EDITOR’S NOTE: There are countless events and happenings that take place in Tillamook County that go unnoticed by locals and unreported in the news. We get those messages or emails “What was going on on Manzanita Beach last week?” One such event took place on June 19th when the Oregon Professional Photographers Association (OPPA) conducted an equestrian photo opportunity on the beach at Nehalem Bay State Park. Local professional photographer Don Backman, a member of OPPA and the parent organization Professional Photographers Association (PPA), was one of the few photographers lucky enough to get a spot and join in the event. According to Don, this event took place in very challenging conditions, extremely bright sun on a reflective beach with high winds. It put the photographers through their paces. Here are some photos of the photographers and of the horses, too.
Story, Photos & Video by Don Backman
Click. Click clickty-click, clop clopety-clop. And from the photographers shooting mirrorless cameras, silence.
A shootout without weapons? Yes.
On June 10th, twelve lucky members of the Oregon Professional Photographers Association (OPPA) met on the beach at Nehalem Bay State Park to take part in a unique opportunity to photograph equestrians riding in the sand and horses in the ocean. OPPA is an affiliate with the Professional Photographers Association (PPA) a nation-wide organization supporting professional photography nationally and internationally.
“There were about 30 equestrians and 30-35 horses,” Lori Ackerman, Member Value Director of OPPA and who organized the event, reported. “They are from the Portland area, Molalla to Hillsboro to McMinnville and Newberg. The equestrians were at the beach to enjoy riding, and graciously agreed to act as models for the photographers.”
The group size was capped to reduce the stress on the horses. This meant the slots filled up quickly. There were many photographers who were not able to get in. The group of photographers “Came from Southern Washington, Portland, the Willamette Valley, and the Coast,” Ackerman said. “The official purpose was several fold,” she added. “First, to give photographers the opportunity to photograph something that is not normally available – a group of horses and riders on the beach who were willing to spend a couple of hours modeling. Second, to give those riders the opportunity to see and have social media professional photos, and to meet those photographers. Finally, these types of in person activities allow us as photographers to meet and learn from each other, and possibly build friendships and future photography related events.”
The event was divided into two sessions. The first involved riders in regular riding clothes doing things
such as riding in the waves and galloping up and down the beach, depending on what each photographer wanted. The second involved riders dressing up more formally in the evening light.
The conditions on the beach weren’t the best for photography, direct sunlight and a strong northwest wind. However, professional photographers must be able to get the shot that is there, no matter the conditions. As such, it was a good opportunity to work on stretching their skill sets. Opportunities such as this, with so many willing equestrian models, just don’t happen very often, if at all.
“OPPA is for everyone who is interested in becoming a better photographer and wants to connect with other photographers,” Ackerman said. “We offer classes on improving all aspects of photography, from basic camera knowledge to photo editing as well as classes on photography business. Our members are welcoming and happy to help those interested in learning, from beginners to experts. There is always more to learn – that’s part of the fun of photography!”
OPPA has many events throughout the year. “We have classes, photo safaris, competitions, and social events,” Ackerman said. OPPA offers some sessions via online conferencing such as Zoom. However, many activities require in person attendance to practice with the camera. For more information go to https://oregonppa.org/
The Professional Photographers Association offers extensive training and competition. Photographers can earn degrees in various genres of photography and can challenge themselves to improve their skills through highly competitive and challenging image competitions. The next time you need a photographer, ask them about their professional memberships, business and liability insurance, and why hiring a professional is worth the cost.