The Pet Photographers' Journal

Ina J Photography
  • 5.0 (3)
  • VISUAL ARTS

Welcome to The Pet Photographers' Journal, a practical and unfiltered podcast for talented pet photographers ready to build a business with more purpose, passion, and profitability. I’m Ina J, a pet photographer who turned my side hustle into my full-time career. In this podcast, I share exactly what I’ve learned and actually applied in my own business. We talk about pricing, mindset, marketing, client experience, and sales, without feeling pushy. Some lessons I picked up from others but I always tweak things to work for me and I’ll tell you how you can too. I overshare sometimes but in the best way possible because I believe in learning from real-life experiences not just theory. Whether you’re just starting or scaling to five-figure sales this show is your behind-the-scenes guide to pet photography business success.

  1. 3D AGO

    Email Marketing, AI & Visibility: How Pet Photographers Can Stand Out in a Noisy Market with Tarryn Michie

    Marketing can feel overwhelming. Email lists. Social media. SEO. AI. PR. Sub-niching. Ads. Reviews. If you’re a pet photographer wondering where to actually focus your energy, this episode brings clarity. Ina is joined by Tarryn Michie, co-founder of Pet Biz Creatives, a pet-industry marketing agency that partners with ethical, purpose-driven pet brands to help them grow sustainably without burnout. With a background in investment banking, naturopathy, and strategic marketing, Tarryn blends data-driven strategy with meaningful storytelling to help pet businesses get visible and convert. While Tarryn works heavily with pet product brands, the strategies she shares are incredibly relevant for service-based businesses like pet photography, especially when it comes to email marketing, trust-building, and future-proofing your visibility. In This Episode, We Cover:📩 Why email marketing is still one of the highest ROI tools available The real reason you shouldn’t rely on social media aloneWhy inbox fatigue is often just a mindset blockHow often you should email (and what to actually send)What to do if your email list has gone dormantHow to set up a simple welcome sequence that builds trust 🎯 Sub-niching to increase conversions Why speaking to “all pet parents” weakens your messageHow narrowing your audience actually grows your businessExamples of powerful sub-niches for pet photographers 🤝 Case studies, testimonials & reducing buyer anxiety Why pet parents hesitate before bookingHow sharing real client experiences removes fearA simple way to guide clients when asking for reviews 🚀 Getting visible beyond social media Practical ways to approach PR (even without a big budget)How to leverage awards, media mentions, and podcastsWhy backlinks and third-party credibility matter more than ever 🤖 AI, SEO & being found in the future What AEO/GEO really meansHow AI tools decide who to recommendWhy blogs, FAQs, and structured website content still matterHow to position yourself as a trusted authority online 🧠 The mindset piece Imposter syndrome in businessWhy comparison kills momentumspan class="ql-ui"...

    1h 4m

  2. FEB 9

    From Overwhelmed with Marketing to Fully Booked for Spring with Sharon Canovas

    Do you feel like your marketing is scattered or your marketing reactively instead of proactively? Are you posting on social media just to "post something," hoping it leads to a booking? In this special episode, I’m sitting down with Sharon Canovas, a talented pet and family photographer based in Ontario (and a professional stuntwoman!). Sharon joined my Consistent Bookings Workshop because she was tired of the being overwhelmed with marketing and wanted a clear path forward. We dive deep into how she went from random social media posts to mapping out her entire year of marketing in advance. Sharon shares exactly how implementing a proper marketing strategy took her from uncertainty to being fully booked for the entire Spring season for the first time ever. If you think you don't have time to market your business, you need to hear this. Sharon balances her photography business while working 15-hour days on film sets doing stunts and she still made it happen. In this episode, we cover: The shift from "Scattered" to Strategic: How Sharon stopped posting random "cute dog" photos and started posting with a purpose.Planning 12 Months Out: How mapping out the year eliminated her anxiety about "what to do next".The Power of AI Tools: How Sharon uses the tools from the workshop to brainstorm social media posts and emails in her dogs' voices, saving her hours of work.Passive vs. Active Marketing: Why relying on social media alone isn't enough and how Sharon used pop-up events to drive leads.The "Walk the Talk" Difference: Why it matters to learn from an educator who is still actively shooting and testing strategies in the trenches. Memorable Quote: "I took December off... I just sat down and planned everything out. So now I'm posting on social media with purpose... My Spring is fully booked. It's the first time that this is happening in my business." — Sharon Canovas Connect with Sharon: Sharon is a Hamilton Pet Photographer serving the Hamilton region in Ontario. Sharon balances her work in pet photography with her work as a stuntwoman and stunt coordinator. Since starting her business, she is most proud of having been voted Giggster Top 5 Best Pet Photographer from Hamilton, Ontario and has Won Platinum Award by Hamilton Spectator, Reader's Choice. Additionally, she's a certified pet grief specialist through One Last Network, equipped to better serve her clients in challenging times with End Of Life Pet Photography. Website: https://canovasphotography.com/Instagram: @scanovasphotographyFacebook: Canovas Photographyspan class="ql-ui"...

