On July 20, 2023, the Photographic Society of Chattanooga was treated to an enlightening presentation by horse photographer, Betsy Bird.
With her captivating talk titled “Horse Photography for Non-Equine Photographers,” Bird took attendees on a journey into the magical world of equine imagery, empowering them to capture the grace and beauty of horses through their lenses.
Discovering a New Lens
Bird’s presentation aimed to bridge the gap between non-equine photographers and the captivating realm of horse photography.
Recognizing that not everyone may have experience or familiarity with horses, she tailored her insights and techniques to help non-equine photographers navigate this specialized genre with confidence and creativity.
Equipped with Essential Knowledge
During her talk, Bird provided attendees with essential knowledge about horse photography.
She delved into the different types of horse photography, from capturing the power and excitement of horse event photography to showcasing the serene elegance of equine portraits.
By introducing the diverse facets of this genre, Bird ignited a spark of inspiration in each photographer’s heart.
Gearing Up for Equine Adventures
To capture stunning horse images, having the right camera gear and lenses is essential.
Bird enlightened attendees on the equipment needed to freeze moments of equine beauty.
From choosing the ideal camera with a fast shutter speed to selecting the right lenses to capture intricate details, she guided non-equine photographers in selecting the tools necessary to embark on their own equine photography adventures.
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Navigating the Equine World
Working with horses requires a unique understanding of their behavior and creating a harmonious environment.
Bird shared her insights and considerations for non-equine photographers, emphasizing the importance of building trust, establishing a calm atmosphere, and capturing authentic moments.
Armed with this knowledge, attendees gained the confidence to connect with horses and create compelling images.
Crafting Captivating Compositions
A picture is worth a thousand words, and Bird unveiled the secrets to capturing captivating poses of horses and equestrians. Attendees learned techniques to frame dynamic compositions, convey the beauty of horse movement, and highlight the special bond between riders and their steeds.
Through these visual narratives, non-equine photographers were empowered to evoke emotion and create impactful horse photographs.
Culling with Care
Crafting a standout portfolio requires careful selection and culling of images.
Bird shared her expert advice on choosing the best photographs from a session, considering factors such as composition, focus, and overall impact.
Armed with these culling strategies, non-equine photographers gained the tools to refine their collections and showcase their most exceptional equine captures.
Interested in Learning More?
If you’re itching to dive deeper into the art of horse photography or if you’d like to have Betsy Bird speak to your organization or teach a class, reach out and send us a message. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn from a true master in the field!
Culling with Care: Crafting a standout portfolio requires careful selection and culling of images. Bird shared her expert advice on choosing the best photographs from a session, considering factors such as composition, focus, and overall impact. Armed with these culling strategies, non-equine photographers gained the tools to refine their collections and showcase their most exceptional equine captures.
Interested in Learning More? If you’re itching to dive deeper into the art of horse photography or if you’d like to have Betsy Bird speak to your organization or teach a class, reach out and send us a message. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn from a true master in the field!
Conclusion: Betsy Bird’s presentation, “Horse Photography for non-equine photographers,” was a resounding success at the Chattanooga Photographic Society. Attendees left the event inspired, equipped with the knowledge and techniques to embark on their own equine photography adventures. By breaking down barriers and offering invaluable insights, Bird opened the door to a world of equine elegance for non-equine photographers. So grab your cameras, embrace the beauty of horses, and let your creativity run wild!
Interested in having Betsy speak to your organization or teach a class? Send us a message today and take the first step towards unlocking the secrets of horse photography.
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?)