EPISODE
38
Episode 38 - Click Bait
EPISODE LINKS.
SHOW NOTES.
Inside the Life of a Rodeo Photographer: Featuring Click Thompson
In this episode of ‘McFarland Minutes’, host Natalie McFarland interviews rodeo photographer Click Thompson. They discuss Click’s journey into rodeo photography, his creative process, his experiences at the NFR (National Finals Rodeo), and how he balances his professional and personal life. Click also shares his insights on building a successful creative business, the importance of personal branding, and the significance of maintaining good relationships in the industry. The episode is filled with anecdotes, advice, and the camaraderie shared between Click and his industry peers.
00:00 Introduction to McFarland Minutes
00:33 Special Guest: Click Thompson
00:50 Fangirling Over Click Thompson
02:20 NFR Experiences and Team Dynamics
03:54 Fashion and Social Media at NFR
06:57 Collaborations with Schafer Outfitter
09:03 Achievements and Awards
14:49 Journey to Becoming a Rodeo Photographer
17:48 Building Relationships in the Industry
22:01 Future Goals and Projects
23:56 Navigating the Photography Business
25:04 Treating Your Passion as a Business
29:27 Balancing Multiple Projects
31:53 Building a Personal Brand
35:36 Industry Relationships and Mentorship
42:17 Advice for Aspiring Creatives
43:43 Soft Launch to Monday
45:39 Closing Thoughts and Gratitude
ABOUT THIS EPISODE.
In the latest episode of McFarland Minutes, Natalie McFarland sits down with the legendary Click Thompson, who is known in the industry not just as a world-class rodeo photographer, but as an embodiment of authenticity, mentorship, and a genuine love for the craft.
Welcome to McFarland Minutes
Every Sunday, McFarland Minutes offers a soft launch to your week with a blend of creative insights and in-depth discussions on various industry matters. Hosted by Natalie McFarland, the podcast covers everything from marketing concepts to invaluable lessons on leadership, mentorship, and a glimpse into the creative processes that power successful projects.
A Conversation with Click Thompson
In this episode, Natalie introduces her guest, Click Thompson, a man who needs no introduction among rodeo and photography enthusiasts. Known for being a four-time World Champion Rodeo Photographer of the Year, Click shares stories from his illustrious career and insights into maintaining creativity while managing an entrepreneurial business.
The Evolution of Click Thompson
From an initial passionate interest sparked during childhood visits to his grandfather’s farm, Click’s journey has been one of dedication and unyielding passion. He explains how he transitioned from photographing his first rodeo to becoming a staple in the rodeo photography world. A staple characteristic of Click’s success is not just his undeniable talent but also his emphasis on being a good person. He shares, “People are going to remember you for who you are and not what you did.”
Lessons from the NFR
Natalie and Click discuss the demands and rewards of working at high-profile events like the National Finals Rodeo (NFR). Click candidly shares the challenges of staying inspired and maintaining creativity throughout the lengthy event. He often experiments with different techniques to keep his work fresh, even under repetitive conditions. For Click, it’s about finding new angles and perspectives, like using unexpected lenses to capture unique shots.
Building Relationships in the Industry
Central to Click’s narrative is the importance of relationships. Whether it’s his camaraderie with fellow photographers like Fernando or mentorship roles he often finds himself in, Click emphasizes the value of genuine connections. As Natalie points out, Click’s ability to connect with a wide range of people speaks volumes about his character and has positioned him as both a respected photographer and a beloved industry figure.
Turning Passion into a Brand
Click has successfully transitioned from being a talented photographer to becoming a recognized brand. His iconic logo, featuring his beard, has become a symbol of his approachable personality and professional prowess. Click explains the importance of building a brand on authenticity and how he’s used it to differentiate himself in a crowded market.
Advice for Aspiring Photographers
Throughout the conversation, Click offers valuable advice for budding photographers: treat your passion like a business from day one. He advises starting small, building local relationships, and being smart with business decisions. Click stresses the importance of being passionate about what you do, including the less glamorous parts of the creative process.
