Introduction: So, You Want to Be an Equine Photographer?
Look at you! Diving into the magical (and sometimes chaotic) world of equine photography. Trust me, I’ve been there—knee-deep in mud, covered in slobber, camera in hand, and wondering why horses always seem to blink right when you hit the shutter. Whether you’re just starting out or trying to level up your equine photography business, you’re in the right place.
I’ve rounded up the resources, tips, and wisdom (sprinkled with a little snark, of course, since that’s just how we roll here at Ride the Sky Equine Photography) to help you build a thriving equine photography business.
So, grab your favorite beverage of choice — Coffee? Ice water? Margarita? — and let’s get to work.
Horse Photography Workshops: Your Ticket to Mastery
Let’s be honest: you don’t wake up one day and magically become an equine photography expert. It takes time, practice, and a whole lot of learning. Enter horse photography workshops—your chance to up your game, connect with other horse photographers, and capture breathtaking images in real-time.
Whether you’re learning to shoot horses at liberty, perfecting those dreamy portraits, or mastering tricky lighting, workshops offer hands-on experiences that you can’t replicate with a YouTube tutorial. Want to know which horse workshops are worth your time? I’ve got the inside scoop.
Recent Podcasts & Interviews: My Hot Takes
With a background in marketing and having simultaneously run two full-time businesses, I have a lot of thoughts…about a lot of subjects.
If you’ve ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of an equine photography business (spoiler alert: it’s not all galloping horses and perfect sunsets), or you are just hearing what I sound like when I’m speaking not writing, you might want to check out some of my recent podcast appearances.
I’ve chatted with some amazing hosts about everything from marketing strategies, branding, equine photography, raising a family while running a business and whatever other subjects happen to cross my mind.
So, if you’re looking for actionable advice mixed with a healthy dose of humor, tune in. Think of them as your roadmap for what to do—and, just as importantly, what not to do. Because trust me, I’ve learned a thing or two the hard way.
Understanding Brand Values with Betsy Bird: The Business Animal Podcast
Laugh, Learn & Pose: Cowgirls with Cameras
Stable Shots: The Focal Points Podcast
Time Management for Super Busy Photographers: The Profitable Photographers Podcast
Reaching your Goals with Betsy Bird: The Business Animal Podcast
Horse Photography Business Tips: Build Your Empire
Running an equine photography business isn’t just about capturing pretty pictures. In fact, you probably only spend about 10-20% of your time actually behind the camera.
You’re also a marketer, a brand strategist, a business owner, and—let’s not sugarcoat it—a professional plate spinner. From creating a killer website to finding your niche and attracting your ideal clients, I’ve written extensively about what it takes to succeed.
Spoiler: It’s not magic. It’s strategy, hard work, and maybe a little (a lot…) of caffeine.
Horse Photography Business: Short Term Goals
Horse Photography Business: Get Legal
Horse Photography Business: Naming your Business
New Horse Photographers: Tips for Success
Charge What You’re Worth: 3 Lessons for Horse Photographers
From Overwhelm to Organized: 8 To Do Tips for Horse Photographers
Aspiring Horse Photographers: Grow your Business with these Tips
In-Person Sales: Make Your Work Count
Let’s talk about the part of the business that photographers either love or dread: in-person sales. It’s not just about making money (though, let’s be real, that’s nice); it’s about helping your clients solve a problem. I’m sharing my best strategies for nailing your in-person sales process so you can increase your revenue without feeling like a pushy salesperson.
Nailing In-Person Sales: Building Confidence for Introverted Horse Photographers
Ready to Level Up Your Equine Photography Business?
Whether you’re dreaming of shooting for top equestrians or just want to book your calendar solid, I’m here to help you make it happen. It’s time to turn that passion into a profitable business.
Want exclusive tips, insider updates, and maybe a laugh or two? Join the Ride the Sky Herd and get it all delivered straight to your inbox. Because building your dream business shouldn’t mean going it alone.
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.