Who is Click Thompson?
Christopher “Click” Thompson isn’t just taking pictures; he is documenting the soul of the American West. As a 3-time Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) Photographer of the Year, Click is one of the most sought-after visual artists in the Western sports industry. But on Y’all Street, we recognize him as a creative entrepreneur who turned a camera lens into a full-scale media business. From selling boots out of his truck during the pandemic to shooting the prestigious National Finals Rodeo, Click proves that mastering a craft requires as much hustle as it does talent.
From Theme Parks to the PBR
Click’s journey didn’t start on a ranch; it started in Virginia. With an undergraduate degree in graphic design, he initially pointed his camera at concerts and theme park guests, saving every dollar to buy his own equipment. His pivot into Western sports was a leap of faith: a three-hour drive in the rain to photograph his first bucking bull.
That single local event sparked an obsession. Without a roadmap, Click built his reputation through sheer volume and undeniable quality. To fund his rodeo pursuits, he operated at a staggering capacity—simultaneously working a Department of Defense (DOD) job that required 75% travel, teaching as a college adjunct instructor, and completing his Master’s degree online through the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD).
The Business of the Shot
In 2018, Click left the security of his government job, moved to Fort Worth, Texas with $10,000 to his name, and went all-in on rodeo photography. He earned his PRCA card in 2019, cementing his status as a premier professional in the sport.
Current Ventures & Philosophy:
- Brand Strategy: Click treats his photography as a corporate brand. He actively curates his image (the iconic “Click” logo), understanding that in the modern freelance economy, the photographer is the CEO, the marketing department, and the HR rep.
- The Pandemic Pivot: When rodeos shut down in 2020, Click refused to stall. He maintained brand visibility by launching the “Corona Edits” on Instagram, selling boots and reshaped hats out of his truck, and hustling through the shutdown without taking a traditional day job.
- The Future of the Frame: Beyond shooting 32 rodeos and over 100 performances a year, Click is expanding his business into high-end framing, physical merchandise, and potential directorial film projects, continuing to elevate the standard of excellence in Western media.
