Big news! I’m officially back in the saddle (again). I’ve been elected as president of the Professional Photographers of East Tennessee, and I couldn’t be more excited This marks my third year serving on the PETN Board of Directors.
It is an honor to continue leading and supporting this incredible community of photographers.
For those of you who are photographers looking to grow your business, or horse and dog owners searching for someone who understands the magic of horse and pet photography. Buckle up. We’ve got an exciting year ahead.
Understanding PPETN’S Role
So what exactly is PPETN and why should you care? PPETN (Professional Photographers of East Tennessee) is a hub for photographers who are serious about mastering their craft, elevating their businesses, and connecting with a like-minded creative community. Think of it as your go-to source for photography education, networking, and business-building strategies, all packed into one powerhouse organization.
If you’re just starting out, PPETN gives you the tools and education you need to hit the ground running. If you’re an established photographer, it’s the perfect place to sharpen your skills, refine your business strategies, and stay ahead of industry trends. PPETN offers everything from hands-on workshops and expert-led presentations to print competitions and networking events designed to help photographers of all levels thrive.
And let’s be real, running a business can feel overwhelming. There’s always something new to learn, whether it’s off-camera flash, pricing structures, or just how to balance your work and your life. That’s where PPETN steps in providing resources and a support system that helps photographers focus on what they do best – creating stunning images.
As President, my goal is to make PPETN even more valuable to our members. That means more educational opportunities, more hands-on workshops, and even more ways to connect with other photographers who just get the hustle.
My Journey with Ride the Sky Equine Photography
For those of you who don’t know me yet – Hi, I’m Betsy! The girl behind the lens at Ride the Sky Equine Photography. I specialize in horse and pet photography. My clients aren’t just horse or pet owners. They’re people who view their animals as family and want to celebrate them in a way that’s meaningful and artistic, whether it’s a high school senior with their horse, a playful dog doing zoomies, or a black background equine portrait that turns into a showpiece for someone’s home, my job is to bring those moments to life.
But, photography isn’t just about taking beautiful pictures. It’s also about running a successful business. With a background in marketing and branding, and having run a successful marketing business in addition to Ride the Sky, I also work with photographers to help them do the same thing. I mentor aspiring and established photographers, helping them build businesses that aren’t just creatively fulfilling, but also profitable. From one-on-one mentorship sessions to marketing masterclasses. I love teaching others how to turn their passion into a thriving business.
So whether you’re a photographer looking for business guidance or a horse or pet owner looking for a photographer who really understands how much your animal means to you, welcome. You’re in the right place.
What This Means For You
Okay, so what does my role as PPETN president mean for you?
if you’re a photographer, this means big things are coming your way. More hands-on workshops, more networking events, and more opportunities to learn directly from experts in the field.
Whether you’re trying to improve your client experience, learn a new photography genre, or finally figure out off-camera flash, PPETN is going to be your best friend.
if you’re a horse or pet owner, this means you’re working with a photographer who is not only recognized as a leader in the photography industry, but also someone who is constantly learning and evolving. Active involvement in organizations like PPETN means I stay on top of industry trends, the latest photography techniques, and the best way to serve my clients.
When you book a session with me, you’re not only getting beautiful images, you’re getting an experience that’s professional, stress-free, and most importantly, fun.
At the end of the day, my mission is to help both photographers and clients get the best possible experience, whether that’s through education, mentorship, or capturing stunning images of their favorite animals.
Looking Ahead
Beyond my role at PPETN, I also serve on the board of directors for the Tennessee Professional Photographers Association (TNPPA) and as one of three photographers representing Tennessee on the Professional Photographers of America (PPA) Council. Why does this matter? Because I believe in pushing the industry forward. I want photographers to see their work as valuable and their businesses as real businesses, not just expensive hobbies with a camera.
This next year my focus is clear:
- For photographers: I want to create even more opportunities to learn about photography skills and business skills. If you’re ready to improve your photography skills, learn new things, and build a profitable business, I want to help you get there.
- For my clients: I want to continue elevating the experience of working with Ride the Sky Equine Photography. This means creating a seamless, enjoyable process from booking to final artwork so that every horse and pet owner I work with walks away with images they adore and an experience they won’t forget.
- For the industry as a whole: I want to raise the standards of what it means to be a professional photographer, both in terms of artistry and business. Too many talented photographers struggle because they don’t have the right systems in place. My goal is to help change that.
Let's Connect!
If you’re a photographer looking to improve your business or a horse or pet owner ready to create stunning portraits, let’s chat. Let’s make the next year the best one yet for photographers, for pet owners, and for the photography industry as a whole.
Not ready to chat yet? No worries. Whether you are a photographer or animal owner, you can always join the Ride the Sky Herd and have tips, tricks, and information directly to your inbox.
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. She also tries to spend some time educating and entertaining aspiring photographers by teaching and blogging about whatever catches her fancy at the moment.
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 is based in Chattanooga, TN, Ride the Sky Equine Photography works on location in Tennessee, North Georgia, and beyond. With a strong background in entrepreneurship, brand building, goal setting, time management, and business workflows, Betsy is an expert in her field (which isn’t that surprising given how much time she actually spends outstanding in a field...get it?)