I am interested in starting the process of becoming an equine photographer and videographer. I am not even sure where to begin! What education did you participate in, what equipment did you START with, and what computer software is a must?
Anything I should know is welcome! TIA
If you look in off topic section, there are some really good threads on photography in general to get you started.
I use Adobe for all my photo editing, Lightroom covers most of my needs and anything else I use photoshop.
honestly take some actual photography classes, really
While he is known for his Rodeo Photography, I highly suggest the teachings of Matt Cohen. He does great work, offers one on ones, and gives you HONEST critiques. The photographer/videographer world in equine is saturated. The good ones stand out amongst the crowd, and his philosophy is to be the best and to create pictures that are unique… not the same ole same ole. He’s got some good, bigger named HJ photographers in his classes right now, so don’t think just because he’s mostly rodeo he can’t help.
His plans are also affordable and do at your own pace!
https://www.mattcohenphotoworkshops.com/
We have three event photographers in our area and one is clearly better than the other two. If I were thinking about getting into the business I’d apprentice myself to the best photographer I could find for a while to learn their business.
As a hobby photographer with no desire to rake it further, but who looks critically at photos and art generally.
Are you already a talented casual photographer? I feel like the hardest thing to teach or learn is going to be the “eye,” how to balance a shot and how to see an interesting shot. In video, there’s also a pure skill set in how to keep a camera level and balanced.
What equipment do you use for your casual hobby photography? As a teen/young adult in the actual film days, I had a 35 mm “real” camera where I could adjust shutter speed and aperture. This let me capture fast action with 400 ASA film. These days I have a decent but not full “real” electronic camera, but it cannot capture speed like a “real” camera, and the lens can distort in a way my 35 mm never did. And I use my smart phone a lot.
I have a barn friend with a “real” electronic camera and she can get amazing action shots that for me will be blurred.
So without knowing anything about where you are in your photography journey, I would say there are three components. One is the eye for composition, one is skill with the equipment to get the most out of the settings, and one is having the professional or “real” cameras and lenses (definitely need a zoom lens).
That said, what is your intended market for photography? With smart phones, go pro, pivo, etc so ubiquitous, many people generate their own good enough photos and videos. The value of professional show photos or videos has dropped in many venues. People can also take decent sales videos and photos at home.
There is a market for “equine portraits” with or without the owner dressed up in barn inappropriate clothing 
but that’s another angle that requires some skill in taking human portraits too.
These ladies are a good source. They have a very informative podcast as well.
Photography as a business is tough to get into these days. Everyone has a camera and the internet is flooded with photos. Some people are satisfied with the friends iPhone snaps and don’t feel the need to get professional photos.
Get some practice at local shows etc. (be careful not to step on the toes of the official photographer if there is one). Ask friends if you can practice with them and their horses.
As far as video goes, I have actually made a few dollars filming online dressage tests for people at the barn where I ride. I film, upload the video to my YouTube channel, and submit the video after the rider’s approval. $10 per test. What is nice about that is there is no editing needed because editing is against the show rules. Something to consider if people are doing that in your area.
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