How to Start a Pet Photography Studio Business



Career eGuides Marketing eReports

Virtual Face-to-Face

Careers with Style

Released 12/03/07

Pet Photographer
Pet Photography Business
Pet Photography Studio

Breaking Into and Succeeding as A Pet Photographer
Starting A Pet Photography Business
Becoming A Pet Photographer

I’m not a professional photographer but I love photography. Can I?

Amazingly, almost every photographer who was interviewed for this book started their business with very little experience and learned almost everything through trial and error. Photography is very much an art and the first thing a professional needs is a little bit of talent, a moderate amount of technical skill, and a whole lot of enthusiasm.

The word “professional” is such a tricky word, because it can pertain to so many different meanings, but in the case of a pet photographer, it mostly refers that you are being paid for your services. There is very little difference between a hobbyist and a professional, and one of the most important factors that drive either one to their greatest potential and success will be their enthusiasm for their art and subjects. If you are a hobbyist who enjoys what you do and would like to turn your hobby into a paid profession, then the only thing you are missing is how to find the paying clients.

I love pets, but I’m not sure if I can take good photographs of them. Can I?

Part of the secret to pet photography is having a certain connection and trust with the animal that will give the final product a natural and honest appearance. The best photo of animals are the ones that depict the animals in a state of carefree spontaneity, in which the animal is comfortable in showing their true personality and candor. Even the type of equipment and training is oftentimes less important than the simple love of the subject you are shooting. The animal can sense when they are liked and will become more at ease with that person.

The best way to find out if this career is a good fit for you, is by taking photos of animals every chance that you get. Many photographers use their love for their own animals and turn their pets into full-time models. This is a great way to begin to practice your techniques with subjects that you are already familiar with.

Once you begin to perfect your style, the next important step will be learning how to gain trust with animals that are not your own.

I heard it is really hard to take a pet’s picture because they constantly move. Any tips?

The person you probably heard this from, was probably either not a true lover of animals, or they do not understand the grandeur of animals acting in their natural form and habitat. It can actually be a good thing when an animal is moving around and being their normal playful selves when you are shooting them. Animals are not people and they certainly are not models. You cannot tell them to pose and sit still, and if you try to, they will be uncomfortable and the pictures will be stagnant.

Many photos where you see the pet calmly sitting are just a quick moment in time of when they were actually sitting still, before getting into something else. The beauty of digital photography is that you can shoot a lot of coverage on a particular animal and it will not cost you any more than trying to set the animal up every time for the perfect shot.

There was a time when film was very expensive and the photographer had to be careful of wasteful shooting, but that is no longer the case. You will be amazed at the great shots that can come out of the animal engaging in their own behavior.

I’m not that artistic. Can I?

Absolutely you can. We shall repeat what we have been saying once again. Much of what it takes to be a good pet photographer is the ability to show the animals in their natural form and habitat. Even with the most gifted artist, if they are unable to coax an animal to relax, their pictures will lack the natural beauty that clients are looking for today.

A very important part of pet photography is the relationship the photographer can gain with the animal. For this reason, unlike still photography, pet photography isn't so much just about the art form itself as much as the relationship between an animal and its photographer.

I don’t have enough money to rent a studio or a shop in the mall. Can I work from home? Or be a mobile photographer?

This is touching upon a very important question that most beginning pet photographers have. While having a commercial studio is a very good idea for many different types of photographers, pet photographers, for the most part, will get the best results from using surroundings that are comfortable to the animal, which means traveling to the clients most of the time.

Your pet photography business will undoubtedly involve some degree of mobile work, so you should be prepared for this in the beginning. An at-home studio will be about all you would need in addition to the mobile aspect. Depending on your business plan, it will not need to be very big if it is going to be used primarily for post production after photo sessions.

A mall shop or rented studio would come in handy if you are interested in commercial work and/or a portrait styled photography in a controlled environment. These types of shoots are quick and reliable. They also give the photographer the ability to serve more clients, without the having to travel in between. Your location will be the primary determinant as to whether you would ever want to open a commercial studio, but this will not be necessary in the beginning formation of your business.

