Digital Photography Business Tips | Helpful Techniques, Methods And Strategies For Starting A Photography Business

Whether you are wanting to get a treasured photo your own family pet or you would like to photograph pets as a part of your photography business, there are a few things you should know before you just show up with your camera and expecting award winning pet photos. Here are a five tips to help you get the photos you’re looking for.

Tip #1 – Patience

First and foremost we must realize that stunning photos of pets involve a lot of patience. Waiting for that right pose or expression that represents the character of the pet may take a little time. Sometimes we get lucky and it happens very quickly, then there are the other times when it feels like we will never get THE shot! It can be frustrating but extremely rewarding.

Tip # 2 – Shoot Often

Shooting continuously can accomplish a couple of things. First it gets the pet used to the sound of the camera, second it allows you to capture candid shots in between formal poses. You might be surprised at some of the images you captured when you review them.

Tip #3 – Use Different Angles

The eyes are the most important part of the photograph. The character and soul of the pet can be more dramatically captured by getting down to their eye level. Shooting down from above by standing on a chair or something solid can also product effective and unique photos. Be adventurous! Experimenting with different angles may also generate exceptional portraits. Remember, the eyes must be in perfect focus.

Tip # 4 – Toys & Treats

There tends to be some controversy on the use of pet toys and treats to stimulate the pet in order to make a more appealing shot. On the one hand, the toys and treats can help you get more intense and striking images but on the other hand, some animals will become over-stimulated and become difficult to work with. Talking with the owner and observing the animal under both circumstances before the shoot can help you decide whether or not to use the props.

Tip # 5 – Composition

We can get so busy trying to get that perfect expression or interesting shot that we forget what is around us and in the background. Make a visual check through the viewfinder to see if you are using the rules of good composition. Are you using your thirds? Is the background uncluttered? Does the background complement the subject?

For example; it may not be wise to shoot a black dog with a dark background. If you find your location is not working, move around to the other side or change locations completely. It can make the difference between an ordinary shot and a stunning portrait.

There are a lot of things to remember in a very short space of time when you are working with animals. Taking pet portraits is challenging to say the least but is extremely rewarding. Capturing for the owner the essence and character of their much loved family pet turns that stunning portrait into a priceless memory for them.

Happy shooting!

In this video I’ll show you the power of Using Digital Backgrounds And Props in your Photography Business. When you want to give your clients more options and not spend $1,000 of dollars…you need to use this powerful concept. The possibilities are endless and the beautiful thing is that you get to use them over and over again.

In this example I used our “Yesterday’s Wicker Scale Prop And Background Set” to show you how these can be used.

For more information about our Digital Backgrounds and Props visit the link below.

Clicke Here…To Visit NewPortraitBiz Digital Creations Club

As always…Leave your comments below.

You love animals and you love photography and people are always commenting on how wonderful your photos are. Could you possibly Start A Pet Photography Business, just because you have a passion? Of course, you can!

Most successful photographers have started their own businesses with very little experience and learned almost everything through trial and error. All you need is a little bit of talent, a desire to learn some of the technical stuff and a huge amount of passion and enthusiasm.

Tip #1 Start By Building A Portfolio

Take photos of animals every chance you get. If you don’t have your own pet models, then ask someone you know if you can photograph their pet. Tell them you are building your portfolio and that you will give them the photos in exchange for showing their pet in your portfolio. Most likely they will be flattered and you will be one step closer to getting paid clients.

Tip #2 Getting The Shot

Some of the best photographs of animals are the ones that are natural and spontaneous. The more time you spend practicing with animals, you will start developing a connection that will show in your photographs. Animals know if a person is genuine and they will become more at ease and trusting if they know they are liked.

Tip #3 You Don’t Need A Studio

Now, you may be wondering if you need a photography studio or if you can be an on-location photographer. Many pet photographers do not have a portrait studio and still get great results. If you want a studio, a small set up area in your home is all you would need. Animals are usually most comfortable in their own surroundings, therefore producing the most natural photographs. So, be prepared to do some traveling.

Tip #4 Get The Word Out

Remember to find a wide variety of animals to photograph. Start showing your portfolio around town, leave business cards at pet groomers, veterinarians, and other pet related businesses. As your business develops, your name will travel quickly by word of mouth.

Final Thoughts:

Starting  A Pet Photography Business can be a profitable, enjoyable and exciting career. As a pet photographer, you can choose your own work hours and clients and enjoy the freedoms that come from owning your own business. Pursue your passion, get started on your pet photography business and enjoy the rewards of being your own boss!

Happy Shooting!

I received this email from Debbie and I wanted to share it with everyone. I think it’s very important to realize that most people have some kind of fears and struggles in life, but the ones that constantly Take Action…will succeed.

I’m not sharing this to brag, just to allow you to see that you’re not alone and everyone experiences some kind of challenges through their journey.

I want you to read this and be inspired for this upcoming year and make the decision Today, that you can do this.

Here’s what Debbie wrote to us on  Christmas day.

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Hi Scott

Luv & hugs to you all!
Debbie

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I hope you feel inspired after reading that and see that it takes, passion, desire and a commitment to yourself and your dreams.

Keep focused!

Scott

How to use the “Limited Offer” in your Photography Business Marketing.

You can be the best photographer in the world, but if your marketing stinks, you’re pretty much out of business. You need to constantly focus on testing and improving your marketing forever.

I want to show you a very effective technique that small businesses don’t often use. This can be done over and over again creating a snowball effect that will continue to grow for years.

Using Limited Sessions Or Limited Time Offers

When using these limits in your photography business, it will create what we call (Scarcity) in the marketing world. This will help get people to Take Action and schedule their appointment or buy those extra prints for more profits.

This has been practiced by every successful business and it works. Why is “Black Friday” the biggest shopping day of the year? Because we’ve been trained through marketing that it’s the biggest shopping day.

Why can a store offer these special prices from 5AM until 10AM? They create the specials and remove them at 10AM. The specials don’t just disappear, they are removed by the company that created them. They make up the rules.

So now you might be asking ” How can you add this to your photography business marketing”?

Here’s one example that will show you the potential.

Offer a special theme day for your studio that you’re only having on a certain weekend. Your studio has 15 limited spots available for this special weekend and once they’re gone…they’re gone.

You should start advertising this at least 30 days before the event, so you can build up the excitement and sell out your 15 spots.

The most effective way to market this strategy is through email marketing. This way you can send out the announcement 30 days before the event. Then you should email again 2 times per week letting everyone know about the event. Most importantly, you want to email them when and if it Sells Out.

This is very important because now you’re training your prospects and customers for the next event. If they waited until the last minute for this event and then were  told it was sold out, they’ll call earlier next time.

You will find that the more events you have like this that sell out, the faster you will book up at the next event. Remember, your training your list just like we’ve been trained about Black Friday.

I want to finish by saying that you always want to be honest and upfront and give a reason why it’s limited. In this case, you can only take 15 appointments in 2 days. They are spaced 1 hour apart for their convenience and because you like to allow plenty of studio time for each client’s sitting.

Be creative and learn to love marketing your photography business and the rewards will be endless.

Happy Shooting!