Ride the Sky Equine Photography: An Interview with Fast Horse Photography
Cara poses with her senior mare, Vera
Originally published by Ride the Sky Equine Photography
I decided that it would be interesting to interview some of the interesting photographers that have come into my life since starting on this amazing journey of horse photography of mine. I find it really fascinating how people end up where they are.
Plus, I have met some of my favorite people in the world through horse photography including clients, fellow photographers and even business people who work with photographers.
Cara Taylor Swift, of Fast Horse Photography, with her horse, Vera. Photo taken by Phyllis Burchett Photo.
So, first up in this interview series is Cara Taylor Swift of Fast Horse Photography.
Here are two things you need to know about Cara:
First, she is absolutely one of my favorites! She’s always up for a new adventure – though together we seem to have somewhat questionable travel luck, has an addiction to the same mints I do, and she makes me laugh on the daily!
And, second, yes, I do think it’s entirely possible that she leaves the “Taylor” in there just in case she might get upgraded when she flies. Ha!
Fast Horse Photography is based in the gorgeous St. Augustine, Florida. St. Augustine is located on the northeast coast of Florida and lays claim to being the nation’s old city. It is known for its beautiful Spanish architecture, the Castillo de San Marcos, and beautiful beaches.
How did you come to be Fast Horse Photography? What was your journey to becoming a horse photographer?
The horses actually came first and the photography side came later. I’ve been around horses my entire life and always dreamed of building a career that included horses.
After spending many years working with survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, my family life changed dramatically with the birth of my son. I knew I needed to make a change that would allow me to travel less and spend more time with my family.
So, about three years ago, I decided to move my photography hobby into a professional career and started Fast Horse Photography. I love that I can offer high-quality images to my local equestrian families! Running a small business is a lot of work but it has been worth it!
What type of equine photography do you do?
I photograph a lot of Equestrian/Horse Portrait Sessions, as well as, High School Senior sessions with their horses. Additionally, I work with families that want to include their horses, or even occasionally, all their animals in their images.
I’ve had horses, dogs, pigs, baby doll sheep, bunnies, and even the occasional flock of chickens in images. If it’s an animal and you love it, I want it to be in your pictures with you.
I shoot western/cowboy lifestyle images and equestrian fine art images. I also work with small businesses looking to improve their imagery, as well as, some magazines and print media.
What are your favorite things about being an equine photographer?
I love that as a small business owner, I do have some level of control over my schedule. It allows me to be a mom to my young son and to be present for his activities.
I can choose the work that I enjoy and that I’m passionate about. I like that it takes me to beautiful locations all over the United States and that I get to experience the diversity found in the equestrian lifestyle.
Plus, I love to spend time with local equestrians and their amazing horses, hearing their stories of connection with the horses they love and creating images that celebrate their lives with horses.
What part of the horse photography job/business do you struggle with? What is your least favorite thing to do?
I think people often underestimate the amount of time a photographer has to spend behind a computer. I love being out in the field, working with clients and their horses, but the majority of running an equine photography business is spent doing all the “boring stuff” like bookkeeping and paying taxes.
As a small business owner, you can get caught up in feeling like you have to respond immediately to every inquiry and that you always have to be accessible to your clients. I have definitely struggled with setting boundaries in my business and allowing myself time to be off work.
What is the best way for a potential client to reach you?
I love potential clients to visit my Fast Horse Photography website to see if we are a good fit. And I talk with all potential clients on the phone, so give me a call at 904-826-7991. They can also drop me an email at cara@fasthorsephotography.com.
What are the best places to find Where can potential clients find you on social media?
Instagram and Facebook are the two social media platforms that I mainly hang out on.