05/01/2026
Important read going into the 2026 show season!
Before the 2026 season begins, I need to address something honestly and directly: photo theft.
Over the 2025 season alone, well over $1,000 worth of my photos and videos were stolen through screenshots, screen recordings, cropped previews, and unauthorized reposting across personal and business social media accounts. That does not include losses from previous seasons.
Let’s be clear: if a photo was not purchased, licensed, or directly arranged through me, it is not yours to use. Saving previews, screenshotting galleries, reposting without permission, or using content you did not pay for is theft.
Every stolen image represents more than a file on a screen.
It represents my time. My equipment. My travel. My editing hours. My missed weekends. My missed time with family and friends. The years I have spent building the skill, eye, and business that allows me to capture moments people treasure forever.
What hurts most is not only the financial loss, it is the disrespect.
It is watching people proudly post work they knowingly took. It is seeing some people value my talent enough to steal it, but not enough to support it.
For many local events, I am not paid to attend. I come because I believe in local riders, local athletes, and local talent. I choose to stay local because this community matters to me.
And I give back to that community constantly.
I donate prizes and photo packages to banquets.
I donate money to clubs and shows.
I donate prizes at events.
I support organizations and people whenever I can.
I have poured back into this community in ways many people never see.
So when my work is stolen, it hits deeper than just lost sales. It feels like being taken advantage of while still trying to help everyone else succeed.
Because of repeated abuse, the following policies will be in effect for the 2026 season:
• Anyone found using stolen images from 2026 or prior seasons will be blacklisted from future services pending review.
• Unauthorized use of images will result in invoicing for each image used, plus additional penalty fees.
• Previous season theft will be billed at 2026 rates plus applicable penalties.
• Repeat offenders should expect zero leniency.
You pay your hairstylist.
You pay your trainer.
You pay your mechanic.
You pay your vet.
You pay your groceries.
Creative work deserves the same respect.
I understand not everyone can purchase every image they want. That is real life. I offer sales, packages, bundles, and affordable options whenever possible.
What I no longer offer is theft as an option.
As we head into this season, choose who you want to be:
Someone who supports local businesses and artists - or someone who takes from them.
Respect the art. Respect the artist. Respect the person behind the lens.
– HM Photography
