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Elaine Mueller Tweedy
           (570) 575-1705

My Clients Have Paws

3/18/2022

3 Comments

 
On Sunday of this coming weekend, I will be giving a presentation to the Northeast PA Professional Photographer's Association (NPPPA).

Getting ready for the session, has helped me to take stock of not only where I am at present, but also where I have been in terms of my business, as I gathered things together for the three hour program.  It's helped me to realize that I am where I want to be at the moment.


Building a Business Around Fur

I have entitled the session "Building a Business Around Fur."  I have learned many things looking over the past year.  One thing that floated to the top, was the fact that in 2021, seventy percent (70%) of my clients had four paws.
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I wasn't surprised by that figure.  Going through invoicing helped me to chart the exact percentages in terms of services offered.  Pet photography is, after all, my specialty choice.  

The 70% did not happen overnight.


Why Pets?

I really like animals.  They are cute, funny, lovable, and have some of the greatest expressions.
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I have had animals in my life, all of my life.

When first extending my hobby into more professional photography, while taking classes I practiced each and every day taking photos of our own pets.  Forty photos a day, sometimes more.

Volunteering for shelter photography, I learned how to work in varied conditions: lighting issues, background issues, space issues (and I didn't mind any of it).  It trained me well to think quickly on repairing what might otherwise be a lost situation.

Animals aren't overly sensitive about their looks, either. 
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Pets Make People Happy

This little niche I chose to focus on, encompasses a very LARGE population.  Pet ownership in my state, skyrocketed during the 2020 pandemic year.  In fact, in Pennsylvania, 60.6% of all households have at least one pet.

Raise your hand if you have a pandemic pet in your midst. 

My hand has to go up, too.  Our English Setter, Talley, joined our family in April of 2020.

Not only do our pets make us happy, but next to grandchildren, we, as consumers, spend a great deal of money on them, and not just in vet bills.  Toys, treats, clothing, collars/leashes......you name it, we buy it.

Study after study has shown that pets also improve our health and contribute to our longevity.

The largest disadvantage, of course, is the fact that pets do not have as long a life span as humans.  Capturing their spirit and likeness, then, is the best way to capture our memories of them.  And that's exactly what I like to do.  

Pet parents that I have met, are always happy, loving people. They are easy to work with and make it easy for me to say I LOVE MY JOB!


Click Into the Circle

I am part of a weekly blogging group of professional pet photographers located all over the planet.   To see what others have blogged about in this week's topic, start here with Toronto based photographer, Terri Jankelow, of Terri J Photography, as she shares 7 points that any professional dog photographer should fulfill.  Then find the link at the end of each blog to click to the next photographer.

Enjoy your weekend!

3 Comments
Angela Schneider link
3/18/2022 12:56:34 pm

I can see the joy in your words when you talk about how much you love dog photography. It's truly a craft that forces you to connect with your clients ... force in a good way!

Reply
Carol
3/21/2022 06:39:46 am

I have a pandemic puppy too! We got our Catahoula girl, Nola in Nov. of 2020. It's nice that you were able to take a step back and check in with your business - and realize you're exactly where you want to be!! That's so nice to hear! :D

Reply
Tracy Allard link
3/21/2022 07:46:21 am

"My clients have paws" is so perfect! The expression on the black lab's face is adorable - and even though you say "dogs don't fuss about their looks too much", I can introduce you to a couple of poodles who break that rule (or maybe it's just their mom...LOL).

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    "Elaine made working with my somewhat hyper dog look easy.  I can't believe the beautiful photos that came from his session!"
                                ~Tanya & Max


    "We love our family photos! It's hard to find a photographer that captures people AND their pets so well. Thank  you!"
                               ~Beverly

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