Dog Photography…. Third Time’s A Charm!
I have always loved photography. I remember using my instant Kodak camera around the age of 7 or 8. It was natural for me to photograph my family and friends, I didn’t realize at that time there was such a thing as landscape photography and other genres like wildlife, fashion and sports etc. So I photographed my siblings and other family members much to their dislike. I continued photographing family and friends into my late teens. It was ALWAYS a big hullabaloo for everybody (including me). I suppose they didn’t like posing and of course being me, I had to take tons of photos in order to get the perfect shot. There was always moaning and groaning from everyone. I became disheartened I suppose and decided photography wasn’t for me.
Several years later I picked up my camera again and started shooting friends and their babies. I really loved the idea of photographing babies and children. Maybe because they didn’t complain about posing or how they looked in a photo! I think mostly because they were authentic, natural and a joy to be around. This lasted for a short while. I really loved it but never dreamed I could make money doing it. Two university degrees (Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Social Work) and several jobs later I believe I tried everything from social work to teaching English as a Second Language to doing work for a contractor and delivering mail. I felt I had failed in a way. I tried the traditional route of getting an education and working in a specific field. To be honest I either didn’t feel I was good at any of these jobs or I simply wasn’t passionate.
Finding My Passion for Dog Photography
Fast forward many years finding myself without work, I decided I would create my own work. I had used dog walkers while I worked for Canada Post and decided I could do this for a living. I LOVED dogs and set out to create my own dog walking business. I began by enrolling in Dog Biz dog walking academy and became a certified dog walker my business name Oh My Dog Walking . The course information was invaluable ( for my dog walking business AND for my pet photography business).
During this time I again picked up a camera for the third time. This time photographing dogs. I felt at home. Dogs were easy, they didn’t complain, they didn’t care how they looked in their photos. They were authentic, natural and just plain joyful to be around. My photos were definitely not of the quality they are today but I loved it. I had been following other people who photographed pets as well. One in particular was Karen Black from Indigo Pet Photography. I watched her social feeds and enjoyed seeing her posts. At some point I came across a page on the internet advertising a weekend getaway in Florida. There was one spot available. I was familiar with the community as I had recognized it through posts that Karen had shared. It was decided I was going to Florida to hang out with a bunch of people who also loved to photograph dogs. As the time grew closer to attending this event I of course doubted myself. Thinking what the heck am I doing. Going to stay in a house in the United States with a bunch of people I didn’t know? What will we be doing? This was a crazy decision. I must be nuts.
Who Knew Pet Photography Was a Thing
Well was I in for a wonderful surprise. It’s good to trust your first instinct and your gut. I could not believe how amazing that weekend was for me. Being around a bunch of ‘strangers’ who were as nuts about photography and dogs as I was. Thank you Karen! It was the beginning of my pet photography journey and I felt I had won the lottery. What Luck!!!! I was excited, passionate and felt like a kid a Christmas when it came to pet photography. I never dreamed I would find something I felt so over the moon about. And I’m really good at it!! Who else is going to toot my horn?
The rest is history! It’s been a few years since that weekend, two pet photography retreats, and a plethora of information , education and practicing my craft. I look forward to continuing my education and improving my craft. And photographing your amazing , incredibly beautiful dog (pet). I am so eternally grateful to have found my Niche. What Luck!!!!!
Around The Circle
This week’s post is part of pet photographer’s blog circle. This week’s topic is Luck. Click on the link at the end of each post and follow along. Next up, Nancy of Nancy Kieffer Photography in Syracuse NY announces how to follow the rainbow and win a spot in the Second Chance calendar https://www.nancykiefferphotography.com/13-lucky-dogs-to-win-spots-in-the-2024-calendar
