Dear Riders,
I want to express my sincere thanks to you for a very successful 2009 season. With the WEG upcoming, I anticipate a very busy year indeed. Before the first show of 2010, I want to inform you of HSP policies to benefit riders.
I serve you. For that reason, my policies and my pledges have to do with your protection and making the most of our relationship as your official photographer.
Here are some things you need to know:
1. Family and friends are always welcome to photograph your performances. There have been problems at shows, however, with photographers not associated with riders or with Horse Sports Photography. I have received numerous complaints about these photographers spooking horses and intruding. I want you to know these photographers are not associated with HSP.
I have no way to know if these unofficial photographers have liability insurance in the event they cause injury to you or your horse. I have no way to protect you against fraud if you do business with them. I have no control over how your photos will be used by them, nor, I suspect do you. Please be careful.
This season, you will see Susan Stickle, Pat Girard, and me ringside. For the smaller shows, Sue Stickle and I will be providing photographic services and posting your photos to Horse Sports Photography.com. I plan to have other expert dressage photographers assist with the large shows and will let you know who before each show.
You will see such well-known media photographers as Mary Phelps and Ken Braddock as welcomed additions to shows. You will see other legitimate media photographers as well. Media photographers do not hand out their business cards nor do they sell your photos except for press release.
For your protection and your horse’s well-being, please know that we test each horse for reaction to shutter noise and our presence before you enter the arena. If your horse shows any reaction, we do not photograph your test. Our equipment is state-of-the art, and we do not need to be close to you for photographs. If you request beforehand that we not photograph, we do not.
We are all experienced horse owners and riders, and would never jeopardize your tests or your safety.
Another way to recognize us? We do not approach you to hand out business cards. Please feel free to ignore anyone with a camera who behaves in such a manner. Please inform us or show management if someone with a camera interrupts you. The shows are for you!
2. I give you my word that we do not sell your images to stock photography houses, such as Shutterstock. You will never find one of our photos of you in an advertisement unless you have given your express written permission.
3. I guarantee all of our print and digital products. If you are unhappy for any reason, you will receive a full refund.
4. You know your horses better than anyone. If I post an image that you feel does not depict you or your horse in his best light, please contact me, and I will take down the photo. Our services are for you!
5. We are going to a “sign-up for photos” system. By doing so, you are guaranteed coverage of your rides. You will be entering a contract which provides you with the benefits of having a password protected gallery. Your photos will be posted first and additional time will be spent in editing your images before posting.
You may sign up for the season or show-by-show. Seasonal sign-up is a one-time fee of $ 100. Show-by-show is a fee of $ 30 per show.
You may establish your account by submitting your fee to Paypal with payment to the account of HorseSportsPhoto@me.com. Please stop by the HSP tent for additional information.
Thank you, again! Let’s have a fabulous 2010 Show Season! Your suggestions are always welcomed.
All the best,
Sharon Packer
