Let’s be honest—when you work behind the camera for a living, you don’t often pause long enough to step in front of it and say, “Hey, look what I did!” But today, I’m doing just that.
In 2024, I was honored to earn my Photographic Craftsman degree from Professional Photographers of America (PPA).
This degree isn’t about having a pretty Instagram feed or nailing that golden hour glow (although, let’s be real, I do love a good sunset session). Nope—this one is about the hours poured into helping other photographers grow. Think mentoring, speaking, writing, podcasting, and doing all the behind-the-scenes stuff that doesn’t get posted in a highlight reel.
But wait, there’s more (cue infomercial voice)
Even though I officially earned my Photographic Craftsman degree in 2024, I made a very strategic—and slightly sentimental—decision.
Instead of walking the stage at Imaging USA (IUSA) in Dallas in 2025, I chose to hold off and walk when the convention is held in my home state of Tennessee.
Why? Because Nashville in 2026 just felt like the right stage for this celebration.
So yes, I’ll be that person walking across the stage in 2026 with not one, but two degrees: my Photographic Craftsman and my Master of Photography. Double sash, double bling, double the celebration.
Being recognized by PPA means a lot, especially because this isn’t just about pretty pictures. It’s about giving back to the photography community—mentoring new photographers, teaching business and marketing skills, and helping other creatives build something sustainable, joyful, and profitable.
If you’ve ever thought to yourself, “I wish someone would just help me figure out the business side of photography,”—well, hi. That’s me. That’s what I do. I’ve been there, and I’m here now to help make the ride a little smoother for the next person.
So, what is the Photographic Craftsman Degree, Anyway?
Great question, friend.
The Photographic Craftsman degree is one of the highest honors awarded by PPA, and it’s given to photographers who have gone above and beyond in service to the profession as mentors, educators, and creators. This isn’t a participation trophy. It’s a recognition of commitment, expertise, and good ol’ fashioned hustle.
Let’s just say this badge of honor pairs well with lots of talking, conference lanyards, and a mountain of presentation slides.
Ready to Learn from Someone Who’s Walked the Walk?
Whether you’re dreaming of leveling up your photography game or just trying to figure out how to build a business that doesn’t leave you glued to your inbox at midnight, I’ve got resources that can help. From online courses to 1:1 mentoring, Ride the Sky is here for the aspiring and established alike.
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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?)