What happens when your business plan is built around selling $25 digitals… and then a global pandemic cancels every single dog sports event on your calendar?

For Michigan-based pet photographer Michelle Crandall of Pets in Focus, that reality became the turning point of her career.

In this honest and inspiring conversation, Michelle shares how she:

• Pivoted from dog sports photography to pet portraits during the pandemic
• Faced (and overcame) her fears of working one-on-one with clients
• Shifted from selling cheap digitals to confidently offering in-person sales and high-value artwork
• Navigated money mindset challenges and learned not to project her own money beliefs onto her clients
• Successfully ran a breed-specific Dachshund book project—49 dogs photographed in just 5 months—while turning a deeply personal grief into a powerful business opportunity

We also talk openly about:

• Pricing for profit vs. “charging your worth”
• Finding your real ideal clients (hint: it might not be who you thought)
• Why community and support make the biggest difference when tackling big projects
• How overwhelm and imposter syndrome show up, even for experienced photographers

Michelle’s story is a reminder that you’re not alone in the struggles of running a pet photography business. Whether you’re thinking about raising your prices, starting in-person sales, or tackling a book project, her journey proves that growth is possible with the right mindset shifts.

Connect with Michelle

Website: ⁠petsinfocusphoto.com⁠

Instagram & Facebook: ⁠@petsinfocusphoto⁠ & ⁠Pets in Focus Photo⁠

Want to Be Coached Live?

Interested in being featured on a future coaching episode?

⁠⁠⁠⁠Apply here⁠

Connect with Ina

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@inaj.thepetphotoceo⁠

Email: ⁠[email protected]⁠

Mentoring & Coaching for Pet Photographers: ⁠⁠⁠Learn More⁠

If this episode resonated, please share it with a fellow photographer or leave a review, it means the world and helps more people find the show.

In this solo episode of The Pet Photographers’ Journal, I’m unpacking a recent negative comment from a troll on one of my Instagram reels about marketing for pet photographers. Instead of letting it get under my skin, I took it as an opportunity to have a real conversation about what marketing actually is, why it matters for your photography business, and why the people who “don’t get it” aren’t the ones you’re speaking to.

We’ll talk about the difference between marketing and selling, why marketing is not about being pushy, and how to market in a way that feels authentic to you and your clients. I’ll also share how I approach marketing in my own business, creating content that builds trust.

If you’ve ever worried that marketing feels “salesy” or been put off by unhelpful opinions online, this episode will help you reframe marketing as something you do for your clients, not to them.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How to handle unhelpful or negative comments without losing focus
• How to attract the right clients while filtering out the wrong ones
• How to build desire for pet photography
• Practical examples of authentic marketing you can implement right now

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode especially if you’ve ever had someone misunderstand what marketing really is. Send me a DM on Instagram or email me at [email protected].

Want to Be Coached Live?

Interested in being featured on a future coaching episode?

⁠⁠⁠Apply here⁠⁠⁠

Connect with Ina

• Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@inaj.thepetphotoceo⁠⁠⁠
• Mentoring & Coaching for Pet Photographers: ⁠⁠Learn More⁠⁠
• 12-Month Marketing Workshop Waitlist: ⁠⁠Join the Waitlist⁠⁠

Today I’m joined by Nicole Begley, former zoological animal trainer turned pet photographer, educator, and the founder of Hair of the Dog Academy and Freedom Focus Formula. Nicole runs multiple businesses, helps pet photographers master both craft and business, and still finds time to run a non-profit supporting wildlife conservation.

In this episode, we dig into:

• Why many photographers lose clients during the inquiry process and how to fix it
• How to follow up without feeling pushy
• Creating urgency in a niche without fixed timelines (like pet photography)
• The one question that reveals what your client really values
• Why premium sales start with your own belief in your value
• The real path to consistent $2K–$3K sales (and why you don’t need $10K sales to thrive)
• Simple, sustainable marketing strategies that work
• When and how to start outsourcing in your business

If you enjoyed this episode, follow The Pet Photographers Journal on your favourite podcast app and leave a 5-star review so more pet photographers can find us.

Resources & Links Mentioned:

• Websites: ⁠⁠Freedom Focus Formula⁠ and ⁠Hair of the Dog Academy⁠
• Connect with Nicole on Instagram: @⁠⁠nicolebegleyofficial⁠⁠ and @⁠⁠hairofthedogacademy⁠⁠
• Nicole’s Free Charitable Marketing Guide: ⁠freedomfocusformula.com/charitable-marketing⁠

Want to Be Coached Live?

Interested in being featured on a future coaching episode?

