What a dream job, eh? Getting paid to snap photos of dogs.
If you want to earn your living through pet photography, you will have to be like most photographers and forge your own path. Freelancing offers many perks, but it also offers equal risks. People love their pets as much as they love themselves.
Granted, this isn't really true a hundred percent of the time, but mostly it is. There are even others who would print photobooks full of photos with only their dogs or cats in them.
One of which is that income is never guaranteed. However, your earning potential has no ceiling, it really is up to you as to how much or how little you want to make.
We’re giving away some pointers on how to become a professional pet photographer
Living in the digital age means that being a professional photographer is now easier and cheaper. Long gone are the days of dark rooms and tripods.
Although many photographers still favour the authenticity and grain of using film, aspiring photographers now have a cheaper way of getting the perfect picture.
The first pointer on how to become a professional pet photographer
When it comes to being a pet photographer, it is important to remember that you not only have to know your zoom from your tripod, but you have to be good with your subject, the dogs. Your first step should be to ensure that your equipment is good enough to meet the standards that your clientèle will demand.
This does not need to leave your wallet in a cold sweat begging for mercy, you can pick up a sufficiently good quality camera for less than $300.
Obviously, the more you spend, the more features and better image quality you will get, but none of that can replace the eye for a good photo and the talent to capture it.
Next pointer on how to become a dog photographer
There is a whole host of courses in photography available, including degree courses. Holding a degree does not prove a level of ability, but rather a level of attainment. However, combined honours courses can be formed to include other disciplines such as business management, digital graphics, animal care, or even Egyptology.
The key here is to make a combination that will complement your photography.
Another pointer on becoming a pet photographer
Many people pursue photography of dogs as a hobby, but earning a living from it requires huge dedication. To make the leap from an amateur to a professional photographer requires one thing above all others, a good, eye-catching portfolio. Your portfolio is your CV.
To create a good collection of your work, you need to take all available opportunities to capture worthwhile images. It is highly recommended that dog owners always keep their camera to hand, you never know when your dog will appear in a ‘never to be seen again’ pose.
You should present your portfolio in a way that shows clients you take great photographs and know dogs well enough to capture their pet’s charm. Using a clear background remover can polish your images, making those canine stars pop against clean backdrops.
It is worth spending a little time and maybe even money on getting your portfolio just right.
You need to display all of your skills and talent within the pages of your portfolio. Take time to ensure every base is covered. Get the portfolio professionally bound, this gives potential clients the impression that you take pride in your work.
The final pointer on how to become a professional pet photographer
Once you are taking commissions for your photography, it is essential to ensure that your images are to the liking of the client. Your client may be a dog owner who wants a personal memento of their pet. In which case you need to be able to capture a personality.
Experiment with props and locations that will stimulate the subject to be themselves. It is also important to know the habits of certain breeds, as this applies to understanding which breeds will get bored quickly, which breeds are likely to dart off at the sound of a shutter clicking.
It may be that your client is seeking images for commercial purposes; if so, the emphasis should be on getting a memorable, eye-catching image. It is important to be proficient in commercial photography as well as operating in more intimate surroundings, such as a person’s home.
Since you will be operating as a self-employed person,n you will need to organise your own taxes and national insurance contributions.
