Team Tryon Spotlight: Natalie Suto

Rette Solomon for Tryon International

As Tryon International’s Official Photographer for all Hunter/Jumper shows at the venue, Natalie Suto can be seen all across the showgrounds photographing competitors in the show ring and capturing unique behind-the-scenes moments. Natalie began taking photos at Tryon International in 2021, and employs a talented team of photographers to capture equestrian athletes’ photos and all their favorite moments. We sat down with Natalie to learn more about her journey as a young entrepreneur, her history with Tryon International, and how she got started in photography. 

Q: How did you get your start in photography?

A: Everything started with my mom. She has a successful wedding photography business in Atlanta. In middle school, she encouraged me to pick up a camera and start taking photos for my school’s yearbook team. She taught me everything I needed to know.

Q: What led you to pursue equine photography?

A: When I was 13, I started taking riding lessons at a local barn. When I started going to horse shows, I brought my camera to photograph my friends. Back then, there weren’t many official photographers shooting the shows I was attending.  

Q: What is your history with Tryon?

A: My first visit to Tryon was in July of 2017. Since then, I couldn’t stop from coming back! I have been coming every year since! Tryon International has and will always be one of my favorite showgrounds. After I gained confidence in my photography abilities, I decided to offer Private Client Photography show coverage during a few weeks at Tryon in 2021. From there, the venue approached me about providing photo coverage, and the rest is history. 

Q: What do you feel has been the most rewarding part of owning and operating Natalie Suto Photography? 

A: Being able to capture the small moments – when a trainer high fives their client after a clean round, or cantering in the stadium while your team watches from the stands. Those little moments are what make horse shows so emotional and fun.  

Q: What has been the most challenging part of running your business?

A: Blending a private client coverage perspective with an official photographer perspective. Prior to basing in Tryon, I had solely operated as a private client photographer, focusing on candids and stylistic shots in addition to traditional jumping photos. I’ve worked with some great official photographers on their teams, but never had my own show. The shooting styles are very different between the two roles, because of the difference in photo and client volume. 

Q: What has been your favorite memory as Tryon’s official show photographer?

A: The first time I photographed SNL (“Saturday Night Lights”) as an official photographer. The energy in Tryon Stadium is contagious. Getting to go in the ring to take the awards photos and hearing them announce my business on the loudspeakers feels unreal. 

Q: What is your favorite part about photographing at Tryon? 

A: The people! Team Tryon is amazing and makes the show run smoothly. Without them, my job would be impossible. 

Q: What does a typical day in your shoes look like?

A: I typically get to the horse show thirty minutes before the first class starts. I spend most of the day taking photos. You can find me scootering around the show trying to catch some in-gate candids or a different perspective of the course. If I get a long enough break, I try to edit as much as I can. I usually leave the horse show a few hours after the last class ends.  

Q: Do you have a team?

A: Yes! They are all amazing. Without them, none of this would be possible. They photograph at the rings all day, and work extremely hard getting photos of everyone. Many of them have worked at other horse shows or have their own businesses. I love combining everyone’s styles, and believe that they deserve recognition for their work, which is why each photographer’s name is at the bottom of their photos. 

Q: What advice would you give to someone who wants to be a professional (horse show) photographer? 

A: Shadow or work for your local photographer! Photography is difficult. Having someone to guide you and show you the ropes is vital to having success in any business. 

Q: As a young entrepreneur yourself, one of your goals is to make Tryon a welcoming place for all photographers, including up-and-coming professionals in the industry. How does that work? 

A: Unfortunately, fewer and fewer official photographers are allowing individuals to come and photograph at their show venues. Private client photography is highly sought-after, because of its more customized and emotional coverage. As someone who does both, I know that private client photography is almost impossible for an official photographer to replicate on a large scale, but it does offer competition to the official photo vendor.  

Some venues combat this potential conflict by prohibiting any cameras over a certain size on property, or by working with the photo vendor to craft a photography policy. A photography policy is usually designed to ward off both amateur and professional photographers alike, with unfriendly parameters for client lists and pricing.    

Knowing that it’s important to foster the art of photography and provide opportunities for all competitors to choose the coverage they prefer, I worked with the Tryon team to create a photography policy that is accessible to hobbyists and professionals alike. The pass helps keep a professional atmosphere and safety, while still being welcoming as well. You can learn more about Private Client Photography credentials at Tryon International here. 

I am always reminded of myself as a young teenager, who just wanted to take photos of her friends. If you want to become a professional photographer, but don’t feel confident enough in your skills, I encourage you to work with the official photographer at your local shows. Many show photographers, including myself, will happily provide internships or hire for weekly or seasonal positions. 

Thank you for all that your team does to make each competitor’s experience at Tryon International special, Natalie! To learn more about Natalie Suto Photography, visit www.nataliesuto.com.

To view horse show galleries from 2023 and purchase photos, visit www.nataliesutophotography.shootproof.com.