Calling all Rodeo photographers

Rodeo or event phtographers. Here is the problem. I have recently been chosen to shoot a local rodeo finals that I already pay dues too. I got a call to say I was chosen but I had to pay for 2 buckles or they would find someone else. Does anyone else thing this is wrong.

I have a few questions. 1 How much are the buckles going to cost? 2 Do you really stand to make that back? 3 How big of a deal is this, I mean is this a large event that would help you sell pictures down the road? 4 If you buy the buckles, does this give you the exclusive on the show? I personally take offence when asked to pay for shows that I have shot in the past, but we make it a point to give commities many photos for publicity.

1 100-150 EACH. 2 Maybe nothing for sure. I may bring in 1500 gross but that may not be much over the whole year. It should give me exclusivity but if someone else shows up I would have to stop them myself most likly. I also give them Pictures when and if they want them. I'm sure they will still want picture on top of the money.

Oh and yes it is and its not a big deal. It' just a small state association finals.

pay people to shoot their events?

I think you know the answer to it.

HammerCope wrote in post #6225245
1 100-150 EACH. 2 Maybe nothing for sure. I may bring in 1500 gross but that may not be much over the whole year. It should give me exclusivity but if someone else shows up I would have to stop them myself most likly. I also give them Pictures when and if they want them. I'm sure they will still want picture on top of the money.

Yes thats what I thought I just sometimes like to here it from others. They told me its for the privilage to make money off them.

Dale in the PRCA other than your dues do you have to pay more to shoot the NFR or any other major event?

No, so far I have not been asked by any PRCA shows or any other assn.s to pay. Thats part of the reason we pay dues. I do know that most of the finals are appointed, you cant just show up. The PRCA is very strict on haveing the blessing of the committe, and they can tell you no but they must use a member in the arena before they allow outside photographers in.

Doesn't seem right to me. Are they asking all vendors to furnish a buckle to be there? We pay a sponsorship to the youth rodeo association we shoot, but not that much and for the other association we shoot, we had to pay a membership. We give some comps to the rodeo committees for promotional use.

My first reaction is to tell them to sod off. But then again I also just had to do some butt kissing to get back into the good graces at my local rodeo.

This wealth of previous experience says you should sit down with the person in charge and have a conversation. Most things are negotiable. Even if you decide to not participate you want to leave it on the correct terms so you don't hurt yourself later.

So what did you decide HammerCope?

Well I think I will be passing on it this year. Hopefully they will rethink things. I think I will ask them if the judges and bullfighters are paying for buckles also?