Meet Betsy Bird

Today we’d like to introduce you to Betsy Bird.

Hi Betsy, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I am a self-starting entrepreneur at heart with a background in marketing. Once I had children, I needed flexibility to work hours that worked for my family so I opened my own marketing business that worked with entrepreneurial startups.

I grew up on a small horse-boarding farm. My father was a semi-professional photographer so I picked up the photography bug from him. My mother to this day rides horses. So clearly, I took parts of both of them and turned them into Ride the Sky Equine Photography. I started as a passion project just to keep my hand in the creative side while I was running my marketing business.

But, as the photography business grew, with a husband who traveled much of the time for work, and three kids at home, I decided I didn’t have enough hours in the day to run both businesses. So I returned to my roots – horses and photography.

Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Like any journey, the road is not smooth. Figuring out how to balance career and family is a struggle for most women. But, any mistakes and challenges I have had, I have learned from them. And when I have failed, I learned to fail better next time. I look back now and see those times as growth periods or times to pivot.

I think the biggest thing I have learned throughout my career is to never underestimate the power of your women’s intuition. I can think of two times when my gut was telling me to run, and I didn’t listen. Those experiences ended up being the two biggest mistakes I have ever made in the business.

I also think that when you own a business, you have to be able to recognize when it’s time to pivot in your business. Pivots can be scary but the important thing is to recognize new opportunities when they are there and to take advantage of them. You never know where they might lead.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
For those considering photography services, here’s a bit about the type of client that truly resonates with what I do. My clients LOVE their horses and want a photographer who shares their love for their horses.

They appreciate imagery that lasts, bringing joy each time they see it. I specialize in creating large-scale heirloom wall art and custom products for equestrians and horse lovers. They like to have fun and share laughs – especially at their horse’s antics. They value the photography experience and don’t want to feel stressed.

One of my favorite groups to work with is high school equestrian seniors – most likely because they remind me so much of myself at that age. I also love working with middle-aged women who had horses in their youth (or maybe were just horse crazy) but now that they are older they have gotten back into the equestrian world. They are always so enthusiastic about their horses and it’s clear that they know the amazingly good thing they have with their horses.

I love to create custom artwork for my clients. It is something to see your vision and art hung on a client’s wall. I specialize in creating custom heirloom wall art, bespoke albums, and other products that are meant to be enjoyed. In addition to my clients, I also work with horse businesses and brands on their commercial needs. I provide them with the needed imagery for their digital and print marketing.

Additionally, I mentor both aspiring and established photographers in IPS sales, marketing, branding, and working smarter in their businesses. I also give presentations on business marketing, horse photography, and working efficiently in your business.

Beyond being a horse and equestrian photographer, I wear multiple hats. I highly value education and elevating the photography industry as a whole. I serve on the Board of Directors for both the Tennessee Professional Photographers Association (TNPPA) and the Professional Photographers of East Tennessee (PPETN). In addition, I’m an active member of the Professional Photographers of America (PPA) and the Equine Photographers Network (EPN).

What matters most to you? Why?
Here is a simple but profound truth: The animals who share our lives aren’t with us as long as we wish they could be. But, in the time that they are with us, they become an integral part of our world, bringing immeasurable joy to those who love them. Capturing their essence in enduring images is a powerful way to preserve their memory and the joy they’ve brought into our lives. It’s a tribute to their companionship and a testament to the special bond between equestrians and their horses.

Moreover, I believe in the magic of bringing the animals we love into our spaces, even when they can’t be physically present. Home is not just a place; it’s a sanctuary where happiness and peace flourish. Surrounding ourselves with images of the animals we hold dear isn’t just about decoration; it’s about filling our surroundings with the love, comfort, and memories they’ve provided. It’s a reminder that in every corner of our homes, their spirits remain with us.

It’s not just about the photography. It’s about infusing spaces with the essence of love and companionship that animals offer. I believe that the walls of our homes should resonate with what matters most to us – the things we love, the cherished memories, and the enduring bond we’ve shared.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ridetheskyequine.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/ridetheskyequine
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/ridetheskyequine