the entirety of your test from the most desirable angle. Videographers usually charge per test, often $30-40. Your videos may be delivered digitally or may be offered on a portable drive.
Show and keuring videos are useful for a number of reasons. In addition to creating a permanent memory, they are a great way to review your test or your horse’s run after the fact, allowing you to compare your scores with what you see. This is a great learning tool, as well as a way to see your horse’s improvement from show to show or year to year.
Having a collection of professional photos and videos is also a great advantage in selling your horse. You can get your horse on the market quickly and he will sell faster than the horse without the photos or footage that confirms his conformation, training, soundness and attitude.
Another reason to purchase show and keuring imagery is to develop a portfolio of your breeding program. Documenting your mares and foals and your youngsters as they turn into riding horses is a great way to showcase the quality horses you are producing and build buzz around your program.
We wish you continued good luck this season. We can’t wait to see your photos and videos!
Photo of Absolute ISF by Purple Horse Designs & Photography
