Crazy, but I am seriously thinking....

[Bonhomme Richard]

about starting a pet photography business. Has anyone here started a photography business? Suggestions?

[GentryDixon]

1. No skills myself, but a DU member

who happens to be my sister had her own photog business.

As much as people love their critters, I would think it would have a good chance to be successful.

[ManiacJoe]

2. 90% business, 10% photography.

At least, that is what everyone in the photography business keeps saying.

Having a day job with the photo biz on the side is a much different thing than trying to live off a photo biz.

[Sherman A1]

3. Agreed

That is the case of turning any hobby into a business.

[Bonhomme Richard]

4. I have been running my own manufacturing business for

12 years so I am looking at this with a clear business mind. I spoke with my accountant and I can run it through my existing business which also accepts credit cards. I already have the facility and overhead so there is little new expense except photo equipment. I already have a decent start with the photo equipment using my Nikon d-300 and assorted lenses. Lighting I would need but I may have a line on a guy that retired.

[ManiacJoe]

5. In that case you are well ahead of the normal hobbyist.

Sounds like the only thing you need to worry about is how much marketing you need to do for the photography side of things.

[Bonhomme Richard]

7. I am about to start a business plan for......

the venture so I will be looking at all the options. I am also a working musician so I have a pretty large network of people to help promote the business in addition to working the vets, dog shelters etc.
The real question is whether I am talented enough.

[Bonhomme Richard]

6. I was thinking about working two niche markets.

I was going to offer pet photography preferably in a natural environment and also, what I will call, outdoor lifestyle photography. That would be taking photos pf people doing what they enjoy doing. In Essence documenting them doing what they enjoy the most. Whether it's fishing, kayaking, golfing, hunting, sailing, etc. I have done all of that and more so I know enough about what they are doing to be able to stay out of their way and still capture the moment for them.
I haven't heard of anyone doing such a thing.

[Stevenmarc]

10. The personal vacation photographer

Is an upcoming niche market

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304708604577504612972076008.html?mod=googlenews_wsj#project%3DSLIDESHOW08%26s%3DSB10001424052702304299704577505210221672128%26articleTabs%3Darticle

[Bonhomme Richard]

12. That's interesting. Maybe I am on to something.

I like the idea of outdoor adventure photography and hitting up local Hotels, B&B's and outfitters wouldn't be such a bad marketing idea. I could even offer a commision for each booking. Hmmmm!
Thanks.

[Stevenmarc]

8. The big question is

What's the market for pet photography in your area? Sure people love pictures of their pets but are they willing to open their wallets for one.

A bit of market research would be my first step, personally I would mount some sort of brick and mortar exhibition along with a website and get some feedback.

[Bonhomme Richard]

9. No one around here specializes in it.

The pros have it listed but I get the impression more along the lines of formal portrait. The area I live in is quite wealthy with many actors and what we call New Yorkers have weekend homes. I still need to do real market research.

[Celebration]

13. This sounds like a really fun idea!

I photographed my grandson's birthday party the other day, and had a ball. The photos turned out surprisingly well, since it was in one of those party places with not much light. I might even post a photo or two from it.

I never want to do weddings, but candids at birthday parties? Heck yeah. The parents do have cameras but they are busy doing other things, attending to guests, setting the tables, etc. So those parties are hit or miss.

Anyway, I approve of the "niche" photography business. If it isn't, you'll do weddings. That could be lucrative of course, but weddings don't appeal to me..............only birthday parties. But dogs outside sounds wonderful.

[Bonhomme Richard]

14. I agree about weddings.

It's not my bag, even my band doesn't do weddings, LOL.
The formal stuff doesn't appeal and frankly I'm not anywhere near good enough but outdoor candid stuff I like and I think working with pets would be fun.
I think the risk are minimal and I really don't have anything to lose giving it a shot.
Thanks for the reply

[Celebration]

18. yep, I ONLY do candids

Very, very rarely I ask someone to look at the camera.

Go for it!! Let us know how it goes.

Edited to add: One thing you might try is going to some of those doggie parks, and taking practice photos, and throw out your card to the owners. You could get some business, or you might just have fun and develop a portfolio.

[Bonhomme Richard]

19. LOL, as you see in the picture above.....

I'm not above staging the scene.

[Celebration]

20. your dog didn't order a martini?

Who would have guessed.............

[a la izquierda]

15. That's a Viszla, no?

We have one mixed with boxer. He's nuts.

[Bonhomme Richard]

16. No. He's actually a fox red lab

We get asked about Viszla and Rhodesian ridgeback all the time.

[a la izquierda]

17. Handsome!