Open note to the Cowboy Sports Agents INC

The Association of Professional Rodeo Photographers has been trying to reach an agreement with the Professional Bull Riders Inc. to cover their smaller events. The agreement in general states that we can ask for permission to cover the smaller PBR events and in return we can offer limited (non-commercial) sales to the cowboys, contractors and bullfighters, while all other sales would have to flow through the PBR itself.

While I'm not a 100% fan of the agreement because I do not think it goes far enough to protect MY rights as a photographer, I voted for it reluctantly, because much more experienced rodeo photographers thought it would be a good deal in the long run. But now there has been another twist to this story.

Mark Nestlen, of Cowboy Sports Agents, does not want us shooting any picture of any cowboy unless we send him the same information as we send the PBR and I'm sure from reading some of his correspondence he will not be happy until he also owns ALL of OUR copyrights.

Mr. Nestlen, I'm sorry sir. I know this will offend you and I know with your history of suing individuals who you are in disagreement with, I may have to hire an attorney. But Mr. Nestlen I can assure you sir. I will never shot a picture of any of your athletes! You nor they are worth it! So when one of them scores a 97 point ride at some itty bitty PBR and there are no photographs on hand what will be your response to the sponsors? If the sponsors or cowboys were to find out that I was the photographer of record my response to them would be quite vulgar! If the PBR ask me I'm sure they will more than understand when I say CSA.

So Mr. Nestlen while you represent some of the biggest named athletes in the PBR. I guess the only thing people will ever see from me and my camera are the COWBOYS of the PBR!

By the way Mr. Nestlen, if I ever send you that information for some stupid reason. Do not be surprised to find a bill in the packet to cover my time and expenses!