I hope you enjoy!  As well, all photos from Dressage at Devon, 2010 are ready for your Christmas Orders at 15% off.  The discount code word is “Holiday.”

Sharon Packer

561-692-3850

http://www.HorseSportsPhoto.com

This year I edited and posted only for those who requested a photo session at the shows. I did, however, take photos of many, many riders who did not request photos, rather than stand with nothing to do between rides.  If your name is listed  in the show gallery, I have photos!  I am between places this summer, but you can always reach me at my email:  SharonPacker@mac.com

For greater assistance, I am somewhere between one of these numbers.  Please note that I disconnected 864-592-2749 because I was so rarely there.  My numbers are:

Florida:  561-963-3668      Cell/Text: 864-504-5894    and Home: 864-699-9299

If I am in the mountains where my home is located, I have little to no cell reception.

I hope you are having a wonderful summer!!  I’m catching up with old friends and spending time with my horses.  It decreases the amount of time I dote on your horses during show season.   We all understand withdrawal symptoms from the horses we love.

Cheers!

Sharon Packer

http://www.HorseSportsPhotography.com

It is my belief that all professional photographers desire to see their photos fully edited and viewed looking their very best. Standing for 12 hours or more in the cold, rain, wind and/or hot sun is less than one-third of the work.

Next comes the process of sorting photos by horse number, finding the rider and horse associated with the number, and labeling folders.  At this point, I could offer those  photos for sell on a CD as so many other equine photographers are doing.  But I won’t.  I would not feel good about selling unedited photos.  Editing is two-thirds of the job of a truly professional photographer.

I’ll let you decide which photo you would like to buy from these two.  You be the judge.  Do you really want to do your own editing?

Cheers,

Sharon Packer

Before Editing:                                                                          After Editing:

After Editing

It was a very busy season.  We have lots of photos.  Joanna Jodko assisted with the Gold Coast Opener -CDI.  Karen Kennedy assisted with the Wellington Classic Dressage Spring Challange – CDI, and Pat Girard assisted with the Wellington Classic Dressage – II.  If you see one photo posted, we have more photos of you.

It was so discouraging last year to spend days editing photos and have no one look at them.  So we will be happy to edit for you, if you pay the $ 30 upload fee.  That is the same amount that riders paid to reserve photo sessions at the show.

Think about it.  We can’t work for free.  No one can.  $ 30 gets you a professional photographer with a business license, liability insurance and the approval of show management to photograph your ride….and to upload photos for viewing.  Those photos will be professionally edited.  That is a damed good deal.  AND we guarantee our work.

NO, we cannot give you photos for “photo credit.”  Grocery stores do not accept photo credit.  Neither Pet Smart nor Costco Gas Station accepts photo credit.

Here’s a link to  galleries.  We would LOVE the opportunity to work with you.

Thank you.

http://sharonpacker.exposuremanager.com/g/equine

Wow!  That went fast.  What an exciting season!  I want to thank riders and horse owners for a wonderful 2011 Show Season.

It was great seeing old friends and working with new clients. Going to a sign-up system for photo reservations helped tremendously.  Each person who reserved a photo session, has a private, password protected gallery in “The Riders’ Gallery”.  So, no more having to search among shows for you.

We have about one large show left for some of you.  Let’s make the most of it.  If you want photo reservations for the shows, please let me know.  I am also available for farm shoots, which may include conformation, horse (and human) portraits, and work under saddle.  I am scheduling appointments for you to come over and view your photos on my monitor.  As well, I have a nice Blu Ray with Wifi so that photos may be viewed on the big screen HDTV.

Other than some brief time in PT for those pesky horse injuries from last November and a much needed vacation to British Columbia, I will be available all summer in Wellington for your photography needs.  I am thrilled to be here!  I will be away only from May 20^th  – July 15^th.  Please call to schedule appointments.  Have a wonderful Summer!

My contact information is:

Sharon Packer

561-963-3668

SharonPacker@mac.com

http:/www.HorseSportsPhoto.com

Someone we all love is now without medical insurance coverage for continuation in treatment of injuries sustained in her March, 2010 horse accident.   Courtney King Dye, Olympic Dressage Rider and one of the finest people I know, needs our help.  As you are aware, Courtney sustained a life-threatening brain trauma last year.  She has about a year left in which she needs intensive physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and neurological medical care.  That is standard treatment for her to reach maximum healing.

I propose that we give up an indulgence, a treat, one day each week and send a check for that amount to Court’s medical fund.  For me, it will be one latte per week.  I will survive and maybe lose a little weight!

I am asking all of you to take the challenge and give up one treat a week. It may be one can of diet soda or a beer.  Please send the price of that “treat” to Courtney’s Medical Trust Fund, so that she may continue to get well.

Does the idea sound silly?  Probably, but think.  If 10,000 people mailed in checks for the price of one diet soda given up each week for a month, that’s $ 40,000. Imagine what the beer drinkers can donate. Oh, and the wine drinkers can send a fortune. Goodness, we margarita drinkers may be able to fund her entire treatment! We can do this!  We can make sure Courtney gets the medical care she needs.

Send checks to:
Law Office of Elizabeth Clarke, equine
Business Institute,
PO 286 South Deerfield, MA 01373

checks should be made to Courtney King-Dye Trust

Or Donate instantly into the medical trust fund account by using this “DONATE” button on my website or that of Riders4Helmets.

Thank you!

