Stop POACHING off the official photographers!
We see you pulling out your gear to take photos of your barn friends, or even clients. We don't WANT to be those photographers who have to approach you and ask you to put it away or worse have you removed from the property. Maybe, just maybe if I write this and you see it you will be able to understand WHY photographers really do not appreciate you pulling out your gear at a horse show or event that the (OP) aka the official photographer is contracted to provide a service for.
The number one reason we do not want you sneaking your gear in is liability. To ensure the safety of the riders and the horses' photographers have to be especially careful. Yes, we are insured just in case, but the ultimate goal is for each and every rider to return home safe and sound. If you sneak your gear in and spook a horse and the rider or the horse are injured the first thing that will be mentioned is "the photographer". The only photographer liable is the one who is contracted, not the one who snuck in gear. Please do not put your photographers at risk of a lawsuit.
Theft of income let's talk about it. We sink thousands of dollars into gear, software, traveling expenses, employees, hotels and so much more. If you are getting paid and not the official photographer. You have inadvertently STOLEN food from their table, and we have animals, kids, and families that survive off of the income this career provides. We do not want to be the bad guys; we don't want to have to approach you and ask you to put away your gear. In fact, it's the LAST thing I want to do, I'm a people pleaser! The thought of having to approach you and ask you to put your gear away gives me anxiety. I understand that some people genuinely have no idea that poaching from the OP can hinder their business.
Some steps to take if you wish to provide photo or video coverage as a photographer while the OP is present. Approach the photographer and ask them if you can provide coverage for your riders, let them know how many riders you will cover. Some OP's will charge a fee per rider, rightfully so. If they know they will be losing money on that particular sale. Some photographers may not allow you to take photos at all, and again it is their right as they have put in the work to get to that show to provide a service. You will ultimately gain more respect for yourself from photographers if you simply talk to them before pulling out your gear. Being a professional goes deeper than knowing how to problem solve within your business, it is having respect for other people who have chosen the same career as you.
