TEAMWORK!
Coming together is a beginning
Keeping together is a progress
Working together is a success!
I've been an event photographer since the very beginning of my photography career, it's how I actually got into photography when I wanted to learn.
I remember buying my camera and not having anything interesting or so I thought at the time so I reached out to a few clubs in the area to start practicing. That little email that led me to Saint Jo Texas to photograph the Saint Jo Youth Rodeo Series for a couple years led me to other avenues
I ended up hearing about a barrel race at Nocona by TOBRA, I reached out to that organization and asked if they had anyone photographing and could I come out. I am ALWAYS going to ask I am against people practicing on top of the event photographer and then giving photos away. I think its a courtesy to ask and then be told yes or no you can come out.
After a few years traveling with TOBRA I found some local organizations (NBHA15 which serves my area, WWP at the old Wild West Arena in Azle its named something else now) and then some random races around the area.
Over time I started to photograph for Infinity C Ranch, Bar G, BPH Productions, Salt Creek and a few other promoters.
I think what has kept me in the arena (most event photographers do retire from that and move onto other things) is the teamwork I have with the promoters/producers. I feel like the current ones I am working with we have a good "TEAMWORK" we respect each other and help each other. They allow me to come out and photograph at their venue/events and I in turn advertise and do everything I can to help get the word out about their events. Over time I will sponsor events to support them for supporting me.
I have been blessed to have good experiences with promoters, there's always going to be bad experiences. From the bad experience I have had I would highly recommend communication and make sure everything is clear up front. Know what your going into and what they expect from you and vice versa.
Don't just take as a photographer, don't go in and shoot, sell and leave, you do need to do something in return. I offer this and that and if they don't follow thru and let me know then I have made the invitation that this is what I can do for you.
I like that my working relationship involves them and I working together on dates. NBHA15 will always reach out to me at the end of the year to ask what my schedule looks like, I like that, they want to work with me. They will never replace me as a photographer also and that may not seem like much but that does make me feel good.
I've been named their #official photographer as well as Infinity C Ranch and BPH Productions when they were having their Tuesday night Races. As a photographer in a very busy area those little things mean alot. When I'm free for races for Bar G they also will name me as their #official photographer.
What that means to me is they will support me at their events and if someone else shows up to try to photograph and give photos away I know they will politely let them know we have a photographer please don't step on her toes.
I have been blessed to work with some amazing organizations and as I try to slow down and move into other areas, I have a goal and plan to continue but continue at a smaller level and continue to work with the promoters I currently work with.
When I started my goal was never to go to the big events like NFR or BBR World, I just wanted to be good at what I do at my level, the events I chose to photograph(If I am ever invited to something on a different scale than what I photograph, I would be honored to take a look). I couldn't do that without the support of the barrel racer and the support of the promoters/producers that allow me to be a part of their team.
I look forward to 2020 and working with NBHA15, Bar G, Infinity C Ranch, NTHSRA, KP Productions, TJRA and a few other events.
MY schedule is pretty full for this year but I do have a few open weekends contact me as far in advance as you can if your interested in myself photographing for you.
www.JoHPhotography.com
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