Pet Photography?

[lipswristsfingertips]

Hello, everyone!

I'm sure there are tons of these kinds of posts all the time, but I would like to put myself out there anyway and ask your feelings on this. Who better to ask than people who are already earning in the photography business and who know our craft?

I am considering starting a pet photography business, but I'm very nervous about whether or not I can "make it", once I take that step. Can I be a "professional" photographer, with little to no formal training? (I did read Jim Bryant's post "Want to make $$$$! Educate yourself first".) I have considerable business background, being a soon-to-graduate Business Management major, so I know how to approach those aspects. My concern is whether or not my photographic skills are professional quality. Also, how in the world do you begin to get the word out? I have taken many pictures for friends and family, but I've never charged...Will people want my service?

So, my question is three-fold; 1) Are my photographs/portfolio materials good enough? If not, is there a way that I can improve in some area? 2) How do I shift from doing favors for family and friends to actually building a client base of people I don't know? 3) Do you, personally, feel that there is a demand for photography of this sort?

The following link has the photographs that I would likely use in a portfolio. I have yet to find a site that I really like for hosting my portfolio and business dealings so suggestions in that arena would be helpful as well Thank you so much! I deeply appreciate your input and advice.

Great and Small Pet Photography

[sgeary]

You have some great shots. I think in the right market there could be a huge demand for pictures like these. They have such a candid quality to thme. They are not the usual set up and take a picture type. I think if you make yourself a unique niche like that you could do quite well..

[i speak in math]

Originally Posted by lipswristsfingertips

So, my question is three-fold; 1) Are my photographs/portfolio materials good enough? If not, is there a way that I can improve in some area? 2) How do I shift from doing favors for family and friends to actually building a client base of people I don't know? 3) Do you, personally, feel that there is a demand for photography of this sort?

While your colors are nice, focus is spot on and images are nice and sharp, I feel like the compositions are lacking. Many of them look like snapshots that anyone can take. If that is what the client is looking for, then great. But, what are you offering the client that they can't do themselves? You can shift from family/friends to clients by advertising; by word of mouth or paid ads and such. Have clients tell their friends and show off their pictures. That will (hopefully) get more customers coming in. I always like to ask myself, what can I do for the client that no one else can? That's what I tell a potential client. That's why they should come to me for pictures. So, what are you going to do for them?

[lipswristsfingertips]

@sgeary, thank you!

@i speak in math, thank you for your advice and critique Do you have any suggestions as to how I could improve my composition? Links to websites that are good reads on the subject? Books that would be helpful? Thanks!

[lipswristsfingertips]

Any other comments/critiques of my potential portfolio work?

[CiiVii]

Try comparing the work in your portfolio to other pet photographers- specifically the successful ones. The pet photographers I really like do more than just take closeup portrait shots. Some put them in compositions with their human family but with the pet as the focus, some pose them artificially in an environment that makes you think they are people, etc. There are a few people out there with great ideas that you can spin off of or that might get you thinking how to show the way you see pets or the way people want to see their pets.

[Jim Poor]

FIrst a short reply so that I can remember to come back and reply in more depth.

You don't need a formal education in photography, though it may not hurt. Business education, which you seem to have, is more important.

I took a quick look through the thread and will try to make some image by image comments in a bit. There are some gems in there, but there are also a lot that should be tossed.

Try looking up Zack Arias. He has a whole section of critiques on his blog and goes pretty in depth into what should / should not be in a portfolio.

[GadgetRick]

First thing I'd do is look at what other, established, pet photogs are doing. You can pick up composition ideas from them.

Second, the shots seem to be exposed properly but they're lacking any, "pop," if you know what I mean. Someone mentioned they're similar to snapshots. I wouldn't quite go that far but it's (at least) somewhat how I feel. Look into how to improve them via pp techniques. Lots of things to help make them look better.

Do that, and pick up composition tips and you should be ok with your abilities.

One thing I've been trying to do is develop my own style and I don't want it to be what EVERYONE else is doing. Try different things. You never know, they may work better than you thought and it'll be another reason someone would hire you as they'd know they can't get what you can.

[Jim Poor]

Based off of your other thread:

Sorsha, the greyhound- Nice moody shot with a lovely feeling to it.

Izzie, the AHT, Underexposed by a lot, and unless you are using some sort of rosy background, the white balance is off. Shadow can be used to create mood, like in the Sorsha image, but this isn't the way to do it.

Maisie, This is a snap shot. Looks like someone had a camera in hand and thought "oh, cute dog," and went "click." The transition from one floor covering to another is bad enough, but that it cuts right through the center of the dog is really bad.

Molly the Lab mix. Nice, soft, moody. If I were to change anything, it would be to tone down the green, but I like it as is just fine.

Bo, the lab. Nice, but a touch dark. The snow streak across the nose is unfortunate, the streaks on the chest add to the mood.

Tessa, the Golden. Cute, but dark on the viewer's lower right. Nice to include in a group of proofs, but not a portfolio image.

Morty, the cat. Very nice. A bit more DOF to get both eyes in focus would be an interesting touch, but I like it as presented.

Jinx, the Python. Needs a bit of fill as the snakes left side is too deep in shadow.

Jiggy the lab. Eh, snapshot, but cute enough. I'd include it in proofs from a session, but not in a portfolio.

Toby, the Husky. Really nice. Some might like to see a bit of separation between the head and the background. A hair-light would accomplish this.

Paisley, the Boxer/Lab. Snap shot. Cute puppy. Watch for cutting off the feet!

Dakota. I'd actually like to see a little LESS light on the right. Your blacks are going grey a bit too much.

Second Dakota, There is a color cast to this one, the dog needs a bit more room to look into. Nice "thoughtful" expression though.

Bo playing Tug, Could have been really nice with a bit more DOF to show the rope a bit clearer as well as some fill light from the left.

Quail. Love it. You could sharpen up the eye just a touch though.

Milo, Nice perspective. Not sure if you tried to tint this one, but it looks like a strong color cast.

Hope this helps a bit.

[lipswristsfingertips]

I'm on my way out the door, but I wanted to post a quick reply...I'll answer some individually later.

Thank you so much, everyone. This is exactly what I need and is so immensely helpful Keep it coming, if there are any others who have input to add!