Hertfordshire County Show 2024 - Equine Photography award winning trade stand

My Equine Photography Trade Stand - Award Winning

This year (2024) I spent the last weekend of May exhibiting my very first trade stand at county level at the Herts County Show. As if just being there wasn't a milestone in itself, I was awarded Best Trade Stand of the show out of 300 other businesses/stands! I had the very best time EVER and loved every minute - even when the weather took a turn for the worst on day 2 and drenched us all!

Preparation in advance

As this was my first proper trade stand, I meticulously planned everything from my stand decor, to my marketing (material and communications!), frame samples, show offer and even transportation to and from. I was close enough to go home in the evenings, so no overnight accommodation was required for this show. I spent day during April about 6 weeks in advance practicing setting up my trade stand on the drive at home by myself. I didn't want to run into trouble at the last minute and find that my stand was lacking in some way. The neighbours must have thought I was completely (more than usual) bonkers when a big white gazebo appeared on the drive! The Friday afternoon the day before the show was build up day and I managed to nearly do everything by myself with limited help from a kind stand neighbour with one part of getting the gazebo up. I think I probably looked like a complete newbie! But all the Herts County Show staff were so lovely and so helpful, so it made obtaining information very easy. (Shout out to Pratik & all the events stewards! Woohoo!)

The show itself

On day one, a panel of judges came round to visit each stand. I felt very vulnerable and didn't really have a clue how any of it worked. In fact, I didn't even realise that the visit from a herd of smartly dressed and official looking people was 'the' judging. I thought they were popping round to check that all the stand owners were abiding by Health & Safety/were located where they were supposed to be etc! But alas that wasn't the case. This years head judge was Donna Schultz from the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce. Donna was accompanied by a mixed panel of experienced and knowledgable individuals who have been involved with the Herts agricultural society over the years. To my utter dismay, the steward came back a few hours later to tell me that not only had I been awarded a prize for my trade stand, but out of 300 stands, I'd place 1st over all! Unbelievable, still! My mum and I gasped speechlessly at each other! It's now July and I still see the plaque every day sat on my dining room sideboard and can't believe it! To be recognised as a one-lady-band, a small, self employed equine photographer who only took this job full time in June 2023 for the effort, planning and hard work was simply amazing and I am just so proud. I was complimented on my passion and enthusiasm for equine and canine photography, and the look, feel and functionality of my stand. I really wanted it to reflect my brand and my personality - and make it feel like a happy corner of the show! They mentioned they were impressed with what I'd done a lot to draw people in and put everything I could into making this show the best possible 'first experience' for myself that I could.

Clients & Customers

I was so overwhelmed to have visits from so many people I knew too. Past clients, friends and friendly people from social media making a point of coming to say hi was honestly such a HUGE boost. I think sometimes people feel silly wondering over to a business/trade stand to say hello if we've never previously met, but honestly I can't tell you how appreciated it truly was. If you're reading this and you took the time to come and speak to me, know that this paragraph is directed STRAIGHT at you! I was terrified that I'd fall flat on my face, and the little chats I had from people throughout the weekend just made me feel like I was right where I needed to be and that I belonged. You can't put a price on that.

Selling equine photoshoots on my trade stand of course was a highlight. To meet people on the day who recognise the value in your capabilities and service is very special. I'm not a fan of 'selling' myself, none of us are really are we? But being at Herts County Show just made me feel very 'in my lane' and very confident.

Take aways from the show

1. Take an extra jumper!
2. Don't cable tie your umbrella to the side of the gazebo to protect photographs if you haven't got your own scissors to cut the cable tie off with afterwards!
3. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there
4. 100% will be returning next year!