Julie,
believe me, the Show Photographers kick back to the clubs big time. I just lost some shows to Meyer and one of the Club's Board members confirmed it was not because of image quality or delivery time. That contract was bought plain and simple.

And Meyer (as well as most of the other established show photographers) tend to be in bed with the Superintendents. When we shot our first show 5 years ago, the Super (MBF) managed to schedule the ring times so that we were shooting the BIS after dark in an outdoor venue. Try to focus with on-camera flash and no other lighting! That was a joy .

I've commented before about how the real marketplace works vs. what goes on in AKC shows. It's a very political environment both inside and outside of the rings. Quality, pricing and delivery are seldom considered by the Clubs. Just who are our "friends" and how much will they contribute to our bottom line.

On the other hand, there are good photographers out there that deserve to get the gigs they get. I have no major issues with Booth or with John Ashbey or some of the others. But, frankly, some are simply not very good photographers and offer an inferior product. As an exhibitor, I have a problem with that. Guess I'll have to start my own Breed Club so I can pick my photographers .

I'm with you -- just give me my fair share of the Specialties and I'll be happy. You don't make much money but at least you don't have to kill yourself running from ring to ring.

Jim