Some of the best days with a camera are the ones you never planned on.
August 17th, 2025, was supposed to be just a regular day — no sessions, no shoots, just a quick trip to hang out with my sister and her friend while they made a brief appearance at a local horse show.
The plan was simple: her friend was showing in just two classes, hopefully snag a ribbon or two, then head home to finish prepping animals for a TikTok video shoot for the feed mill. You know, nothing fancy — just your typical small-town weekend shuffle.
But as life tends to do, plans shifted. The TikTok video got rescheduled, and instead of rushing back home, we ended up soaking in the sun (maybe a little too much — hello, sunburn), enjoying the show atmosphere, and sharing a whole lot of laughs.
From Spectator to Snap-Happy
I hadn’t brought my camera with any intention of shooting a horse show — but of course, I had it with me. Because… well, always. And once the horses started moving and the sunlight hit just right across the arena, I couldn’t help myself. Out came the lens, and I was off, chasing moments and capturing the vibe.
There’s something really special about pleasure shows. They’re slower-paced, focused, and full of quiet moments that say so much — the last-minute tack adjustments, calm pats on necks, focused eyes, flying manes, and that flash of pride when a rider hears their number called. Even in just two classes, the energy was pure joy.
A Few Ribbons and a Lot of Memories
The quick in-and-out trip turned into a full afternoon of unexpected fun. Her friend did great in the ring, grabbed those ribbons, and I ended up with a memory card full of images I hadn’t planned for — the best kind of surprise.
Were they perfect conditions? Nope. It was hot, dusty, and crowded, and I left with a nice farmer’s tan and a mild case of dehydration. But did I get images that made me smile, that told a story, that reminded me why I love what I do? Absolutely.
The Takeaway
Sometimes the best moments aren’t the ones we plan — they’re the ones that sneak up on us when we’re just along for the ride. August 17th reminded me that you don’t always need a full day, perfect conditions, or even a real plan to capture something meaningful.
You just need to show up, stay open, and click the shutter when it feels right.
