If there is anything that can be said about pets it would be just how important they are within the family. Dogs and cats are often referred to as ‘fur babies’ and that just gives you a clue as to their role in family life. However, you will find that people have an odd assortment of pets including such animals as horses, potbellied pigs, birds, cows, sheep, alpacas and almost anything that lives and breathes. Knowing just how precious these critters are to their human families, you just might want to take your talent as a photographer to opena pet photography business. Do you need a little help? Here are some tips to get you started.
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1. Choose the Kind of Animals You Are Comfortable With
You may not have a preference as to exactly what kind of animals you are comfortable shooting, with a camera that is, but if there are some species you’d prefer not to deal with, make note of that on yourmarketing. Most often people will hire photographers for dogs and cats because these tend to live in the home and are easier to consider as one of the kids. However, if you really don’t have a preference, then keep your service open to anyone who wants to book a photo shoot with you, at your studio or in their home.
2. Have the Equipment You Will Need on Hand
As a photographer you will obviously have the cameras, lenses, lights, backdrops and other equipment you will need to shoot the pictures but there is other equipment to consider as well. Some photographers like to bring a laptop with a state-of-the-art GPU to a gig because some customers want to view the photos right then and there. Check out the latest generation of laptops on lenovo.com to get an idea of which models will have the capabilities you need.
3. Market Your Pet Photography Service
There are a number of ways to market your new pet photography service, but you may want to start with a simple webpage so that you can showcase photos you have taken. Along with a website you will definitely need one or more social media profiles so that you can build a following that way. If you aren’t familiar with just how easy it is to build a website with WordPress, there are marketing services out there that can help you get up and running.
4. Elicit Customer Reviews
Most of your clients will be thrilled to have you post photos of their beloved fur babies on your pet photography website. When you get permission to post those cute little pets on your site, ask if they would be willing to write a quick review or comment to help you grow your business. You can always offer a future discount for any customers who are willing to write a quick comment. You know that people love discounts, so this will serve two purposes. You will not only get those reviews, but you will be attracting return business as well.
If you are already an experienced photographer with an affinity for pets, this might be the ideal business for you. It isn’t as difficult to get started as many are, so within a very short time, you should have the jobs you need to get you off to a roaring start – no pun intended.