So you think you want to be a PRCA Photographer? This is what it takes.

Qualifications for Rodeo Photographers
PRCA Arena Photographers
Application Process
Dues and Fees:
Annual dues will be $200 plus the required premium for membership group accident insurance coverage. A $10 discount on the dues will be applied if paid by check, cash or money order.

Standards for Approval of Application:
In addition to the membership application, an applicant for Non-contestant Card Member-Photographer status must submit a portfolio of his or her work to the PRCA National Office. The portfolio should contain 20 prints, color or black and white, or both, in an 8 x 10 format, representing the sport of professional rodeo. Only if the PRCA finds the portfolio to be of high quality as to content, creativity, sharpness and overall representation of professional rodeo will membership approval be granted.
PRCA Photographer Membership Application Process:
Anyone seeking to achieve non-contestant Membership status in the PRCA in the category of Photographer must satisfy the following: Submit photo portfolio as per PRCA Media guidelines as outlined in the PRCA Rulebook. This will be reviewed by the Photographer Coordinator and/or their designates for initial acceptance. If initial acceptance is granted, then the steps below must be completed.
Submit a completed PRCA application form accompanied by two (2) letters of recommendation (one (1) letter from a qualified person in each category below):

Accepted signors for letters of recommendation for prospective Photographer applicants:
1. Former (card holding) PRCA Photographer of the Year.
2. Card holding PRCA photographer with at least 10 years as a PRCA Photographer in good standing.

Applicant will be responsible for the $300.00 non-contestant PRCA permit dues (or the current dues amount). This fee includes insurance coverage while on permit status. Upon completion of the above, applicant will be issued a non contestant.

PERMIT for tentative membership status:
Applicant will be required to submit ALL work (contact sheets) from 5 rodeos - including at least 2 indoor or night events.

Immediately after completion of each of the applicant’s five (5) required PRCA rodeos, all contact sheets generated at that event must be sent to the PRCA Media Dept. for evaluation by the Photographer Coordinator as outlined above.
Also, an arena evaluation will be required (as outlined below).
The contact sheet and arena evaluation (combined) will serve as the applicant’s final review for permanent membership status.
Method for arena evaluation: Applicant must attend rodeo where a Photographer review member will be working for arena conduct evaluation.
Applicant will coordinate with PRCA Media Dept. and review member to arrange to attend a rodeo where one of the review members will be. Review member can work with the rodeo committee to help in the process of attaining the necessary passes and credentials for applicant.
Applicant will attend that event (at their own expense) for a designated time period and be observed by the review member as to arena etiquette and general knowledge of the sport. This review will be considered as one of the five (5) required rodeos outlined above.
The review member will fill out a survey form with information regarding the applicant, and return it to the PRCA Media Dept. to be used in the final evaluation of applicant. This process will be in conjunction with the contact sheet reviews outlined above.

Rules of Conduct:
Photographers are expected to abide by the same rules of conduct governing other Members, except that Photographers shall not be required to wear hats while in the arena.