The Pet Photographers Club

The Pet Photographers Club
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The Pet Photographers Club

The FREE podcast for the global community of pet photographers. Join your host, Kirstie McConnell as she interviews professional pet photographers and other expert guests to help grow your business.

  1. 4 DAYS AGO

    Give generously and receive generously in return like Buffalo pet photographer Emily Allen

    Today’s guest gives back to her community and the result is huge- she even has her photos on beers cans! But until a couple of year ago she was shooting too much for too little and so she engaged a business coach to help her increase her annual profit. As part of that process, she as encouraged to dig deep into her why- and what she discovered lead her to implementing an incredibly beautiful and profitable project.  I’m talking about Emily Allen who has increased her average sale four fold by following the advice of Karinda K.  We discussed all that in members half of this interview- but in the first half, among other things, you’ll hear how and why Emily made the move into a shares studio space and how she keeps paying rent year round even though she doesn’t go in summer. As you can tell, we covered a lot in this interview, so no matter what stage of your business you’re in, there’s sure to be a take away for you.  WE COVERED What is Emily’s area like How sharing a studio works and why Emily opted to go that routeManaging client expectations when changing their booked outdoor session to in-studio due to weatherHow Emily’s clients find out about her How Emily’s photos ended up on beer cans- and how it helps her business!Justifying pricing IN THE MEMBERS-ONLY EXTENDED EPISODE How and why Emily increased her prices when her average was already $750 Working with a coachThe impact of increasing her sale by 4xWhat people buy, and what the cost of goods are Changes to Emily’s website to avoid phone calls - and if it’s helpedStorytelling: A Dog's Life, A Woman's Story Links in the show notes: https://thepetphotographersclub.com/podcast/1707

    19 min

  2. 3 JAN

    Getting paid to have other businesses market your pet photography - a golden strategy with Lisa Olsen

    Today’s guest fell into an incredible opportunity that she intelligently took full advantage of and has since replicated that with other partners. I’m talking about part-time pet photographer Lisa Olsen who sets up a photobooth at events held by other businesses, especially to gift their clients a free photo of their dogs- and, the businesses pay her to be there! While she’s there she’s made sure her process encourages the participants to book a full photoshoot with her, and from these events alone she is booking 80+ shoots a year and doesn’t need to do any other marketing to hit her goals. She shared the in’s and out’s for the members, as well as her pricing strategy, but in the free half you’ll catch a few tips about these events, as well as Lisa’s other photo types and join our discussion about mental health. WE COVERED Put them to work - pet parents Your website clearly defines the types of sessions you offer: Dog portraits, Puppy Portraits, Puppy Cakesmash, Mommy and me, Family Photos, Celebration of life and Holiday Theme! - Other than being listed on your website, are you actively advertising all these types of shoots at once?Which session type is bringing in the most clients, and importantly most revenue? What happens with the Mommy and me sessionsOne of the best ways I’ve gotten client referrals in 2024 has been doing Events with Pets. A business will hire me to be the dog photographer at their event. The business (such as dog groomers, pet sitter, dog trainers, realtors, vets…..) will do all the marketing to their current clients and potential clients to come to their event and receive one free photo from me. I’m usually the main attraction at the events so it’s been great for brand recognition and client  referrals, plus the business is paying me. This has also lead to doing business portraits with pet for those in the pet industry. How long Lisa is spending with her clients How Lisa ensures the dog is ready for the studio session with desensitization How photography helps Lisa’s mental health and how she balances that with running a profitable businessMaking lollipops as props  IN THE MEMBERS-ONLY EXTENDED EPISODE Events with Pets How Lisa got started with offering events for pets Package prices for the businessHow many dogs Lisa photographs at these events and how they work on the dayWhich industry makes the best business partners for events for petsHow much help does Lisa give the partners for marketing the events Why Lisa doesn’t take or sell additional photos at the events for the clients Your packages are digital based with a set number of images in each, and a small amount of print credit. With this structure, are you relying also on print sales, or is it more a bit of a bonus for you if they purchase something in print?What percentage of clients are using the print credit?How much extra do most people spend beyond their package?

