Event Photography: Lisa Dean — The Freelance Remuda

Welcome to the second installment of our event photography series. Today you’ll meet Lisa Dean, a photographer from Fisherville, Kentucky, specializing in dressage and combined training events. She’s been shooting for about six years, and photographs events mainly in Kentucky and Southern Ohio at the moment.

*Don’t miss last week’s post with Primo Morales!

What was your path to doing equine event photography?

I got into photography as I was looking for pictures to use as reference photos for oil painting. After having difficulty with photographers allowing me to use their photos as reference photos I decided to take my own photos. I have not put the camera down since that time.

Can you share a bit about how you structure prices?

For the large rated shows I offer a pre-registration packages which provides each competitor discounts on images that range from $20 for a 5x7 and up to $325 for a 20x24 printed on metal. Digital images for social media (low res) start at $25 for 1 or 5 for $100.

If a person does not preregister for photography the prices are approximately 15% higher and digital images begin at $35 per image. I do not sell high res digitals.

The cost to pre-register is $25.

What are some challenges equine event photographers like yourself are facing?

I find the biggest challenge is new photog that poach the shows or a friends with a competitor at a barn and will come shoot their friends and then give them all the images for free.

What do you enjoy about your work?

I enjoy watching riders and their horses grow over time. I love capturing the special moments and not necessarily the standard trot across the diagonal pictures. I will capture those but I am always looking for the artistic shot that can be turned into a large wall art print.

What is something you learned the hard way about this job?

I learned the hard way about pricing. I began with the preregistration last year and it was a game changer. First it allowed me to know who was truly interested in pictures, it gave me an idea of what I may make from the show and allowed for some money up front to pay for expenses or hire a second shooter if needed.

Thinking about new show photographers, what advice can you give them about breaking into this industry?

Don’t poach shows. Charge for your services even if you are shooting your friends at a barn. When you shoot for free you are devaluing the entire industry.

What are some things they should avoid doing?

Shooting for free. Charge something even if you are just starting your time is valuable.

Most important thing they need to have/know to get started?

I think make friends with the official photographer, understand the ground rules and be respectful of the photographers that are standing in the hot sun for 10 to 12 hours a day. Shooting equine events is hard work.

Do you have any recommendations of resources to learn more?

My advice would be to friend an event photographer. Offer to work for them – if you are willing to work for free for your friends work for free for the photographer and learn the ropes – more than likely they will pay you something.

Is there anything else you want to tell aspiring show photographers?

Take your time and be patient. Not all show photographers are approachable. Many have been burned by other photographers.

Anything else we haven’t talked about that you want to mention?

When I started I did not understand the in’s and out’s of this industry. As a new photographer with interest in shooting shows, learn from those that went before you.

Can you share how people can follow you online?

My work can be found on Facebook under Lisa Michelle Dean Photography.