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Don Shugart Photography Collection, 1978-2001Add to your cart.

Collection Overview

Title: Don Shugart Photography Collection, 1978-2001Add to your cart.
Predominant Dates: 1978-2001
ID: 01/ AR004
Primary Creator: Shugart, Don
Extent: 84.0 Boxes
Arrangement: Materials are arranged into two series which reflect the original arrangement of the collection. Series 1: Ranch Calls is primarily photography for individuals or organizations. Folders are arranged by the last name of the individual or in some cases the name of an organization, in alphabetical order. Each folder may contain a number of images, some from single photo sessions, others from multiple photo sessions over a period of years. The number of images associated with each folder indicates how many negatives are included in that photo session. Folders associated with one individual horse may also contain images of other, un-named horses.
Date Acquired: 12/27/2010

Scope and Contents of the Materials

Collection consists of works by the professional photographer Don Shugart. Materials reflect Shugart's 26-years as primary photographer for National Cutting Horse Association events including the Futurity, Triple Crown, Eastern Nationals and World Finals. In addition, Shugart shot horse and livestock photographs at Fort Worth Stock Shows, the Houston Livestock Show, the State Fair of Texas and at American Paint Horse Association championship shows. Derby, Jax and Super Stakes are some of the other events included in this collection.

Don Shugart was 40 when he started taking horse photographs for his daughter, who was in 4-H. He eventually upgraded to a better camera, began shooting horse shows and made what are referred to as "ranch calls." The "ranch call" work  involves visiting a client's ranch to take photographs on site. Although he has retired from some events, his work continues to be in demand since he is highly regarded in the horse photography field. This is partially due to his unique method of removing cast shadows from underneath of the horse by using outdoor flash photography and positioning the camera closer to the ground. Shugart's work has also been featured in many equine publications and he taught a class on horse photography during the 1980s in Grapevine, Texas.

The collection is composed primarily of medium format photo negatives. When photo prints or different sized negatives are included it has been noted in the detailed description. Other information such as the names of horses and the dates have been recorded as it is available. The final year for the negatives in this collection is 2001 since the Shugart's business went to the digital format afterward.

Don and his wife, Jan, ran their film photography business for over 25 years. Photo subjects include individuals, cattle, horses, publicity photos and action shots from horse events.

Access Information

Access Restrictions:

This collection is not restricted.

Use Restrictions:

Reproduction and publication of materials in this collection are subject to the policies of the UNT Archives and Rare Books department. Copyright restrictions may apply.

Physical Access Note:

Collection is housed in the UNT Archives and Rare Book department vault. The UNT Archives and Rare Book department request a 24 hour notice from patrons in order to page materials from vault and ready the materials for use. Please contact the UNT Archives and Rare Book department for further information.

Reading Room or Duplication Requests

Depending on any access restrictions noted above, you may be able to request items be delivered to our reading room, or that we make reproductions for you. Just click on either the or icons in the listings below to be routed to our request form.

Administrative Information

Repository: University of North Texas Special Collections
Acquisition Source: Don and Jan Shugart
Acquisition Method: Gift
Preferred Citation: Don Shugart Photography Collection, University of North Texas Special Collections

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Box and Folder Listing
Series 01: Ranch CallsSeries 02: EventsSeries 03: Photography EquipmentSeries 04: Artifacts