    29 min

  3. 11/12/2024

    Rebranding after a decade of brand name recognition with Lindsay Baca

    Today’s guest has been in business for 12 years and tried a lot during that time. Last year she decided the risk was worth it and gave up her old business name along with the decade plus of brand recognition that came with it, and rebranded to better align her business with her personality and shooting style. I’m talking about Lindsay Baca who credits defining her style to great coaches at an international workshop. We chatted all about that, her journey in business including her recent rebrand. And for members, there’s a discussion about commercial work in there for you too. WE COVERED Lindsay’s journey over 12 years from make-up artist to full time pet photographer and everything in betweenThe impact of running multiple brands When Lindsay realised something needed to change for her businessWorking with coaches to find her style IN THE MEMBERS-ONLY EXTENDED EPISODE How Lindsay felt about losing her brand recognition when she rebranded The process of getting the new logo designedDo magazine ad’s bring clients The average spend of Lindsay’s private clientsHow many clients Lindsay has per monthWhy Lindsay is happy to refer out clientsThe type of commercial clients Lindsay works with and how they find herThe benefits of a model search database Shownotes here: https://thepetphotographersclub.com/podcast/1705

    21 min

  4. 30/11/2024

    Collaborating with ambassadors and diversification when moving to a rural area with Brookyln Coverdale

    There’s something for everyone in this interview with Australian equine photographer, Brooklyn Coverdale. She built a successful business in a short period by niching down in western event coverage and portraits- a speciality that wasn’t really being serviced by other photographers. Since moving to a small rural town, Brooklyn began diversifying her local offerings all while staying within her style and the western/farming world.   We dived into the ins and outs of all that in part one and for the members, you’ll hear how she uses ambassadors and why Brooklyn has stopped offering content creation even though it pays well- and what she’s doing instead.  WE COVERED Niching down as a strategic decision Western coverage & western portraits & ram and bull sales Diversifying genres changing locationHow ambassadors helped Brooklyn grow her audience  IN THE MEMBERS-ONLY EXTENDED EPISODE Ambassador searchThe big red flag when looking for ambassadorsThe agreement between photographer and ambassador How to know when to dissolve an agreement The bonus of working with ambassadors for your creativity Content Creation & Social Media Management How Brooklyn booked those first content creation jobs Breakdown of income  Show notes can be found at: https://thepetphotographersclub.com/podcast/1704

    22 min

  5. 15/11/2024

    How free publicity has shaped this pet photographers business with Belinda Richards

    I initially had just one question prepared for today’s guest, Belinda Richards, and it wasn’t anything to do with PR. Yet we just spent over half of this interview diving into why Belinda is putting most of her marketing energy into getting newspaper articles, blog posts and even a radio show segment! And let me tell you- the information she shared will make you go back to your client avatar, look at where they go for information and find a way to feature there. In the member’s half Belinda shared her top tips for getting free publicity and then we moved on to her approach for successful expos- which really had little to do with being there on the day. I took us well over time but I know you’ll be glad because the episode is full of so many great take aways, oh and eventually I did get to my one question- how and why Frog Dog studios is charging for pre-shoot consults? WE COVERED Why Belinda began entering awards and the impact on her businessClient trust- how do you make sure that your audience knows about the awardsWhy Belinda doesn’t work with a PR Agent SEO impact from the backlinks of the online publications Client demographic that comes from printed media Who is the client Belinda wants to work with nowHow far Frog Dog Studio’s clients travel for to work with Belinda IN THE MEMBERS-ONLY EXTENDED EPISODE Belinda’s top tips for getting PR - who to contact, how and what to sayThe marketing strategy that Belinda has pivoted away from, and whyHow Belinda approached expo’sA decision doesn’t have to be forever The story behind the studio shop frontCharging for pre-shoot consultationsBelinda’s conversion rate from consultation to booking Links in the show notes: https://thepetphotographersclub.com/podcast/1703

