Photography at AKC events

Are there many restrictions usually for taking pics at these events? I have never attended one but am interested in going to one to do some photo work.

I do it all the time, but I shoot for personal use. I do not sell or otherwise tread on show photographers game. Although, for dog shows the paid photographers I only see taking stacked win photographs, and I sit ringside to take action ones. So totally different shots also.

No one has ever said anything to me, and the show photographers have been positive when they see me.

I would check with the venue to be sure you don't run afoul of a blanket "no photography" policy.

Some buildings get over zealous with these rules thinking they're doing event organizers a "favor."

I know at shows in the UK you cannot do flash photography and in reality need acceptance from the people handling/owning the dogs prior to you taking the photo's. I have to say I don't care who takes photo's of my dogs at shows as long as they don't pretend that they are theirs on websites which has happened.

The rules for the Eukanuba/akc show in orlando in december state no photography in the meet the breeds area unless you are a 'designated' photographer. I'm working my breed's booth for meet the breeds and I want to take pictures of our booth as well as some others. I emailed the akc to find out how I could be a 'designated' photographer. I finally got a response that photography is ok as long as it is for personal use. At most obedience and confirmation shows, flash is not allowed around the rings but is ok where the dogs are held b/f and after they show. I have taken pictures of several shows ringside and nobody has said anything. There is usually a show photographer to take pictures of the winners. I always give them plenty of room. My advice is shoot w/o flash ringside and keep a low profile and I don't think you will be harassed. However, at the big shows (Eukanuba/Westminster) keep a very low profile and shoot until you get asked to put your camera away. Good luck.

My daughter shows dogs and I go and take hundreds of pictures at every show. The event photographer is there for "official win" pictures. They rarely take ringside action photos.

My wife and her friend show our Labs and occasionally I'll go to get some photos. I know better than to use a flash on the show floor and ringside as it is distracting to the dogs and the handlers. In fact, earlier this year I went to a dog show and a lady standing next to me took out her point and shoot and snapped a few photos with flash. A lady wearing an "Official" badge for the dog show ran over to me and told me I could not use a flash. Showed her my camer without a flash on it, she appologized and began looking for someone else.

A number of years ago my wife was running one of our dogs in obedience. I took a shot w/flash as he was about to jump a hurdle. He stopped and my wife gave me hell for that. It had distracted him as I was rather close to him and the hurdle as he was running toward it. I learned the hard way.
Also shot at Westminster Kennel Club dog show in Madison Square Garden, New York for the National Labrador Retriever Club (with a Press Pass!!). They too frown on flash on the floor but it's so bright in there, you don't need one anyway. Using a flash in the Benching area is fine though.