So, it’s been a few (or maybe many) years since you’ve stepped in front of the camera. You’re an equestrian over 50, and now the idea of having a portrait session with your horse is making you more nervous than you’d like to admit.
Sound familiar?
Well, take a deep breath, because I’m here to tell you that feeling confident in front of the camera as an equestrian over 50 isn’t some impossible dream. I promise you’re going to look amazing—even if the last time you were professionally photographed was when shoulder pads were still in style.
You don’t need to know how to pose, and you definitely don’t need to stress about every little thing. I’ve got your back.
Let’s go over a few tips to help you walk into that session with all the confidence of someone who is over 50 and knows she’s fabulous.
Forget Perfection—Let’s Capture Fun Moments
First things first: If you’re trying to be “perfect” in front of the camera, let it go, let it goooo (Oops! I think I just digressed into an Elsa from Frozen Moment there…).
But, seriously, stop it right now.
Here’s the truth—no one wants to look stiff and bored in their images. The beauty of horse and rider portraits isn’t about looking like you stepped off a magazine cover (unless you want to…no judgement here).
It’s about capturing real, fun moments between you and your horse that can create the final images you are looking for. Whether your horse is misbehaving, making you laugh, or throwing a little chaos into the mix, these are the moments you’ll love most. You’ll be so busy handling your horse’s antics, you won’t even notice the camera clicking away. And trust me, that’s when the magic happens.
No More “I Don’t Know How to Pose” Excuses
I hear this all the time: “But I don’t know how to pose!” Well, guess what? You don’t need to.
That’s literally what I’m here for. My job is to guide you through the entire session, helping you with posing, finding your best angles, and making sure you – and your horse – look your absolute best.
Whether you’re a natural in front of the camera or you’re feeling a little stiff, I’ll walk you through it.
I’ve worked with plenty of equestrians over 50 who came in feeling like they weren’t “camera-ready,” and guess what? They left feeling like total rockstars.
And don’t even get me started on the power of professional hair and makeup. You’ll walk out feeling like a million bucks without lifting a finger. (Well, except to maybe brush your horse’s mane one last time.) Yes, that’s right, professional hair and makeup is definitely an option for your session. After all, why should your horse be the only one getting pampered?
And, if you are still hung up on that whole, “I don’t know how to pose” thing, did you know that I literally co-wrote the book on posing horses and humans? Don’t believe me? Check out Equine & Equestrian Photography Poses that Sell: The Ultimate Guide to Posing Horses & Humans here. Or, find it on Amazon here.
Dress Like You—With a Little Extra Flair
Here’s a quick tip for instant confidence: Wear something you feel great in. You don’t need to go over the top or buy a whole new wardrobe, but find an outfit (or two) that makes you feel amazing.
Whether it’s something casual, a favorite dress, or a look that just screams “you,” the key is to feel comfortable and confident in whatever you’re wearing.
And if you’re unsure about how to coordinate your outfit with your horse (yes, that’s a thing), don’t sweat it. I’ll give you all the horse and rider portrait tips you need to make sure you’re both looking camera-ready without stressing.
Ride the Sky clients have access to the Style Guide, the Style Closet, and several other things to help make sure you are confident, and feeling fabulous before you ever step in front of the camera.
You’re Not Alone—We’re In This Together
The best part? You’re not in this alone.
We’ll tackle your equestrian portrait session together, and I’ll make sure you feel confident and look amazing the whole time.
The nerves will fade away once we get started, and you’ll be so busy having fun that you’ll forget you were even nervous.
Feeling good about yourself in front of the camera when you are an equestrian over 50 totally doable, and I’ll make sure you walk away with portraits that make you feel like the star you are.
So go ahead and get excited—this is going to be fun, not stressful!
Ready to Capture Your Confident Self?
If it’s time to make you and your horse feel (and look) incredible. No need to wait!
Betsy Bird, Cr. Photog., CPP, of Ride the Sky Equine Photography spends her days doing insane things to make animals look at her. Clearly, she’s desperate for attention. Outside of acting like a total goofball, she invests in growing her business, mentoring photographers, dealing with her teenagers' angst, and hanging with Nitro, the best dog ever.
Betsy has earned her Photographic Craftsman degree from the Professional Photographers of America (PPA) which honors photographers who contribute to the photographic industry through speaking, mentoring, and publishing. Betsy is also a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) with PPA. The CPP designation is held by fewer than 2,500 photographers nationwide and is a hallmark of consistency, technical skill, artistry, and professionalism.
Additionally, she serves on the Board of Directors for the Professional Photographers of East Tennessee (PPETN) and the Tennessee Professional Photographers Association (TNPPA). She is also a professional member of the Equine Photographers Network (EPN).
Betsy's award-winning work has been featured in a variety of publications and is found throughout homes and stables in the United States. She is also the co-author of the book, Equine & Equestrian Photography Poses that Sell: The Ultimate Guide to Posing Horses & Humans. She has also been featured on Scenic Trend, the Profitable Photographer Podcast, The Business Animal Podcast, Chatter Magazine, Cowgirls with Cameras Podcast, the Chattanooga Times Free Press, the Chattanoogan, and the Focal Points Podcast to name a few.
Ride the Sky Equine Photography specializes in on-location photography for horses and their equestrians. Ride the Sky Equine Photography is based in Chattanooga, TN and works in Tennessee, North Georgia, and beyond.