By Rachael Lindley
Photography by Crystal Wise
Hailing from Virginia, the Virginia State University and Savannah College of Art & Design alumni, Christopher “Click” Thompson found his way to Fort Worth in January of 2019 to pursue rodeo photography full time. Since then, Thompson has received the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association Photographer of the Year twice, once in 2022 and again in 2024.
Thompson’s belongings reflect his need to find inspiration in his surroundings. His home, studio and style hold objects that serve as both tools and touchstones. Armed with incredible style, he shares his favorite things with us.
1.
The Bible
Thompson laughingly calls his trusty Bible the “Basic instructions before leaving earth.”
2.
Photography & Art Books
He draws visual inspiration from “Drivebys” and “Visually Speaking” and uses them as reference material. “I have a lot of visual references. I’m big into consumption and I’m always looking for new visual ideas and different inspirations,” says Thompson.
3.
Vinyl Records/Music
A few of his favorites: Kaleo, Jungle and Rufus featuring Chaka Khan.
“Kaleo A/B is probably my all time favorite record. I think everyone that has a record player should have this album.”
Thompson admires the Rufus album cover art as much as he enjoys the music. “I think this cover is the coolest ever… there’s so much emotion, love and joy.”
4/5.
American Hat Company Cowboy Hat & Lucchese Boots
A must-have symbol of Western culture and Thompson’s connections in Texas.
“I’m fortunate that I do a lot of work with American Hat Company,” he says. “How do you represent yourself well? With a good hat, and they make the best.”
“When you get a good pair of Luccheses, that’s one of the few boots you slide on your feet and you think, ‘son of gun!’,” Thompson says. “When it comes to craftsmanship, they’ve figured out form and function.”
6.
Fragrance: Tom Ford Oud Wood
Thompson prides himself in smelling good.
“You can catch more sugar than a stick if you smell nice,” he laughs. “No one wants to be around you if you don’t smell good.”
His signature scents are Tom Ford Oud Wood and Ralph Lauren Club New York.
7.
Film Camera: Mamiya RB67
Thompson’s preferred film photography camera. The RB is for “rotating back” that was the first camera that rotated so you can shoot vertically and horizontally.
“I love shooting film. There’s an experiential on my end. It’s not just pushing a button,” Thompson says.
8.
Bolo Ties
Never one to shy away from accessories, Thompson loves his Ray Tracy Bolo, touting it as one of his favorites.
9.
Turquoise & Silver Jewelry
“You’ve got to have turquoise.”
He cherishes this native-inspired piece by Eric Rogers that he wears for special occasions, but he also loves his custom turtle pendant by Nick Cunningham/Bad Bronc steeped in rodeo history.
“Before it was the PRCA, it was the RCA and before it was the RCA, it was the Turtle Association,” says Thompson.
10.
Sterling Silver Belt Buckles
One of Thompson’s tips is to find vintage pieces online. He sourced these three-piece buckle sets on eBay and had one turned into a bracelet, which he considers one of his signature pieces.
11.
Neckwear (Ties & Scarves)
A recently purchased Gucci tie in Thompson’s favorite hue. He admits that neckwear is new to him, but his style is ever evolving.
“As you mature, you try to find new ways to create some complexity in your wardrobe.”
12.
Glasses
Thompson loves his prescription Burberry Sunglasses and uses his Warby Parker eyeglasses every day.
13.
A repurposed vintage camera bag
Thompson purchased this vintage camera bag from Fort Worth Camera and now uses it as a tie and scarf travel case.
14.
Tissot PRX Watch
“I prefer a lot of quartz watches because they’re thinner,” says Thompson.
15.
Selvedge Denim Jeans
Selvedge denim is a premium fabric that’s woven on traditional narrow looms to prevent fraying, making it incredibly high quality.
16.
Ball Caps
Thompson uses a ball cap to top off his looks especially when traveling. He’s especially partial to the Fort Worth one.