Life & Work with Hallie Burden of Atlanta

Today we’d like to introduce you to Hallie Burden.

Hallie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Back when I was in high school, my Dad bought himself a DSLR camera for fun. He would come to my horse shows and take photos of me and my barn friends and continued that into my collegiate IHSA showing. I ended up essentially stealing it (he gave it to me, but only because I would always take it from him to take my own pictures at shows anyway and because he wanted to upgrade for himself). I’m so grateful he decided to dip into the world of photography because it gave me my start taking pictures of friends at horse shows and horses just around the farms I rode at.

I did not think of equine photography or any photography as a career choice for me for a long time. I graduated from UGA with an animal science degree, initially went in to that thinking vet school, but I found out quickly I don’t handle the discussion of blood vessels and other body parts very well.

I remember back now to my freshman year when I met with my advisor, a wonderful equine studies professor – Kari Turner. She asked me what my plan for animal science would be. I told her I didn’t know, but it was what I was interested in studying that because I loved horses. That I always also thought barn management was a good route. She held up a framed photo of her at a reining competition – very cool picture. She asked me, what jobs can you name that went into making this photo? (I probably botched that, but it was along those lines). I gave her some generic answers about a barn manager and a trainer and a farrier and show manager. I knew it wasn’t comprehensive, but I felt pretty good about it. She then started listing so many other jobs that went into that photo that are involved in the equine industry that my 18 year old self had no idea to even think about as an actual career. One of those things was the photographer that took the photo. Why didn’t I even mention that? I was so convinced I had to either be a vet or a barn manager to work with horses that I didn’t even think of something so clear and obvious that I already enjoyed doing.

That information still didn’t even set in until a few years ago when I left barn management for a, and I hate saying it like this, “normal” job. I still went on thinking I was going to be a barn manager after school. I got a job right out of college as an assistant manager and everything was great. I loved that job, but circumstances brought me to Atlanta and into a “normal job” instead of a horse job. I wanted a way to keep up with the horse community I had loved so much, so I formed this business from my passion of still taking photos for friends at shows.

All that to say, I didn’t even think of photography as a career option for me, which is unfortunate. I still don’t do it as my sole full time job. A lot of people may not know this, but I have another full time job as well. I don’t advertise that because I’m afraid people wont take me as seriously thinking I’m not all in. But trust me, I want you to know, I put my all into this business and really care about your photographs and my work! I work pretty much 24/7 to be able to do what I love and keep it that way. I don’t want it to have to feel like work (ie I NEED to make money from this).

Horses were definitely my jumpstart into photography and they are still my favorite to photograph. My horse, Wyatt, fueled the passion further by being the easiest equine model to photograph ever! He has had to put up with a lot of me making him stand in one spot with his ears up over our 10 years together.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s been a lot of smooth sailing for me fortunately due to my connections within the local equestrian community to begin with and my knowledge of equine behavior and what makes a great photograph of a horse! I have a habit of over preparing so before I started the business I made sure to have everything ready to go and do everything legally correct as well. I am big advocate for always using contracts and I believe that has helped me not have many issues with my business from the start. A contract lays out expectations for everyone and helps to avoid confusion and resolve conflicts if they arise. I’d say my biggest struggle is not having enough time. Working two full time jobs doesn’t leave much room in my schedule for taking care of myself or getting to be with friends and family/riding my own horse. I’ve been working hard this year to protect my time more and take better care of myself.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I own a photography business based in Sandy Springs, GA, and service a large part of the surrounding area in North and Middle GA, Alabama, Tennessee, NC, etc. You will mostly find me at local horse shows in Alpharetta and Conyers and horse farms in the Atlanta and Athens areas. I specialize in equestrian event photos and portraits for horses and their riders as well! I’m known for my ability to provide memories for local equestrians. I never stop improving and learning and wanting to do better for my clients and I believe that sets me apart for constantly wanting to reach the top of the industry while staying loyal to my local equestrian community. Fortunately, we have really fantastic local show circuits in this area.

I love capturing the bond between people and their horses and the joy this sport brings by capturing the candid emotional and action shots at horse shows. I am really good at candids – they’re my favorite!

Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I’m constantly learning and “YouTube university” is one of my favorite resources! If I want to learn something I just type it into YouTube and learn from there! There are some equine specific photographers who put out educational content for sale and I will purchase those as well if anything new pops up!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.hallieburdenphotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hallieburdenphotography
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hallieburdenphotography