⁠⁠⁠Apply here⁠⁠⁠

Connect with Ina

• Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@inaj.thepetphotoceo⁠⁠⁠
• Email: [email protected]
• Mentoring & Coaching for Pet Photographers: ⁠⁠Learn More⁠⁠
• 12-Month Marketing Workshop Waitlist: ⁠⁠Join the Waitlist⁠⁠

Feeling stuck competing with $150 sessions? In this episode, Ina redefines what luxury really means in pet photography, and it's not what you think. Discover how to position your business as a premium experience without needing a commercial studio or gold foil packaging, and learn the mindset shifts that helped Ina's clients invest $2,000-$6,000 regularly (with one $11,000 sale!) all from her home studio.

• Why luxury isn't about expensive packaging or fancy studios
• The difference between problem-solving marketing vs. building desire (crucial for luxury positioning)
• The real reason clients invest in premium pet photography
• 5 practical steps to add luxury touches to your client experience without breaking the bank
• How to separate your money beliefs from your clients' reality
• Why "charge your worth" advice can actually be dangerous

Audit your client experience (not your price list!) and ask:

• Where can I add something small but memorable?
• How can I simplify my communication?
• What would make my clients feel more confident and excited?
• Where can I build trust sooner in the process?

Want to Be Coached Live?Interested in being featured on a future coaching episode?⁠Apply here⁠

Connect with Ina

• Instagram: ⁠@inaj.thepetphotoceo⁠
• Email: ⁠[email protected]⁠
• Mentoring & Coaching for Pet Photographers: ⁠Learn More⁠
• 12-Month Marketing Workshop Waitlist: ⁠Join the Waitlist⁠

If this episode shifted how you think about positioning your business, screenshot this episode and tag ⁠@inaj.thepetphotoceo⁠ on Instagram, I'd love to hear what resonated with you!

And if you found this valuable, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It truly helps other pet photographers discover the show.

In this episode, I’m joined by J. Nichole Smith, brand architect, creative strategist, and founder of Joy First World. We explore what branding really means beyond logos and colours, how to stand out in a saturated pet photography market, and why emotional connection is the key to building a business that lasts.

We talk about:

• Why “pet photographer” isn’t a niche anymore
• How to build desire instead of just selling information
• Using your brand to confidently raise prices
• The psychology behind visual branding
• Growing your business through commercial pet photography
• What the future of the pet industry might look like

J. Nichole Smith

• Website: joyfirstworld.com
• Instagram: @joyfirstworld and @jnicholesmith
• Joy First Podcast - Listen here
• Brand Personality Quiz: Take the Quiz
• Commercial Pet Photography Academy: Join Here

Interested in being featured on a future coaching episode?

⁠Apply here⁠

• Instagram: ⁠@inaj.thepetphotoceo⁠
• Email: [email protected]
• Mentoring & Coaching for Pet Photographers: Learn More
• 12-Month Marketing Workshop Waitlist: Join the Waitlist

In this episode of The Pet Photographers’ Journal, I chat with Gabi Kline Leon — an award-winning pet photographer known for creating bold, emotional images and consistently achieving $7K–$10K+ sales (including a recent $50K client!). Gabi shares how mindset, clear client communication, and purposeful pricing helped her build a sustainable, high-end business.

We unpack her client journey, pricing structure, how she markets her business, and the key shifts that helped her break through the $2K average sale plateau. Whether you’re just starting or feeling stuck with low sales, Gabi’s approach will inspire and challenge you to think bigger.

• Gabi’s journey into pet photography
• The structure of her pricing and what products clients actually buy
• The story behind her $50K client experience
• How she attracts high-ticket clients organically
• What to focus on if you’re stuck at lower average sales
• Marketing strategies that worked for her

Interested in being featured on a live coaching call?: Apply Here

• Instagram: @inaj.thepetphotoceo
• Contact: [email protected]
• Mentoring and Coaching for Pet Photographers: Learn More

• Website: gabiklinephotography.com
• Education site: gpp-e.com
• Instagram: @gavriella_petphoto_boca_raton

In this episode of the Pet Photographers Journal, host Ina J Photography delves into the critical topic of pricing and mindset in the pet photography business. She shares her personal journey from undercharging as a side hustle to recognising the importance of valuing her work. The conversation highlights the hidden costs of undercharging, including burnout and attracting the wrong clients, and provides practical steps for photographers to confidently raise their prices. Ina emphasises the need to confront limiting beliefs about money and to communicate value effectively to clients, ultimately encouraging listeners to take actionable steps towards a more profitable photography business.

Takeaways

• Many photographers struggle with pricing due to fear and limiting beliefs.
• Undercharging can lead to burnout and dissatisfaction in your work.
• Your upbringing and money beliefs can impact your pricing strategy.
• You cannot project your own financial beliefs onto your clients.
• High pricing can filter out clients who are not a good fit.
• Knowing your cost of doing business is essential for pricing confidently.
• Simplifying your pricing structure can reduce decision fatigue for clients.
• Creating a premium experience can justify higher prices.
• Confidence in communicating your pricing is crucial for success.
• Taking action on pricing changes can lead to significant business growth.