Can I make enough money as a pet photographer to quit my day job?

Many of the professionals we spoke to were able to make a good living solely as a pet photographer. Some of them also incorporated other forms of photography into their business, such as children, nature, weddings, etc., but this seemed to be more of an artistic choice than a means for survival. Depending on your current financial situations, you may want to stick with your current full-time job for a while.

What other services can I offer along side with being a pet photographer?

In the interest of survival, wedding photography is a great source of income as well as portraiture. Artistic and commercial photography takes time to build, as it relies on the reputation of the photographer. StyleCareer.com also offers a book on the successful preparation of a Wedding Photographer and Videographer business that includes some additional insights on how to combine both services successfully to increase your client and financial possibilities.

Where does this career lead? What’s the highest position of a pet photographer?

The most enjoyable aspect of this career seems to be the freedom as a self-employed business owner, which means you get to choose your own work hours and clients to work with. This in many ways would be considered the highest position you could possibly achieve: the position of being your own boss.

For others, however, with more of an entrepreneurial spirit, the formation of a franchise might be considered the highest position. And of course we cannot leave out the fame that can be associated with many pet photographers who are seen in magazines and books across the nation. It really all depends on what the individual considers the meaning of success.

So, you want to become a six-figure pet photographer? Not impossible at all. It does, however, take extra perseverance.

Just look at these statistics if you still do not see the great potential here:

• There are 75 million pet dogs in the United States and 88 million pet cats.
• This year people will invest $40 billion to keep their furry friends fed, adorned, amused, and healthy.
• By the end of the decade, it is thought we will be spending $50 billion on pet products, according to the APPMA.
• 47% of pet owners consider their pets a full-fledged family member.

The US Department of Labor claims that photographers held an average of 129,000 jobs. The majority of these were self employed and found the most work in metropolitan areas. Demand for photographers is believed to grow along with the population increase and remain competitive, but attainable. There is a definite trend towards companies choosing freelance photographers over salaried staff photographers.

The staff photographers were found to be employed full-time more often than the freelancer. On average, a photographer has been earning $26,080 a year. The lowest 10% earned only $10,000 and the highest 10% earned over $54,180, with a handful of those earning well into the six figure digits. This year, we can expect to see an increase of such earnings, with approximately $50,000 in median earning.

So, as a pet photography business owner, how much you can earn annually?

On average, the pet photographer will make $500 per client for their services. Considering that in the beginning, you will not be working every moment non-stop, we will assume that you will be able to achieve at least two clients per week. This should give you around one thousand a week, for a grand total of $4,000 a month. This would be a moderate living of $48,000 for your first few years in business. This is just the beginning phase however.

As your business develops and your name becomes known through word of mouth, many photographers have between one to two clients per day. This ups their weekly income to $2,500 and possibly $10,000 per month. At this point the photographer will be getting into a six figure salary and making a very good living by most standards. Your location, reputation, and specialty will gage much of your highest potential. Commercial photography and high end private clients can make the difference between making $50,000 and $250,000 in the matter of only a few years.

About the Authors

Jennie S. Bev is THE fashion, image and fun careers expert, whose reputation has been acknowledged by prestigious media internationally. She has been profiled and mentioned in Entrepreneur, Teen People, Canadian Business, Home Business, Dong (France), San Francisco Chronicle, The Independent, Daily Southtown, The Arizona Republic, Chic (UK/Asia), Fit (Asia), Femina (Asia) and Dewi (Asia).

Editor-in-Chief Jennie S. Bev was named an EPPIE Award finalist in Non-Fiction How To category for excellence in electronic publishing. She has published over 80 books and 1,000 articles in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany and Southeast Asia. She is also a college professor based in San Francisco Bay Area.

Co-author Eric J. Leech was born into this world without a GI Joe (with a Kung Fu grip) or silver spoon, Eric J. Leech grew up on the streets of the small town of Grand Junction, Colorado. After high school, Eric found his way to Colorado State University where he attained four degrees in Psychology, Social Sciences, English and Theater Arts.

