"Say Cheese!"  Pet Photography

For people who treat pets like children, having nice photos of their four-legged family members is a no-brainer.  Such photographs are often prominently displayed.  But it's NOT easy (or accepted) to bring a dog or cat to a typical photography studio, which is where YOU come in.

What a Pet Photography Business Involves:
You'll be taking photos of pets, digital as well as traditional.  It helps to have your own studio (or access to one - you can rent them), but taking photos at your client's home or in public places like dog parks is faster and cheaper.

Knowledge or Skills Required:
You'll need a professional (35mm) camera and appropriate lighting, as well as the skills and experience to use them properly (you can often take photography courses inexpensively at community colleges).  You'll need a place to develop prints or a larger facility to use for that task.  If you use a digital camera, too, you'll also need a high-quality color printer.

And yes, you'll need patience and a love of animals.  Having photos taken, especially in unfamiliar surroundings, can make pets very nervous.  If you get upset or impatient it will only make matters worse.

Advantages: