Page 64 - Speedhorse June 2019

The speed. The drama. The excitement. The joy of victory. They’re all parts of Quarter Horse racing, and all chronicled through the lens of photographers. For this year’s Women in Racing feature, Speedhorse reached out to two track photographers who work as part
of the thriving scene in Louisiana: Amanda Hodges, who works at Fair Grounds; and Paula Tindall, the new photographer at Delta Downs.
WOMEN IN RACING
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I am so happy when owners and trainers come to pick up their pictures, and we see their excitement. Everyone is happy in the photographer’s office, and it is infectious.” – Amanda Hodges
HODGES PHOTOGRAPHY AT FAIR GROUNDS
A Family Tradition, Amanda Hodges
Amanda Hodges is actually the third generation of her family to serve as the track photographer at Fair Grounds - a total lineage dating back almost 75 years. Hodges Photography was founded by her grandfather Lou Hodges Sr. back in 1946.
“I am so happy to be following in my father and grandfather’s footsteps. Documenting important events in people’s lives is an honor, and I know
my grandfather had a respect and love for what
he did,” Hodges said. “He never took his job for granted and was thankful to see so many historic races through the years. My father has taught me to strive for creativity. He always looks for a new angle, something that will artistically represent the beauty of the sport and the passion of the crowd. I hope to be half as talented as both of them.
“I take pride in contributing to the Hodges Photography legacy.”
While pursuing her Bachelor of Fine Arts at Ole Miss, Hodges’ thesis portfolio consisted of a series of paintings and drawings based on photographs her father had taken - most of them at the track.
“I remember going to the track with my dad, and I especially remember the Mardi Gras Quarter Horse races,” she recalled. “He stood on the ladder and I stood next to him, and I swear you could feel the breeze hit you as those horses went by.”
Hodges started as a photographer at Fair Grounds on a part-time basis in 2011. Five years later, she took the leap and began working full- time in photography, both on her own and at
the track. Hodges credited Sandra Salmen, the Director of Horsemen’s Relations at Fair Grounds,
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SPEEDHORSE, June 2019
Amanda (pictured with her father Lou Hodges Jr.) is the third generation to serve as track photographer at Fair Grounds with Hodges Photography, which was founded by her grandfather Lou Hodges Sr. in 1946.