Review your pricing and ask: “Am I paying myself fairly for my time and talent?” Then DM Ina on Instagram to share your biggest pricing challenge.

Interested in being featured on a live coaching call?: Apply Here

• Instagram: @inaj.thepetphotoceo
• Contact: [email protected]
• Mentoring and Coaching for Pet Photographers: Learn More

What happens when you combine pet photography with a 10-acre farm, alpacas, ponies, chickens, and sunsets that take your breath away? In this heartwarming episode, Ina chats with Sarina Veliz of Fuzz Design Photography, based in Monteith, South Australia, about building a one-of-a-kind photography experience on her own property.

Sarina shares her journey of leaving Sydney, relocating to the countryside, and transforming a dream into a thriving business where every session is an adventure. From building her own photography studio to managing marketing, IPS sessions, and local events—this episode is packed with inspiration and practical insights for photographers considering using their space as part of the client experience.

What You’ll Learn:

• How Sarina turned a shipping container move into a thriving farm-based photo business
• Why clients travel from Adelaide for her unique sessions
• The value of combining outdoor photography with an indoor studio experience
• How she uses events and giveaways to build brand awareness and book clients
• Her honest insights on digital vs. product packages and maintaining profitability
• Tips for using your own property as a client-friendly photography location

Mini Takeaways:

• Treat every client like they’re a $1,000 client—even if they come for a free print
• The farm vibe helps clients and dogs relax naturally
• Make the booking journey simple and the experience unforgettable

🔗 Connect with Sarina Veliz:

• Website: ⁠https://fuzz-design.com⁠
• Instagram: ⁠@fuzzdesignphotography⁠
• Facebook: ⁠Fuzz Design Photography⁠

📣 Want to Be Coached on the Podcast?Apply for your live coaching session: ⁠https://forms.gle/oocMwawVB3de6aM29⁠

🎧 Follow Ina:

• Instagram: ⁠@inaj.thepetphotoceo⁠
• Website & Mentoring: ⁠https://www.inajphotography.com⁠

In this episode, Ina addresses the common issue of inconsistent client bookings in the pet photography business. She identifies three major gaps that may be causing this inconsistency: unclear offers, weak marketing rhythms, and leaky lead funnels. The discussion emphasizes the importance of having clear value propositions, a consistent marketing strategy, and effective client management systems. Ina provides actionable steps for photographers to improve their business practices and encourages them to focus on one area at a time for sustainable growth.

Mini Homework Included: Choose ONE focus area—offers, marketing, or lead conversion—and take a small, intentional step forward.

Takeaways

• You're not alone in facing client inconsistency.
• Many photographers struggle with the business side, not the creative side.
• Clear offers and value propositions are crucial for attracting clients.
• A weak marketing rhythm can lead to inconsistent client flow.
• Understanding your client's buying awareness journey is essential.
• Consistency in marketing is more important than intensity.
• Streamline your inquiry and booking process to avoid leaks.
• Implement a follow-up system for potential clients.
• Nurturing past clients can lead to repeat business.
• Building a sustainable business requires solid backend systems.

Apply for a live coaching call: ⁠https://forms.gle/oocMwawVB3de6aM29⁠

Follow Ina on Instagram: ⁠@inaj.thepetphotoceo⁠

Mentoring & Coaching Info: ⁠https://www.inajphotography.com/coaching⁠

Sign up for my marketing workshop wait list

⁠https://www.inajphotography.com/marketing-workshop-wait-list⁠

In this episode, Ina discusses the multifaceted nature of success in the pet photography business. She shares her personal journey from a stable government job to pursuing her passion and going into her pet photography business full-time, emphasising the importance of defining success on one's own terms. The conversation highlights the need for clarity in business goals, client relationships, and work-life balance, encouraging listeners to create a vision that aligns with their values and aspirations.

Takeaways

• Success looks different for everyone.
• It's important to define what full-time means for you.
• My journey to pet photography was sparked by personal loss.
• Transitioning to full-time photography requires careful planning.
• I invested in a business coach to set up my photography business.
• Burnout can occur when juggling multiple responsibilities.
• Success is not just about income; it's about freedom and fulfillment.
• Defining your ideal week can help clarify your goals.
• You should set your own targets for revenue and sessions.
• Don't chase someone else's version of success; create your own.

Apply for live coaching call at : ⁠https://forms.gle/oocMwawVB3de6aM29⁠

Follow me on Instagram ⁠@inaj.thepetphotoceo⁠

⁠Mentoring and Coaching for Pet Photographers⁠

Email: [email protected]