Eric has since put every degree to good use with a variety of career accomplishments. These accomplishments include seven years as an actor/model and Production Assistant for various television and film projects. He also maintained a successful business as the co-owner of an outdoor living structure design company for several years before pursuing his full-time career as a freelance columnist/writer.

Since that decision Eric has been featured on such international magazines as the Circle (India), Urban Male Magazine (Canada), UNO (Philippines) and Coffee House Digest (International).

This 74-page instantly downloadable StyleCareer.com eGuide Breaking Into and Succeeding as A Pet Photographer brings you valuable insider tips, advice and suggestions not available elsewhere to help you embark on this highly lucrative career path. It is a great starting point where you would be able to find out where to find additional information required.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Myths, Realities, and Basics
I’m not a professional photographer but I love photography. Can I?
I love pets, but I’m not sure if I can take good photographs of them. Can I?
I heard it is really hard to take a pet’s picture because they constantly move. Any tips?
I’m not that artistic. Can I?
I don’t have enough money to rent a studio or a shop in the mall. Can I work from home? Or be a mobile photographer?
Can I make enough money as a pet photographer to quit my day job?
What other services can I offer along side with being a pet photographer?
Where does this career lead? What’s the highest position of a pet photographer?
Can I really make enough money from this business that I can resign from my full-time job?

Photography and Pet-Related Industries in a Nutshell
Industry Statistics
Photography Products
Photography Business
Dept. of Labor on Income of Photographer
Dept. of Labor on Income of Pet-Related Worker/Business
One-Person Entrepreneurs
Trends in the Photography Studio
Mobile Studio
Mall Studio
At-Home Studio
Digital Studio (using digital cameras and digitized equipment)
Trends in Niche Pet Photography
Dogs and Cats in Pet Stores
Celebrity Photo Shoots
Natural (Outdoor) Shoots
Costume (Indoor) Shoots
Pet and Owner Look-Alike Shoots
Create Products with Pet Photos (t-shirts, mugs, mouse pads, etc.)
Pet Portrait Artistic Renderings
A Typical Day for A Pet Photographer

Getting Started
Success Traits Required
Human Customer Handling
Pet Customer Handling
Entrepreneurship
Patience
Creativity
Complaint Handling
Tips and Tricks for Handling Pets
Getting Skilled
Artistic Composition
Basic Digital Camera Skills
Equipment Literacy
References
Self-Study Books
Online Resources
Top Workshops and Classes (Online and Offline) for Pet Photographers
Must-Knows and Must-Haves
Tips and Tricks

Being Successful
How Much to Charge?
Creative Promotions on Shoestring Budget
Business Trends
Door-to-Door to Pet Stores
Door-to-Door to Animal Shelters
Networking
Trade Associations
Winning Competitions
References

Success Profiles

This eGuide literally saves you hundreds of dollars spent on professional workshops and training and hundreds of hours of research. It will help you break into the career of your dream faster without having to repeat the same mistakes that most newcomers do.

You can have this exclusive eGuide right away by instant download for only $39.95, which you will earn many times over with your first paid job. This special low discount price is reserved for today, Friday, May 09, 2008 only. (Regular price: $49.95)

Breaking Into and Succeeding
as A Pet Photographer
74 Pages
Regular Price: $49.95
Sale Price: $39.95

IMPORTANT NOTICE:
If you pay by eCheck via PayPal, it will take 3-4 days for it to be cleared by the bank. You will be sent the automatically-generated download link upon clearing of your eCheck.

The fastest way to enjoy your eGuide is by paying with credit card (the download link will be sent to you immediately without any delay).

Ordering from us is completely safe and secure as we have partnered with two of the most trusted names in providing utmost security to the e-commerce industry: PayPal and PayLoadz.

Within minutes of the approved payment, you will receive an e-mail containing the link where you can download your order.

*Please note that when you place an order on our website, your download link is sent to the email address that PayPal has for you on file.

SATISFACTION GUARANTEED

Satisfaction Guaranteed: You've got nothing to lose.
You have 10 days to review your eGuide. If you're not satisfied for any reason, contact us via this form for full credit that can be applied against future purchases. Due to the nature of digital info products, we cannot provide any refund.

Read your new eGuide with