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SO YOU WANT TO BE A PET PHOTOGRAPHER...
As a pet photographer, you would specialise in photographing animals either on their own or with their owner. This type of photography is usually done either in a studio, at the owner's home or in a local outdoor setting.
TOP TIPS
- Use Natural Light. Whenever possible use natural light as using flash can not only cause red-eye but can also frighten the animal.
- Focus On The Eyes. An animal's eyes can be very expressive so make sure you focus on the eyes as much as possible.
- Get Comfortable. It's important that the pet feels as comfortable as possible and at ease, so rather than forcing them to come to you, make the effort to go to them. Most importantly, get down to their level so that you see the world from their point of view.
- Get To Know Their Character. The owner knows their pet better than anyone else and in order to give them a successful photo you need to convey the pet's character. Ask the owners some questions about the likes and dislikes of the animals and get to know them before starting the shoot.
- Close Ups. Some really beautiful pet portraits come when you focus on the small details like whiskers or fur.
- Get Their Attention. It can be really hard to photograph animals as they don't hold still for long. An easy trick is to let them play quietly and when you're ready to catch their attention with a whistle or by calling their name. The surprise will give a nice, alert pose.
- Choose A Good Time. It's best to schedule photo shoots when the animal has had a good sleep. Animals are very like children, you don't want to have them when they're overtired.
- Patience. Pet photography requires the patience of a saint. You need to give the animal time to relax and get to know you.
- Experiment. No two animals are the same so try different approaches, angles and compositions. What might work with one pooch might not be a favourite for another.
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PROMOTIONS AND ADVERTISING
Consider printing some brochures showing examples of your photography. Visit local pet shops, kennels, catteries, stables, vets and animal shelters in your area and ask if you can leave some marketing material.
Most animal shelters hold fundraisers or auctions throughout the year. Consider donating a gift certificate for your business as a prize. You'll usually receive an ad or at least a mention in their brochure or marketing literature that will then be distributed to the shelter's donators.
Along with pet photography, other areas of the pet industry have grown in popularity in recent years - everything from pet bakeries to holistic veterinarians. Start a referral circle amongst other local businesses that specialise in the pet industry for example; pet parlours, pet day care centres and even pet shops. Approach these businesses to see if you could cross-market and promote one another to your clients.
Keep an eye out for local home and lifestyle trade shows. You can often request to have a booth at the show to market your pet photography business. You could even offer attendees a discount if they book a session at the show.
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ON THEIMAGEFILE
Packages are a great way of increasing pet photography sales as customers are more likely to purchase one more print because of a discount.
SEO TERMS
- Pet Photography
- Pet Photographer
- Dog Photography
- Cat Photography
- Equine Photography
- Professional Pet Portraits