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If you love pets and love people, then
you can’t get better than starting your own
pet photography business. This type of
business did not exist a few decades ago as
many people felt it was frivolous. However,
people have more money to spend these days
and that means they spend it on things they
want, not need. One thing many pet owners
want is a photo of their special pal, and
that is where you come in. Operating a pet
photography business can be a lot of fun
because every day is spent with people and
their pets. You will meet new people, make
new friends and help create a special memory
for pet owners that will last forever.
The Concept
People treat their pets like children, and
they want photos of them, so why not provide
it? Most pet owners are not allowed to bring
their cat or dog into a photography studio,
and they are going to look for someone who
can take the photos of the pets they love.
As the owner of a pet photography business,
you will either have a studio outside your
home, in your home or simply at the home of
your client’s. You can also take photos of
the dogs and cats in parks and outdoor
settings. In reality, it is completely up to
your clients. Giving them the ability to
choose will give you good customer
satisfaction.
With a good camera, proper lighting, some
photography software and a high quality
printer, you will be able to provide the
photographs that pet owners will treasure
for years to come. For many, nothing is more
important than their pets, and you are
providing them with the memories they will
hold for the rest of their lives.
Startup Costs
Startup costs in this job can vary greatly.
If you decide to rent your own studio, then
you are going to be paying a few hundreds
dollars a month. If you decide to have the
studio in your home, you will need to spend
a few hundred initially for the right
lighting equipment, backgrounds, etc, but
that is it. If you choose to only limit
yourself to taking pictures at the homes of
client’s or outdoors, which is not a good
idea, then you will pay nothing except for
some lighting fixtures.
You will need three essential tools for your
career as a professional pet photographer.
You will need an excellent digital camera
($1,000 to $3,000), a high end color printer
($1,000 or more) and a high-end computer
with photography software ($5,000 or more).
How to Market It
Marketing your pet photography business
comes in two different avenues. First,
advertise in the paper. There will be plenty
of people who will want your services and
putting yourself in the paper is an
excellent way to let them know you are out
there. Second, advertise in pet stores and
vet offices. Wherever people take their
pets, you want your posters and brochures to
be sitting there.
Also, try and get into a partnership with
the animal shelter and animal rescue
agencies. By sponsoring events, providing
pet pictures with Santa and more, you will
help get your business name out there, while
providing support for some great causes.