Hey there! So, last week, I found myself cruising down the road to North Carolina in order to give a presentation at the North Carolina Professional Photographer’s Photo Expo 2023 conference.

They invited me to speak about horse photography.

And, you know me, tell me I have a captive audience and 2 hours to talk about horses and I’m off and running.

I decided that the topic would be “Horse Photography for non-Equine Photographers”.

I wanted to create a bridge between non-equine photographers and the wondrous realm of horse photography.

You see, I get it – not everyone’s well-versed in the language of horses.

So, my talk? It’s all about making sure audience members were armed with the knowledge and confidence to venture into this specialized genre when they have an occasional client wanting to include a horse.

So throughout my 2 hours, I discussed everything from:

  • Considerations when working with horses
  • How to work safely with horses
  • How to achieve captivating poses with horses and their humans
  • What gear to use with horses
  • What to look for when culling a photography session that involves a horse
Commercial Image for Espana Silk Horse Shampoo

 

A Round of Applause and a Tip of the Hat

 

Before I sign off, I want to give a heartfelt shout-out to the North Carolina Professional Photographers for inviting me to be part of this fantastic event.

The event was a blast, with insightful questions that kept me on my toes.

But the best part?

Connecting with each photographer, one-on-one, sharing stories, answering questions and concerns, and critiquing images. It’s these moments that truly make this journey unforgettable.

 

Total Saddle Fit Comfort Girth Western

 

Ready to Ride? Want to Learn More about Equine Photography?

 

Now, if you’re feeling that spark, that itch to delve even deeper into the captivating world of horse photography, or if you’re dreaming of having me grace your organization or teach a class, here’s your chance.

Don’t be shy, send me a message, and let’s embark on an exciting equine photography journey together.

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?)

 

 

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