    44 min

  3. FEB 2

    How to Transform Your Pet Photography Client Experience with Colie James

    Feeling overwhelmed by scattered systems, lost inquiries, and clients who ghost before booking? You're not alone. In this episode, systems strategist Colie James breaks down exactly how to build a client experience that runs on autopilot while still feeling personal and professional. Colie is a Dubsado Certified Specialist, HoneyBook Educator, and the host of Business-First Creatives podcast. After spending 12 years as a family photographer, she discovered her passion for helping creative service providers streamline their businesses through automated systems and workflows. In this comprehensive conversation, we cover the entire journey of building client experience systems that actually work. From deciding when to invest in your first CRM to creating automated workflows that still feel personal, Colie breaks down the exact strategies she's used to help hundreds of photographers book more clients while working less. We dive into the nitty-gritty: which CRM to choose and why, the three microsystems you need to build first, how to create a booking process that converts in minutes instead of days, and the secret to writing client emails that build trust instead of confusion. Colie also shares her 3 P's framework for client communication and explains the "confidence loop" and why keeping clients informed at every step is the key to preventing ghosting and increasing bookings. If you've ever felt like you're drowning in admin work, losing track of where clients are in your process, or watching potential bookings slip away because your systems are too complicated, this episode will give you a clear action plan to fix it. Whether you're just starting out or you've been photographing for years with messy backend systems, you'll walk away knowing exactly what to implement first and how to build a client experience that books itself. Key Takeaways:When to Invest in a CRM The moment you can afford $40/month and have worked with about 5 clients, you should startWhy building systems early prevents overwhelm as your business growsThe hidden cost of scattered information across multiple platforms Choosing the Right CRM Colie's top two recommendations: Dubsado and HoneyBook for photographersHow to decide between platforms based on your business needsWhy starting with something is better than waiting for the "perfect" choice The 5-Minute Booking Process Why making it easy for clients to book quickly dramatically increases conversion ratesThe three essential components: service selection, contract signing, and paymentReal results: clients reporting their fastest bookings ever after implementing this system The Three Essential Microsystems Instant inquiry response: What to include and why it mattersBooking proposal: How to present your offer in a way that builds confidenceConfirmation email: Setting expectations and creating...

    1 hr

  4. JAN 25

    Why Knowing What to Do Still Isn’t Getting You Booked

    If you feel like you know what you should be doing in your business...but your calendar is still empty, this episode is for you. In this solo episode, I speaks directly to one of the most common and frustrating patterns I see after coaching pet photographers. You’re not lacking information. You’re stuck between knowing and doing. Between consuming content and seeing results. Between trying “all the things” and still feeling like nothing sticks. I share real conversations from inside my community, reflections from my own journey building my business while working full time, and the uncomfortable truth about the hidden cost of staying stuck. This isn’t about finding a magic strategy. It’s about building a system you can actually follow. If you’ve been stuck consuming content, second guessing yourself, or hoping something will finally click, this episode is your wake up call. You don’t need more information. You need a plan you’ll actually implement. Join the Consistent Bookings WorkshopWHAT'S INSIDE THE WORKSHOP: Workshop 1 (29 Jan): The Foundation We'll identify your ideal client, craft messaging that attracts them, Workshop 2 (5 Feb): The Marketing Pillars Strategic Campaign Planning, pillars and identify which suits your business best Workshop 3 (12 Feb): The System Learn to map out your next 90 days of marketing priorities Plus you get: • Ideal Client Clarity Toolkit with custom ChatGPT bot • Brand Compass Custom GPT for writing in your voice • 12-Month Marketing Calendar Template • 3 Weeks Voxer Access (6 weeks if you join before 9am tomorrow) • Pre-Workshop Prep Kit • Private community access • 30-day money-back guarantee INVESTMENT: $529 USD or $790 AUD Payment plans available: 3 payments of $210 USD or 3 payments of $314 AUD SIGN UP NOW 💬 Join the Pet Photographers’ CollectiveIf you want to sign up for the workshop, join the Pet Photographers' collective, it’s a free community for pet photographers who want to build a profitable, sustainable business with less overwhelm. Inside, Ina shares: Practical marketing tipsBusiness lessons and mindset shiftsFree resources to help you grow Connect with other photographers who get it and start creating a business that truly supports your life, not consumes it. Join here → https://www.skool.com/pet-photographers-collective-3125/about?ref=9c7b56d2963f48a791297a43a29109e1 ✨ Want to Be Coached Live?Interested in being featured on a future coaching episode? ⁠Apply here⁠ 📲 Connect with InaInstagram: @inaj.thepetphotoceo Email: ina@inajphotography.com Mentoring & Coaching for Pet Photographers: Learn More

