Photographers

How to Become a Pet Photographer

Derrick Mbabazi

08 Jun 2025 — 4 min read

If you want to become a Pet photographer, you need to first know what Pet photography really is. Pet photography is a type of photography that focuses on taking pictures of animals, especially pets like dogs, cats, birds, or even rabbits. Usually, the goal is to capture three things: their personality, behavior, and bond with their owners in creative and beautiful ways.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you start and grow your career in pet photography.

1. Be Genuinely Passionate About Pets

This isn't a job you can fake your way through. Animals aren’t always cooperative, and every session comes with unpredictable moments—shyness, zoomies, naps mid-shoot. A true love for animals will help you stay calm, adapt quickly, and build trust with both pets and their owners.

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Your patience and empathy are just as important as your camera skills.

2. Understand Animal Behavior and Body Language

To capture great photos, you need to know what the pet is feeling. Learn the basics of animal body language so you can tell when they’re relaxed, stressed, excited, or tired. This helps you:

Keep the session safe
Avoid scaring the animal
Capture natural, expressive moments

Whether it’s a dog wagging its tail or a cat flattening its ears, knowing what these signals mean will make you a better and lovable photographer.

3. Start with Familiar Pets

Begin by photographing your own pets or animals you already know—friends’, family members’, or even those at local shelters. This allows you to practice in a low-pressure environment while building confidence and skill.

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Consider volunteering your services at shelters. It’s a great way to gain experience and support a meaningful cause.

4. Master the Technical Basics

You don’t need top-tier gear to start, but you do need to understand how to use your equipment well. Key settings for pet photography include:

Fast shutter speed to freeze motion
Wide apertures for a blurred background (shallow depth of field)
Continuous autofocus to keep moving pets in focus
Natural lighting whenever possible (flash can startle animals)

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Start with the gear you have, learn how to control your environment, and upgrade as your skills (and business) grow.

5. Find Your Visual Style

Your editing style, color palette, and types of photos should all feel cohesive. Do you prefer:

Bright and colorful studio-style portraits?
Natural outdoor shots?
Moody black-and-white captures?

Experiment, then lean into a style that feels authentic to you. A consistent visual identity helps potential clients recognize your work and builds a strong brand presence.

6. Build a Professional Portfolio

Your portfolio is your visual resume. It should reflect the kind of work you want to attract. Include a mix of:

Different types of pets
Varying locations (studio, home, outdoors)
Playful, candid, and posed moments

Display your best work on a simple, clean website or social media profile. If you're just getting started, offer complimentary shoots in exchange for permission to use the images in your portfolio.

7. Create a Strong Personal Brand

Your brand is more than a logo—it’s how people remember you. Choose a business name, visual style, and tone of voice that reflect your personality and passion for animals. Consistency across your website, social media, and client communication builds trust.

Consider:

A friendly and memorable business name
A cohesive color palette and font choice
A tagline that captures your mission (e.g., “Capturing the heart of every pet”)

8. Don’t Undersell Yourself

It’s tempting to set low prices to attract clients, but pricing too low can hurt your business in the long run. Instead of competing on price, focus on value:

Provide a great experience from booking to delivery
Be clear and professional in your communication
Offer polished, high-quality images

Clients who value their pets will pay for a photographer they trust. Your pricing should reflect your skill, time, and the quality of your work.

9. Learn Basic Photo Editing

Even great shots can benefit from light editing. Learn how to:

Adjust exposure and color balance
Remove distractions from the background
Sharpen eyes and highlight textures like fur and feathers

Programs like Lightroom, Photoshop, and Capture One are industry standards, but beginners can also use tools like Canva or Snapseed to start.

10. Promote Your Work Effectively

Your photography won’t be discovered unless people see it. Promote your work by:

Sharing behind-the-scenes content on Instagram or TikTok
Connecting with pet groomers, trainers, or shelters
Creating Google Business or Yelp listings for local visibility
Asking happy clients for testimonials and referrals

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Stay active on social media, post consistently, and showcase both your work and your personality.

11. Offer Thoughtful Packages

Design session packages that are clear and client-friendly. Consider offering:

Mini sessions (30 minutes)
Full portrait sessions
Seasonal or themed shoots
Pet and owner combo sessions

Make sure each package includes specific deliverables—like the number of photos, editing time, and any prints or digital galleries.

12. Keep Learning and Growing

The pet photography industry is always evolving. Stay inspired by:

Following other professional pet photographers
Taking courses on photography and animal behavior
Practicing new styles or techniques
Seeking feedback from mentors or peers

The more you grow, the more your work will stand out.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a pet photographer isn’t just about capturing cute pictures. It’s about telling a story—one filled with love, personality, and the unique quirks of every animal you photograph.

If you bring genuine passion, creativity, and professionalism to the table, you'll find clients who truly value what you do.