THE BUSINESS OF EQUINE EVENT PHOTOGRAPHY

Do you dream of combining your love and knowledge of horses and photography into a full or part-time career? Ask any full time equine photographer and they will tell you it's a big challenge. Equine event photography is not for everyone but opportunity exists if you are willing to work smart and hard.

This course will help you get a jump start in the business.

COURSE OUTLINE

Week #1 - The nature of the business

• Is event photography for you?
• What events should you shoot?
• How to get events
• Earnings potential and how to maximize it

Week #2 - Making the deal

• What kind of deal should I make with show management?
• Paperwork what do you need
• Boilerplate paperwork templates - show contracts, delivery memos, releases
• Hiring help, second shooters

Week #3 - What to shoot and how to shoot it

• Angles, backgrounds, selecting a fence/jump, watching the light
• What kind of pictures sell? Candids, win shots, dogs, grooms, mini-portrait sessions, setting up a win photo
• Keeping a fresh attitude, making it fun
• Considerations for shooting indoors, using flash

Week #4 - Selling your event photos

• Online proofing - options, pros and cons
• Onsite proofs and printing
• Flyers and signage (templates and how-to)
• Business cards
• Print shops
• Taking notes/keeping track- paper & audio
• Incentives - discounts, giveaways, coupons, packages
• Selling prints, digital files, web use, CDs and licensing photos for advertising

Requirements - Who Should Take This Course

• Suitable for the aspiring pro and up
• Anyone interested in learning about making a full or part time business of equine event photography
• Anyone interested in improving an existing business

Assignment Topics

• #1 Selecting photos for a proposal to event management, researching new events
• #2 Preparing images with your signature, copyright and contact info, getting your business paperwork in order
• #3 What kinds of photos sell to competitors
• #4 Creating effective business cards

HOW IT WORKS

• You will receive a reminder email on the course start date when your lesson is ready.
• This course consists of 4 lessons and 4 assignments. Please note this is a business course.
• Every Wednesday you will receive a written lesson in PDF format consisting of detailed information with examples and an assignment.
• You can ask questions, post work in progress, ask for help or chat with your classmates or instructors as you work on your assignment. We are here to help and a lively discussion makes the class a richer experience for everyone.
• Your instructor reviews your assignment and offers constructive comments and gives you helpful advice and tips.
• The class is open for two weeks following the last assignment. We can answer any follow up questions you have.