    17 min

  5. JAN 19

    The Behind the Scenes Nobody Talks About: Pricing, Outsourcing, Health, and Being a Pet Photographer

    What do you do when you've been in business for 13 years, you can take beautiful photos, but you just can't seem to get the clients? Do you give up, or do you get help? In this honest and vulnerable episode, Sydney-based dog and equine photographer Allira Fontana shares her journey from event photography burnout to building a sustainable private session business. Allira opens up about the moment she nearly threw in the towel, the game-changing decision to invest in business coaching with Mark Rossetto, and why the old "do free sessions for a few months" approach simply doesn't work anymore. If you've ever felt stuck in your business, struggled with marketing, or questioned whether you should keep going, this episode is for you. In This Episode, You'll Learn: How to know when it's time to invest in business coaching (and how to find the right coach for you)Why marketing was the missing piece in Allira's business puzzleThe importance of finding accountability partners in your photography journeyHow to navigate burnout without giving up on your dreamWhy it's okay to pivot, pause, or change direction in your businessThe real timeline for building a profitable pet photography business (spoiler: it's not 3 months) About Allira Fontana: Allira Fontana is a Sydney-based dog and equine photographer with almost 13 years of experience in the industry. After starting with event photography and experiencing significant burnout, Allira pivoted to private sessions and invested in business coaching that transformed her approach to marketing and client acquisition. She's passionate about supporting other photographers on their journey and is an accountability partner to Ina. 🔗 Connect with AlliraInstagram: @allirafontanaphotography Website: https://www.allirafontana.com/ Allira's Social Media Pet Photographers Facebook Group Join the Consistent Bookings WorkshopWHAT'S INSIDE THE WORKSHOP: Workshop 1 (29 Jan): The Foundation We'll identify your ideal client, craft messaging that attracts them, Workshop 2 (5 Feb): The Marketing Pillars Strategic Campaign Planning, pillars and identify which suits your business best Workshop 3 (12 Feb): The System Learn to map out your next 90 days of marketing priorities Plus you get: • Ideal Client Clarity Toolkit with custom ChatGPT bot • Brand Compass Custom GPT for writing in your voice • 12-Month Marketing Calendar Template • 3 Weeks Voxer Access (6 weeks if you join before 9am tomorrow) • Pre-Workshop Prep Kit • Private community access • 30-day money-back guarantee INVESTMENT: $529 USD or $790 AUD Payment plans available: 3 payments of $210 USD or 3 payments of $314 AUD SIGN UP NOW 💬 a...

    1h 13m

  6. JAN 12

    Why Your Marketing Isn’t Converting (And What Actually Does) with Tatum Brown from The Social Dog Company

    What actually makes a pet photography business sustainable long term? In this episode, Ina sits down with Tatum from The Social Dog Company for a raw, honest conversation about what it really takes to build a profitable pet business without burning out or relying on paid ads. Tatum shares her journey from running dog-friendly events and rescue fundraisers to rebuilding her business from absolute rock bottom and growing a multi six-figure marketing company serving pet businesses around the world. This isn’t a highlight reel. It’s a real look at resilience, business models, and the unglamorous work that actually moves the needle. Together, they unpack why so many talented photographers struggle to book clients, why “just posting on Instagram” isn’t a strategy, and how simplifying your offer and messaging can completely change how people respond to your business. This episode is a must-listen if you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed by marketing, or frustrated that your work isn’t translating into consistent bookings. 💡 In this episode, we talk about:Why incredible photography alone doesn’t build a successful businessThe biggest mistake pet photographers make with marketingWhy organic marketing foundations matter before running adsHow to stop confusing potential clients with too many offersWhat “hustle” actually means in the early stages of businessWhy going viral doesn’t always help your businessHow to attract the right clients instead of more followersThe difference between awareness, consideration, and conversionWhy email marketing still outperforms social media for salesHow to think like a business owner, not just a creative 🛠️ Practical takeaways you can apply straight away:Simplify your offers and sell one core service clearlyUse stories to sell through pain point, solution, and outcomeStop waiting until everything feels perfect before putting yourself out thereFocus on consistent action instead of chasing quick winsBuild marketing systems that support your life, not consume it 🔗 Connect with TatumInstagram: @thesocialdogcompany Website: https://www.thesocialdogcompany.com Tatum also offers free social media audit and regularly runs practical social media challenges for pet business owners who want better visibility and clearer messaging. 💬 a...

