Why, hello, National Checklist Day!
Saw you coming, and my overachiever heart went pitter-patter because I can never turn away an opportunity to talk about checklists and other nerdy things like an awesome Excel spreadsheet.
National Checklist Day is coming up on October 30, and I’ve never been more excited for an “official” day that celebrates my obsession with lists.
But here’s the thing: running a horse photography business isn’t just about snapping stunning photos—it’s about staying organized through all the chaos. Between sessions, client emails, editing, and in-person sales, staying on top of things can feel like juggling flaming swords while riding a horse.
That’s where checklists come in. Whether you’re living and dying by your trusty legal pad (raises hand) or swearing by your digital planner, a well-placed checklist can help you stay sane and keep your business humming like a well-oiled machine.
What is National Checklist Day?
National Checklist Day celebrates the simple yet powerful act of writing things down. It’s about organizing your thoughts, tasks, and even your life into bite-sized, actionable pieces. And why does it matter in your business?
Well, this holiday was inspired by aviation, because if pilots can trust checklists to fly multi-million dollar planes, we can absolutely trust them to keep our businesses flying smoothly.
Checklists are more than just “to-do” lists; they’re tools to boost your productivity, reduce stress, and streamline your business operations. And hey, let’s be real: wouldn’t it be nice to actually follow through on that marketing strategy you’ve been putting off for three weeks? 🙄
Different Types of Checklists for Horse Photographers
Not all checklists are created equal, my friend. Here’s how to use them effectively in your equine photography business:
- Session Preparation Checklist
Because running around like a headless chicken before a session isn’t cute anymore (sorry, but it’s true). You’ll need a checklist to ensure you’re prepared with equipment, locations, and client information. - Client Checklist
Want to make your clients feel like absolute rockstars? Create a checklist on how they should prepare their horse for a session—consider it your gift to them. Heck, it might even become a lead magnet to attract potential clients. Hint, hint. - Brain Dump Checklist
Okay, for all the Type A folks out there (I see you!), this one’s for you. The “brain dump” checklist is where you unload everything racing through your mind. Sure, you’ll sort it out later, but getting it out of your head helps you breathe. I do this all the time. Trust me, it works.
- Post-Session Checklist
Once you’ve wrapped up a session, don’t let things slip through the cracks. Follow up with clients, cull and edit images, schedule sneak peeks, and all the other things you have to do once the photographing part is over. - In-Person Sales & Ordering Appointment Checklist
Avoid awkward silences and confusion during in-person sales with a checklist. What should you bring? Sample albums, pricing guides, invoices, and wall art sizes. Sales flow? Check. Order processing steps? Done. - Financial & Business Growth Checklists
Oh, you know—monthly bookkeeping, taxes (because the IRS never takes a day off), and goal setting. Because sustainable businesses need more than just pretty pictures. You’ve got to grow, and that means taking a hard look at your numbers and goals regularly.
I watch a lot of astronaut movies…Mostly Star Wars. And even Han and Chewie use a checklist.
– Jon Stewart
Checklist Tools: Finding the Right Fit for You
Now, I get it—some of you probably think checklists are best kept on sticky notes while others swear by the latest app.
Here’s the deal: you don’t have to be a legal pad person like me, but it helps. My legal pad is my sacred space for jotting down all those random ideas that pop into my head. But I also love using some digital tools.
Here’s the breakdown:
- Paper & Pen: I live and die by my legal pad. It’s messy, chaotic, but it works for me. I keep my checklist on my desk where I can jot down anything that pops into my head. Yes, it’s old-school, but it feels good to scribble things down…and check them off (Helloooo, dopamine!)
- Digital Tools: I’m a hybrid—half paper, half digital. For the digital side, I’m obsessed with Trello for managing different projects within my business. It’s like the fun, color-coded version of a to-do list. In additional to Trello, there are similar tools like Asana, ClickUp, and even Google Docs or Google Sheets that can be used for project management and to do lists for those who want digital.
- CRM Systems: For those who like a complete workflow solution, tools like 17hats, Dubsado, Honeybook, and Táve can handle your client management, contracts, emails, invoicing and more. Personally, I have used 17hats for years. (Here’s a link that can get you a discount on your first year of 17hats if you want to try it out).
How to Implement Checklists in Your Business Without Feeling Overwhelmed
Listen, the last thing you need is a checklist about how to make checklists. Hard pass on that, okay? So, in honor of National Checklist Day, here are a few ways you can incorporate checklists into your horse business without going into checklist overload.
No matter how expert you may be, well-designed checklists can improve outcomes.
– Steven Levitt
- Start Small
Don’t go overboard. Start with one or two areas where a checklist will help the most (like your client workflow or sales process). Once you master those, you can tackle the bigger ones. - Make it a Habit
Keep your checklists where you’ll actually use them. Whether that’s on your phone, your desk, or sticky notes on your coffee maker—whatever works for you. I keep my trusty legal pad on my desk so I can add things immediately when they pop into my head. - Refine & Update
Your business will evolve, and so should your checklists. If something worked last year but feels a little “meh” today, it’s time for an update.
Wrapping It Up: Why Checklists = A More Organized, Profitable Business
Here’s the deal: checklists can be your business’s best friend. They’ll keep everything running smoothly so you can focus on the fun stuff—like capturing stunning images of horses and hanging out with your dog and watching Netflix.
No more missed deadlines. No more forgotten emails. No more last-minute panic attacks before a session. Trust me—whether you’re on team paper or team digital, what matters is finding a system that works for YOU.
Ready to get your Horse Photography Business More Organized?
Start with one checklist today and see the difference it makes. Need help refining your workflows?
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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?).