What to Expect from Horse Photography Sessions with Ride the Sky

What to Expect with Ride the Sky Equine Photography

Booking a horse photography session should feel like the beginning of an epic adventure, not a one-way ticket to Stressville. If you’ve reached out to Ride the Sky Equine Photography, chances are you’re ready to create timeless wall art and keepsakes that feature the love of your life – your horse, of course! 

Let’s break down what happens before, during, and after your session, so you can stop overthinking and start getting excited.

Before Your Horse Photography Session

First things first: I believe in stress-free, fun, and 100% customized sessions. No cookie-cutter vibes here.

Here’s how it goes down:

1. The Initial Phone Call
   I know, I know! We have to talk on the phone? Seriously?! Yes, it’s true! Once you reach out, we’ll schedule a quick 5–10 minute phone chat. Why? Because chatting about your horse is a vibe, it’s way faster than a million emails. Plus, it helps me make sure we’re the perfect match.
2. Booking Your Session
   After our chat, you’ll sign the paperwork and pay your reservation retainer. This locks in your spot on my coveted calendar (yes, it fills up fast – months in advance as a matter of fact!).
3. The Creative Consult
   Before your session, we’ll meet in person for about 60 minutes. This consult is where the magic begins:
   • We’ll discuss your goals and vision for the session.
   • I’ll help you plan your outfits if you are going to be in the pictures (don’t panic; I have tips).
   • We’ll dive into your horse’s personality, quirks, and best angles.
   • We’ll choose the perfect location and schedule your session.

This step ensures everything is prepped and ready, so you can show up and enjoy the ride. 

The Day of Your Horse Photography Session

Let’s be real: this day is all about you and your horse. Here’s what you can expect:

• No Stress Allowed: Seriously, nope. Not today, not tomorrow, not ever. With a lifetime of horse experience and over a decade of professional horse photography under my belt, I’ve seen it all.
• Comfort and Confidence: I’ll keep the mood light and fun. Before you know it, you’ll forget the camera is even there.
• Posing Pro Tips: Don’t know how to pose? No idea what to do with your ever awkward hands? That’s why you hired me. I’ll guide you every step of the way, ensuring you look and feel amazing.
• Horse Whisperer Energy: Whether your horse is feeling zen or channeling their inner tornado, I know how to work with their personality to create stunning images.

This session is all about creating beautiful, emotional images while keeping things relaxed and enjoyable. You and your horse deserve nothing less.

After Your Horse Photography Session

Once your session wraps up, the fun is far from over. Up next is your design consult — prepare for some serious heartstring-tugging moments…and some laughs. 

Here’s what we’ll do during your design consult:

1. You’ll view your stunning images for the first time (cue the happy tears).
2. We’ll design custom art pieces tailored to your home or stable.
3. Together, we’ll select from options like wall art, heirloom albums, and keepsakes.

The goal? To create timeless, jaw-dropping photographic art pieces that make everyone who visits your home or stable say, “Wow, that’s YOUR horse?”  No thumb drives of forgotten files here—just art you’ll treasure forever.

Why Choose Ride the Sky Equine Photography?

At Ride the Sky, I don’t just take pictures—I tell stories. Your horse’s story. Your story.

Together, we’ll create something extraordinary. Whether it’s capturing your horse’s playful spirit or the quiet moments of connection, my mission is to turn those memories into photographic art.

Not quite ready to dive in? Join the Ride the Sky Herd for exclusive tips, updates, and inspiration delivered straight 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.  

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.