Sharon Packer

561-963-3668    or sharonpacker@mac.com

http://www.HorseSportsPhotography.com

My long time business partner and dear friend, Pat Girard will be joining me to photograph the Wellington Classic Dressage Challenge II – CDI, March 11-13.  Shows are always more fun for me when Pat helps out. She adds both her incredible photographic talents and is a joy with whom to work. I thank Michael, her husband, for being understanding with her taking this time to come to Florida. We are also looking forward the thrill of attending the Masters!  I will be photographing for Dressage Daily. Please support the official photographer with your photographic purchases.  It is always such an emotional experience to see riding at this level.

I look forward to Carien Schippers visiting the end of March!  Carien is a longtime friend and equine photographer extraordinaire.  Carien is director of the Equine Photographers Network and a delightful person.  She will assist with our coverage of The International Horse Sports Champions Cup – CDI3 as well as Welcome Back to White Fences III.

Our new Florida land line is 561-963-3668.  For immediate contact, text or call 864-504-5894.

It’s a busy month!  Please remember to reserve your show photo sessions in advance!

http://sharonpacker.exposuremanager.com/p/photo_session_reservations/photofee-burntyellow_69

Sharon

Despite having wonderful, wonderful clients, our way of doing business has to change.

For the past two years, I tried the old show photography model. I paid for flight, lodging, and meals for some of the nation’s best dressage photographers to help cover the shows. We attempted to photograph every rider. It is my feeling that someone riding Training Level 1 deserves the same quality of photos as someone riding GP.

But that was a complete failure, and I am now in debt. After all of the hard work and full coverage, my website statistics indicate that less than 10% of those photographed looked at their photos. So, I will no longer photograph that 90%. I can’t. My vision of having great photos for everyone was well-intended, but it did not work.

For all 2011 shows, I will photograph those who sign up and pay a minimal sign up fee. This is my indicator that you are really interested in photos.

What about press release photos? Really, you need to sign up for photo coverage. Media outlets no longer have money to send out photographers and most magazines no longer budget to pay for photos. We were all spoiled by a good economy! But now that is gone.

What about someone else taking your photo? A friend or family member is welcome to photograph your test. No one, though is permitted to sell photos from the show or photograph riders other than their one.

Is there a benefit in working with me?

Absolutely! I know horses. I watch your horse’s body language and take photos as long as I do not interfere with your test. My goal is for you to ride your best. If I see that your horse is bothered by the camera or shutter noise, I back away.

I have over 20 years of experience in dressage. I know the photo moments you want to see. Unlike some photographers who lean over the rail and rapid fire, I time single shots with the rhythm of your horse.

Photo licensing can be confusing. I will gladly help with the usage rights license you need for advertising.  I work with publishers frequently and will help with your publication needs.

I guarantee my work. If you are not completely satisfied with a print, return it and you will receive a full refund. When not working at shows, I am available for farm calls, stallion work, sales, and portraits.

Click here to see photos from our first show:

http://sharonpacker.exposuremanager.com/g/11wcd1_tx

See you at the Gold Coast Opener!

Sharon

Fall 2010 – Winter 2010

September 18-19 – Wellington Classic Dressage Fall Challenge I & II
October 17 –   GCDA October Schooling Show
October 23-24  - Autumn Challenge
November 5-7 – Equine Photographers Network – Fall Workshop – Tryon, NC
November 13-14 –   GCDA Fall Fling

December 5 – Welcome Back to White Fences Schooling Show

December 11-12  - Wellington Classic Holiday Challenge – Toys For Tots Benefit

December 18 – 19 – Welcome Back to White Fences – Holiday Show

2011

* Show coverage at Equestrian Estates for International Horse Sport Palm Beach TBA
January 8-9 – Wellington Classic Dressage Challenge I – NAJYRC/DEVEL HSE Qualifier

January 15 – 16  - Wellington Classic Dressage Challenge

January 21-23 –  The Gold Coast Opener – CDI-W

February 11-13, 2011 – Wellington Classic Spring Challenge – CDI-W

February 26-27, 2011 –  Welcome Back to White Fences I

March 11-13, 2011 – Wellington Classic Dressage Challenge II – USEF High Performance                                     Qualifier, Brentina Cup/Developing Horse & USDF NAJYRC Qualifier –                                 CDI-1*

March 27-28, 2011 – Wellington Classic Dressage Clinic

March  26 – 27, 2011 Welcome Back to White Fences II and III

April  9 – 10 – Welcome Back to White Fences IV

April  16-17  -  Gold Coast Dressage Finale I & II

April 30 – May 1 – Wellington Classic Dressage Champions Cup

May 21 – 22 – Gold Coast May Dressage

June 5 – Welcome Back to White Fences Summer Fun

June 19 – Gold Coast May Schooling Show

July 23-24 – Wellington Classic Dressage in the Tropics

August 21 – Gold Coast Dressage Schooling

September 17 -18 – Wellington Classic Dressage Challenge I & II

We at Horse Sports Photo take this time to reflect on the past year. We want to express our thanks for the blessings of old friends, new friends, family, health and many joyous opportunities. We mourn the loss of two dear friends, but rejoice in having known them.

With everyone else, we have struggled with the economy, and we have made adjustments. We are all in this together.

Thank you especially to our dear clients. Without you, we would not keep getting up before daylight, stand all day in the heat or the cold, cheer you on in your moments of glory, and divert our cameras in your moments of defeat.  You make it worth every moment!     You are our heroes.

Cheers,

Sharon Packer