Looking to the Future
As Click looks forward to 2026 and beyond, he reflects on the need to reassess goals and maintain an eagerness to improve. His plans include gallery projects and potentially launching a YouTube instructional series to share his expertise with a broader audience.
A Soft Launch into the Week
The podcast wraps up with Click discussing his personal approach to prepping for the week or, as Natalie jokingly suggests, to Thursday. He highlights the importance of having something to look forward to daily as a vital component of maintaining motivation and enthusiasm.
This episode of McFarland Minutes with Click Thompson leaves listeners with a deep appreciation for the passion and dedication required to excel in creative professions. It’s a testament to how personal character and professional skill together forge successful careers, and leave a lasting impact on the communities they touch.
IN THIS EPISODE.
Click Thompson
PRCA Photographer
Christopher Thompson, commonly known as “Click,” is today’s premier western and rodeo photographer. Photographer, graphic designer, and educator, Click channels his East Coast roots to capture a modern Western icon: the American Cowboy. “My images are truly successful when you can feel the moment, not just see it,” he says, a philosophy that drives every frame he creates.
Click’s journey into western photography began at a local rodeo in Virginia, where he instantly fell in love with the people and the culture. From that moment, he woke up and went to sleep thinking about new images to be made. Quickly embracing rodeo culture and the western lifestyle, Click traveled across the United States, seeking moments that reflect both the grand vistas of the American West and the intimate details of the cowboys he encountered.
Over the last decade, his work has taken him to the industry’s most prestigious events, including the National Finals Rodeo, The Cody Stampede, Cheyenne Frontier Days, The Pendleton Roundup, The American Rodeo, Rodeo Houston, and Professional Bull Riders World Finals. Recognized for his talent and dedication, Click has been voted Photographer of the Year for the last four years by members of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association.
Yet, beyond awards and acclaim, Click is most grateful for the community and extended family he interacts with every day, finding inspiration in both the people and the moments that define the western lifestyle.
ABOUT YOUR HOSTS.
NATALIE MCFARLAND
PRESIDENT, FOUNDER
MCFARLAND PRODUCTIONS
After freelancing her way through college, Natalie established McFarland Productions in 2014, which has continued to grow rapidly over the last few years. Her passion and focus have always remained the same; capturing, understanding, preserving and promoting Ranching, Farming, Western Lifestyle and AgriBusiness. She has always had a love for the western culture and even at a young age it was unmistakably clear she would someday find a career serving the industry.
Natalie grew up on a small ranch, rodeoed, showed horses in a variety of disciplines, showed livestock, and participated in 4H and Oregon High School Equestrian Teams. She has trained herding dogs and started colts, worked with sheep and cattle and has had the experience of racing to finish up a hayfield before a rainstorm hit. She understands the joys, sorrows, wins, losses and hard work of ranchers and farmers. That’s why McFarland Productions can produce authentic marketing campaigns for the businesses, organizations, events, and brands of the western and agriculture industry – it’s who she is.
With a passion for building community surrounding brands, Natalie focuses on building real connections between companies/brands and the people that make up their community. Telling the stories of your customers and making them apart of the brand’s story is her main focus. Creating real, human, meaningful connections and strengthening community within the western and agriculture industry through strategic marketing services.
SCOUT FOSTER
DIRECTOR OF STRATEGIC STORYTELLING
MCFARLAND PRODUCTIONS
Scout’s faithfulness to the agriculture and western sports industry is rooted in tradition. Growing up in Central Florida, she stood by her family as they supported different sectors of the industry, including raising beef cattle, bucking bulls for local rodeos, and spending weekends with her grandparents who lived on Disney’s Wilderness Preserve.
Moving away from The Mouse, Scout graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Nation’s top agricultural communications college at Texas Tech University in 2022.
Now residing in Crockett, she and her husband, Lane, keep busy raising beef cattle and bucking bulls with her family. Scout also loves gardening, raising chickens, reading, and her two dogs: Rue and Dill.
