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.

.
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.