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.
Want Betsy to Speak to Your Organization?
Ready to dive deeper into the art of horse photography or if you’d like to have Betsy Bird speak or teach a class, reach out today.
Betsy Bird, M.Photog.Cr., CPP, TPM, TSD, of Ride the Sky Equine Photography, spends her days doing insane things to make animals look at her. Clearly, she’s desperate for attention. When she’s not mentoring photographers, wrangling teenagers, or acting like a total goofball, she’s hanging with Derby—the puppy currently training to be office assistant (jury’s still out on whether “chewing cords” counts as a legitimate job skill).
Betsy has earned both her Master of Photography and Photographic Craftsman degrees from the Professional Photographers of America (PPA). She also holds the CPP, TPM, and TSD designations and currently serves on the Board of Directors of both the Professional Photographers of East Tennessee (PPETN) and the Tennessee Professional Photographers Assocation (TNPPA).
An award-winning photographer, Betsy is also a published author, national presenter, and frequent podcast guest. Her book, Equine & Equestrian Photography Poses that Sell, has become a resource for photographers, and she’s been featured on The Profitable Photographer Podcast, The Business Animal Podcast, Cowgirls with Cameras Podcast, The Focal Points Podcast, and more.
Through her digital tools, courses, and mentoring programs, Betsy teaches photographers how to build profitable businesses without the overwhelm. She is an expert in her field (which isn’t that surprising given how much time she actually spends outstanding in a field… get it?).