Every week I receive at least one request for 'pointers' on how we run a successful portrait studio. 90% of the inquiries request if they can shadow me for a few hours or days. The others simply want a simple
"1, 2, 3 Step by Step "How to photograph pets!" instruction sheet. The request happened already this week (Monday morning via email) from a couple of photographers I met in passing a few months ago (they live out of state).
In most cases my first question to the aspiring pet photographer is
"What do you REALLY love to photograph? What are you most passionate about? What do you want to do with your life in One, Five and Ten years from now?" Most of these questions earn an answer "I don't really know." That answer is sad to me.
I often get a
Blank Stare when I answer the question about my success, which is:
"Success isn't measured by a bank account.
My success is related to my love for animals first and foremost. I knew I had a connection with four-legged companions long before I developed my photography passion.
When I decided to pave my path in photography, I committed to working 70+ hour weeks more than 20 years ago - because I Love Doing This Work. I was designed to do it. I'm blessed to be able to do it. Not one day passes where I don't think "My God, I am so fortunate." Not because of money (we've had some tough times over the years like everyone else) but because I'm blessed to be able to meet people and animal companions who love and adore each other. And I have the ability to give them something they'll treasure forever (for generations)."
There seems to be a glamorous mystique about the success of Alaska Pet-ography. And in this day and age, lots of photographers (some are well-established and very good at what they do) want an easy way to do what we do at my studio. They want the recognition, the reputation and I often get the impression that the primary motivation is to increase their photography profits.
I was the first in Alaska to introduce the idea of pet portraits. Wow - there were skeptics. My parents were always supportive but I could tell, early on, that they were hoping I would hold onto my day job. "How can someone make a living photographing dogs!!???" They were certainly proud watching as I proved it could be done.
My point for revealing this is to encourage others to follow their heart, to understand their passions, to grab them with gusto and let them lead you to 'success.' Failure absolutely trips us up along the way. Embrace that failure! You tried it. You learned from it! Now - go do it again!
The
Blank Stare usually reflects disappointment that I haven't answered the real question they wanted to ask which is:
"How can I make trunk loads of money doing what you're doing??" (Believe me, my trunk is rusty, worn and not overflowing with Pet-ography profits.)
The adage
"Money isn't Everything" is true to this day. "Everything" is doing what your heart believes is right and making a difference in the lives of people and their companions whenever possible.
Not everyone is 'designed' to do what I do. But everyone is designed to do something beautifully.
Always there with a smile. Always doing an amazing job.
"Pilot," our neighbor's dog played in the snow with Flash this morning. They held still for a brief snapshot from my pocket camera.
A couple pocket camera snaps of Princess with her siblings. All are Friends of Pets dogs. This is the first time they've seen each other in two months. Before then, they were in protective custody for at least seven months.
We're hoping they can visit with each other a few times each year - maybe with the fourth sibling whose name is Luther - a three-legged labrador mix. Luther now lives a comfortable life with a longtime Friends of Pets volunteer.
A special post for a special girl. Halle has led a remarkable path. She deserves everything she receives these days with her special humans and four legged companions.
I suppose there's humor in every situation. In this case, Michelle had placed a little treat in her mouth to lure Satari to her face for a kiss. Satari, at 11, doesn't have the best depth perception these days. The result was a snag up on Michelle's lip as seen here. I love the expression on Michelle's face as she tries to maintain a stiff upper lip (sorry - couldn't pass up the chance). Add yes, Michelle left the session with a bruised lip thanks to this love nip.
Sadly, Satari has an unmanageable brain tumor. She will only be with us for a few days. These portraits will be true treasures for Michelle and family.
A happy face for a happy day (talking about the dog pic......)!
I'm always affected by the homeless dogs and cats that appear before my lens as part of the effort to find them forever homes. I've adopted a few, helped as a liaison to connect families to the companion animals I've photographed (more than 1500 in twenty years). I'll do anything in my power to assist. And it's never easy watching some of them come through the doors. The only thing that brings a sense of calm is knowing that once they've encountered Friends of Pets, the Alaska SPCA or any other animal rescue organization is that they're assured a far better future than their past.
Kelsey documents and keeps track of the lazy studio dogs. They provide plenty of entertainment.
vent, Vent. VENT!!!!
Feeling the pain tonight. Pushed myself on the Hilltop Park ski trails. Maybe a mile +/-. That's a lot for someone who's been slacking for too many years. Proud of myself. Have to keep the momentum going!
Kelsey snapped this IPhone photo of David a moment after he convinced Nicole to make snow angels as part of her senior portrait collection.
What a night. I tackled a ski trail tonight for the first time in 20+ years. Well, it was a small loop. And 30 minutes is enough for a premiere return to skis.
