There seems to be two main approaches to starting this type of business: As a studio business where people bring their pets to your studio location and the other increasingly popular approach of a mobile photography studio on wheels that travels to the pet's homes.
While many traditional portrait sudios provide pet portrait services, specializing in this type of area will give you an advantage with those people specifically looking for a portrait of their pets. The pros and cons of this type of business are almost two sides of the same coin. Because pet portraits are considered a "luxury" item, it may be adversely effected by bad economic times. But, conversely, because it is a luxury item, people will pay more for this type of specialized service.
Tennessee-based Lil'Pals Pet Photography is a mobile pet photography franchise that charges a $10,000 franchise fee. Initial start-up fees, according to their website, are estimated at $54,700 - $102,200. A large chunk of that, I assume, is for the purchase/lease of a traler/RV that is customized into a traveling pet photography studio.
Essential to the success of any pet portrait business is the ability to print the pet photography onto other profit-generating items like cups, hats, T-shirts, etc.
Lil'Pals currently lists existing pet photography franchises in Ohio, New Jersey, Alabama, Mississippi and Louis.
LIL'PALS PET PHOTOGRAPHY
Pictures of Cats: The best pictures and facts - about cats and for cats.
PET PHOTOGRAPHY BUSINESS EBOOK
This downloadable ebook is a great place to begin if you're considering this type of business. Topics include:
- Why start a pet photography business?
- Creating a Name for your Pet Photography Business
- Company Logo
- Business Supplies
- Formal Studio Portraits
- Formal Studio Portraits
- Location Portrait Sessions
- Holiday Portraits
- Commercial Store Portraits
- On-the-Fly Candid Portraits
- Your Professional Pet Photograph Portfolio
- Initial Consultation
- Negatives: To include them in the sale or not
- What to Charge
- Contracts
- Payment Methods
- Deposits
- Turn Around Time
- Presenting the Photographs to Clients
- Copyrights on Photographs
- Client / Pet Releases (for photographs used by professional breeders etc)
- When a Customer Changes His or Her Mind, After the
- Photographs are Taken
- Advertising
- Special Pet Photography Events
And for $12.99 with a 90-day money back guarantee, how can you really go wrong?
Start A Dog & Pet Photography Business
PET PHOTOGRAPHY BUSINESS PLAN
What's a business without a business plan?
This sample pet photography business plan can be customized to your own needs. It comes complete with everything you need to know to form a solid road map to success.
Pet Photography Business Plan
