 Joan Castillo |
Getting Started in Pet Photography How do you get started? I'm being told the best way to start is volunteer at pet adoption agencies, etc. I just noticed there's a huge pet adoption event taking place in a couple of weeks. I guess you could say I'm still building my portfolio, and haven't officially started as a business, so I need pointers as to how to go about this. If allowed, I was thinking of taking my camera and a portable printer to the event, and just taking pictures of people and their new pets for free - and putting a sticker with my name and contact info on the back. Any advice?
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Debby A. Tabb |
There is really no reason to do this as a volunteer. I do charity events all the time - pet events as well as children's events: I offer a percentage return. I set up a backdrop, bring props, my lighting, etc., as an on-site studio. I load all portraits onto my laptop for viewing (or print a proof sheet with my Epson picture maker). Then they pick their package, and I print. I usually give 3 packages. Anything that works with children will work with pets in most cases. Another thing I like to add is an extra sheet of wallet sizes made as business cards. These work great for any and all events. People may hand out or keep your business cards - but if they have a card to hand out to friends and nieghbors with their loved ones' picture on it - just think of how much excited they will be to hand it out. I do hope this helps.
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Jill Flynn |
Hi Joan. I do pet photography. You can check out my Web site and gallery for samples of my work. And yes volunteering at shelters is a good way to go. I would highly recommend you do that. You not only give back to the community and help animals, but you also make a lot of contacts, which in turn leads to jobs, Also, contact and work with local veterinarians. I display my prints with them and get a lot of business that way. But definitely look into volunteering. It is amazing how much you "get back" when you volunteer!
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Joan Castillo |
Hi Debby and Jill, I've thanked you guys "personally" but wanted to say thanks here as well. Well, don't forget I'm just starting out (and I will put up more photos when I get a chance) - so with a limited budget and still waiting on my new digital SLR, I'm thinking of either bringing the camera and a compact printer, or just using a Polaroid if I don't have my new camera by then. Thanks again for your input - any other advice you could provide would be great, as I am new at this.
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Debby A. Tabb |
Joan, why don't you take a look at the Epson Picture Mate. I love this thing, you can then print out a proff sheet for them to order off of. It has been found for at little as 25.00 to 40.00 I think you'll love the idea though. Good luck
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Joan Castillo |
Thanks again, Debby! I am looking at one of those "lunchbox" printers but I'm partial to Canon, so I may get a Selphy. This is just for "on-the-fly" pix. I am still thinking of ordering those CD's - I just have blown so much on camera/equip. and another course that I'm a little short on funds right now. I also forgot to mention, since I'm just starting out, that I have no studio equipment so if I do anything right now (especially on-location/outdoors) I'll be relying on natural light. At least, until I can get a backdrop and stand and simple lighting.
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Debby A. Tabb |
backdrops out of 25.00 drop clothes, from lowes or home depot. and with lighting PLEASE make sure you save for something decent( there is a comparision chart in the studio CD as well of 4 major companies) You can do pet photography with 1 light to start. here are examples of a one light sysytem- it just seems you need more as you add more subjects and humans. I hoep this helps, Debby
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