    25 min

  6. 02/11/2024

    Thinking like a business person for pet photography success

    Today’s guest has been in business for a long time- and you can tell. She is thinking outside the box with her marketing while also ensuring she has a layered approach to fill her calendar. I’m talking about Lisa Asp who beyond that, is heavily involved with PPA and ISAP so after chatting marketing she answered your questions about joining a photography association and the different awards and competitions that are out there. WE COVERED Lisa’s journey from the dream of being a painting major to shifting gears into photography How a rescue encouraged Lisa’s business to transition into pets from general portraitsHow Lisa uses social mediaMarketing a specialised studio versus a general portrait studio Thinking outside the box with passive marketing by partnering with a cafeHow putting yourself out there can lead to new clients and marketing partnershipsWhat is a professional photography association and why would you join IN THE MEMBERS-ONLY EXTENDED EPISODE How to find an association to join for professional photographersWhat's the deal with competitions and awards, and which should you enterHeadshots for houndsKnowing when to say no to fundraisers Show notes can be found here: https://thepetphotographersclub.com/podcast/1702

    26 min

  7. 20/10/2024

    Great communication, clear boundaries and firm policies make for a solid and profitable pet photography business for Jessica Wasik

    Do you groan every time you hear another coach or podcast guest talk about the importance of phone calls or pre-shoot consultations? Then this interview will be a breath of fresh air for you! Today’s guest, Jessica Wasik, is on track to hit a quarter of a million dollars in annual revenue- without phone calls for most of her 80+ bookings a year! She shared what she does instead and the importance of systems along with a whole lot of other insights. And if you’re a member, you’ll even hear my of my recent rookie mistake! WE COVERED Where Jessica’s clients come from each yearHow much are Jessica’s gift certificatesClient communication to ensure gift voucher clients spend Jessica’s booking fee, how much her clients spend and what they’re purchasing IN THE MEMBERS-ONLY EXTENDED EPISODE Booked out for the next two months - what does that meanNumber of sessions per monthGoal for next year How knowing your numbers helps mindset for assuming the saleThe real reason people don’t book Boundaries and policies that have made the biggest difference Kirstie’s recent rookie mistakeMarketing and selling vouchers What Jessica’s Black Friday sale includes and how she promotes itRainbow sessions Pre-purchase credit  Mentioned links can be found here: https://thepetphotographersclub.com/podcast/1701

    17 min

  8. 28/09/2024

    From burn out to happiness in doing all the things with Allira Fontana

    I initially reached out to today's guest to chat all about her Facebook group for pet parents, and we did get into the details of that but we also covered much more because today’s guest was a complete open book!  I’m talking about Allira Fontana and if you’re considering offering event photography for horse shows, the first part will certainly be of interest to you. Then we switched gears and chatted about that Facebook group- why she started it, how it grew and why Allira isn’t worried about losing clients with it.  If you’re a member- you’re really in for a treat, and maybe even a bit of a wake-up call. Allira shared the importance of understanding animal behaviour as a pet and equine photographer- and how she went about learning that, and then we got into her marketing strategies. If you’re looking at an empty calendar, hearing Allira list off her upcoming marketing calendar will be quite the eye-opener!  I don’t think I’ve ever had an interview with such variety so no matter what stage of business you’re in- be sure to tune in. We Covered: From Horse Events to Private Sessions Burnout from Horse EventsFulfillment from private sessionsHow Horse Events work financiallyRecognising what makes you happy and following thatRecognising burnout, taking a break and re-assessing Pricing for horse showsThe ultimate training ground for learning dog behaviourRelaunching the change in business model Why start a Facebook group with photo tips for pet-parentsDiversifying income  For members-only: The goal of the Facebook groupAre you losing your clients by teaching them?Certificate in animal behaviourWorking with a coachHow clients find Allira Fontana Photography todayWhat are people buying  Mentioned links can be found in the show notes: https://thepetphotographersclub.com/podcast/1612 ******** DIRECTORY UPDATE The new and improved Pet Photographers Directory is now live!  You can claim your free listing, or upgrade to a premium listing for extra backlinks to tell Google that you’re a trusted site so they improve your ranking. Find out more at https://www.petphotographersdirectory.com/

    33 min
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Trailers

4.5
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

The FREE podcast for the global community of pet photographers. Join your host, Kirstie McConnell as she interviews professional pet photographers and other expert guests to help grow your business.

Information

  • Creator
    The Pet Photographers Club
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2025
  • Episodes
    191
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Pet Photographers Club | 732703
  • Show Website
    The Pet Photographers Club

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