Are you are an honest to goodness pet lover? Do you love taking photos of your furry friends? Are you looking for a viable business that you will surely enjoy?
If you are, venturing into a viable pet photography business may just be the thing for you. By having your own pet photography business, you’ll have a steady source of decent income plus you’ll be having a good time doing what you love best! Is there anything that can be better than that?
If you are starting a pet photography business, your passion and enthusiasm can be a strong enough foundation but you’ll eventually need something more to make your business click. Here are some tips for you to consider:
Build a portfolio. Take a lot of pet photos. Take pictures of your pet, your friend’s pets, and your friend’s friend’s pet. Ask other pet owners if they will be willing to let their pet model for you. You get the idea. You need to build your portfolio so that you’ll have a lot to show to your future clients. If your photos are that good, you’re all set for a successful pet photography business!
Know your market. If you’re really serious in putting up a pet photography business, you need to know your market, more specifically the area where you live. To know if there’s a chance that your business will survive and thrive in such an environment, ask yourself these questions:
- Are there a lot of well cared for dogs, cats, and other pets in your area? If there are, there’s a great chance that their owners will pay you for your services.
- Are there enough people (pet owners) who are willing to pay just to have their pet’s photos taken?
- Do you have a lot of competition in your area? Since this is an extremely targeted niche market, you may have a more difficult time getting clients if there’s someone who has been there before you.
Have the proper equipment. While a simple point and shoot camera may work, having more professional camera equipment will definitely be a lot better. That said, you may need to invest in a single lens reflex camera with interchangeable lenses, a remote release device, an off camera flash and a tripod.
Have a studio, if your finances permit. A professional studio with the right atmosphere and a lot of props and backdrops is the most ideal setting for a pet photography business. However, if you’re still starting out and are quite strapped for cash, you can convert an area in your home into a studio. But no matter what you choose, make sure you keep your area clean. It will definitely work in your favor.
Promote your business like crazy. Have a sign printed on to your car to advertise your business. Have your business cards printed and pass them out on every chance you get. Leave them at all pet related businesses you can find – pet groomers, veterinary clinics, pet shops. Keep a portable portfolio (also known as a brag book) to show around. Take advantage of the internet in promoting your business. Ask satisfied clients to refer your services to their friends. There are a lot of ways by which you can spread the word out. All it takes is a little creativity and a lot of honest effort.
Establish a good relationship with your clients. Give your clients what they want and you can expect that they’ll be your clients for life. They will even refer you to their friends. So, talk to them before the actual shoot to know what they want you to capture on camera. Ask them if they want to pose with their beloved furry friends. A lot of pet owners would love that!
I always include my course at the bottom of these articles via this link so you can get underway with your own photography customers when you’re ready.
There’s no doubt about it – pet photography business can help you earn a very lucrative income by doing what you love best. Are you ready to give it a try?