    59 min

  7. JAN 5

    A New Season, A Clearer Focus: How I’m Approaching 2026

    Welcome to Season Two:A New Season, A Clearer Focus: How I’m Approaching 2026Season Two of The Pet Photographers’ Journal is officially here. In this solo episode, Ina kicks off 2026 with a grounded, honest reset for pet photographers who want more clarity, more momentum, and a business that actually supports their life. Ina shares what she’s seeing across the industry, what the data is telling us, and where photographers should focus their energy this year. This isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing what works. If 2025 felt noisy, overwhelming, or unpredictable, this episode will help you cut through the chaos and start the year with intention. 🧭 Inside this episode, we cover:The state of the photography industry heading into 2026 Why the technical side of photography is easier than everWhy the business side feels harder and noisierWhat industry reports are revealing about revenue, client behaviour, and sustainability How to actually win in 2026 Why connection and client experience matter more than gear or trendsWhat photographers doing In-Person Sales (IPS) are earning compared to digital-only studiosWhy print is far from dead and how it continues to drive long-term revenue Two simple January action steps to build momentum The Friction-Free Client Audit How to secret shop your own website and remove the small points of friction that quietly kill bookings.The Warm Circle Wake-Up Why your next bookings are likely already in your world and how three short voice notes can restart engagement without selling. How to choose the right level of support for where you’re at The difference between needing a roadmap, a reset, or an engineWhen to plan, when to refine, and when to take actionWhy predictable bookings come from systems, not algorithms Word of the Year AI Prompt💬 Join the Pet Photographers’ CollectiveIf you want to sign up for the workshop, join the Pet Photographers' collective — it’s a free community for pet photographers who want to build a profitable, sustainable business with less overwhelm. Inside, Ina shares: ✨ Practical marketing tips ✨ Business lessons and mindset shifts ✨ Free resources to help you grow Connect with other photographers who get it and start creating a business that truly supports your life, not consumes it. Join here → a...

    13 min

  8. 12/22/2025

    Season Finale: Celebrating Our First Season, Battling Imposter Syndrome & The Future of The Pet Photographers Journal

    It is officially the Season Finale! Whether you are wrapping presents, driving to visit family, or taking a well-deserved break, join me, Ina for this short, special solo episode to wrap up 2025. In this episode, I pull back the curtain on my first full year of coaching. From the surprise success of launching The Pet Photographers Journal after the closure of The Pet Photographers Club, to the very real battles with imposter syndrome, this is an unfiltered look at what it takes to grow. Plus, we celebrate YOU. I break down the incredible Spotify Wrapped stats that made this show an "Instant Hit," reveals the most-played episode of the year, and I share exactly what is coming up in January 2026 (including something you won't want to miss). A Personal Note from Ina: "Thank you to the 6 superfans who had this show as their #1 podcast this year, and to everyone who has listened, shared, and reviewed. I’m taking a short break to be with family in Bali, but I’ll see you in January for an incredible 2026!" Review & Subscribe: Don't miss the 2026 season launch! Subscribe and leave a review to help other pet photographers find the show. 💬 Join the Pet Photographers’ CollectiveIf you want to sign up for the workshop, join the Pet Photographers' collective — it’s a free community for pet photographers who want to build a profitable, sustainable business with less overwhelm. Inside, Ina shares: ✨ Practical marketing tips ✨ Business lessons and mindset shifts ✨ Free resources to help you grow Connect with other photographers who get it and start creating a business that truly supports your life, not consumes it. Join here → https://www.skool.com/pet-photographers-collective-3125/about?ref=9c7b56d2963f48a791297a43a29109e1 ✨ Want to Be Coached Live?Interested in being featured on a future coaching episode? ⁠Apply here⁠ 📲 Connect with InaInstagram: @inaj.thepetphotoceo Email: ina@inajphotography.com Mentoring & Coaching for Pet Photographers: Learn More

    11 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Pet Photographers' Journal, a practical and unfiltered podcast for talented pet photographers ready to build a business with more purpose, passion, and profitability. I’m Ina J, a pet photographer who turned my side hustle into my full-time career. In this podcast, I share exactly what I’ve learned and actually applied in my own business. We talk about pricing, mindset, marketing, client experience, and sales, without feeling pushy. Some lessons I picked up from others but I always tweak things to work for me and I’ll tell you how you can too. I overshare sometimes but in the best way possible because I believe in learning from real-life experiences not just theory. Whether you’re just starting or scaling to five-figure sales this show is your behind-the-scenes guide to pet photography business success.

Information

  • Creator
    Ina J Photography
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    34
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Ina J Photography
  • Show Website
    The Pet Photographers' Journal

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