ebrunner Loc: New Jersey Shore

I know that there is a danger in posting pet portraits simply because, like photos of grandchildren, children, wives etc. they are very personal to the poster and maybe just another family album photo to the rest of us. I am thinking of offering my services to do pet photos on a very limited basis. I'll do portraits of pets for friends and family. Then, maybe expand if people like what I do. I'm thinking of using some of my own portraits to make an initial portfolio. So, my question is: Are these just ho hum pet portraits that are of interest to people who don't have any emotional connection to the animal pictured (which is Bunker who is known to many of you already). I worked the post processing of these photos to be appealing to people who might not be interested in "special effects". Any thoughts and comments about my idea and/or my photos is welcome. For this set, please don't post edits. Thank you.

I will also include color photos in the portfolio; but these happen to be done with an F-100 using an old 105mm f/2.5 lens and Tri-X film
Erich

no. 1

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no. 2

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no. 2

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Linda2 Loc: Yakima Wa.

I think these are wonderful and above the usual pet shots, of which I am guilty of myself, so definitely pursue the idea, especially if it is something you enjoy!!!

ebrunner Loc: New Jersey Shore

Thank you. I'm glad you think that these photos also have a general appeal. Your opinion is much appreciated.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

I hope we hear from folks who have sold animal photos, such as Uuglypher. I imagine every potential client will be different regarding color, b&w, formal or spontaneous shots, close-ups or action, with owners or without - on and on

With #3 I get regal, serious, intelligent - a portrait I'd pay for if it was my dog!

#2 is more emotional, an "awww, he's so sweet, I want to hug him" moment.

#1 is an appealing capture for those eyes, but the couch/chair arm is intrusive.

Both 1 and 2 have distracting bright lines in busy backgrounds, which IMO make them seem more like quick, of-the-moment shots than well considered and finished-work portraiture.

It will be very interesting to follow your journey with this new venture, Erich!

Frank2013 Loc: San Antonio, TX. & Milwaukee, WI.

Erich these are good photos no question. I think more pp could help a bit and you will get a feel for that as you go. You are just gonna have a hard time though.........Bunker is a professional, he's taken all the work out of this for you. Look at the way he can capture the camera angle to show off his personality, these shots were a breeze, your other models won't be quite so easy to pose. Good Luck!!

ebrunner Loc: New Jersey Shore

As usual I'm very pleased to hear your thoughtful and very useful comments on these photos. I agree that both 1 and 2 need work. Your reaction was interesting. You made an emotional response which is good; but did not suggest you would buy such a photo. Perhaps you would be more inclined to purchase one of these prints if the messy bits were cleaned up. Good to know. I like the process for the third shot. This is a process I've used before and I think it puts the subject in an interesting light. The vignette, however, might not be to everyone's taste. I would also put several color photos in my portfolio. We'll see how it goes. Thank you for your input. These happen to be film. I like the way film looks; but because it is so labor intensive, I think I would have to charge more for film and I don't think it would be to everyone's taste. Pricing is something I have no idea about. Some serious research in this area will be required before I do anything further.

Erich

Billyspad Loc: The Philippines

Erich number one I love ya shots but for no other reason than they are a dog so for me that's makes em a winner. W C Fields was a man of supreme intellegence and he said the same about working with animals as he did with kids. Just do not do it.
Not wishing to pour cold water on your idea but everybody and their aunt thinks they can earn money with their shots. Its a very crowded cut throat market and your choosing one of the hardest subjects. Animals do not pose when told to they have no power of logical thought they behave totally irrationally like half way through a shoot Rover wants to hump ya leg! Its what dogs do. Then you have the dumb owners to deal with and get cash from. From many years of experience in business NEVER deal with the general public. Their pets invariably have more sense and are certainly more straight forward to deal with.
You want to turn photography into cash then aim at the corporate market not Mr and Mrs Jones in their living room.
The corporate market by the way is more cut throat than the private sector but at least when you do a deal you know your going to get paid, not argue with some little fool that the results of your work do not show Rover smiling like he always does for his mum. His mum of course is none other than Mrs Jones who when you look closely does actually look a bit like Rover. Rover often has fresher breath.
You need extra cash, get the wife selling Avon hold Tuppaware parties sell bric a brac mow peoples lawns in fact anything that does not require the close involvement pet photography requires with the dumbest creature ever to walk this earth, the general public.
You have been warned!!!!!

ebrunner Loc: New Jersey Shore

While I do not completely share your disdain for Mr. and Mrs. Jones, I can appreciate that pleasing the public and then expecting remuneration for one's efforts can be like paddling a dreadnought when its boiler takes a dump. In my area, there are several photographers that do this kind of work. While it is a tough assignment, I'm thinking about it which is why I put the topic out for suggestions. I'm not doing it because I need extra money. Like you said, if there is a definite requirement to make money and a specific amount, it is better to mow lawns or sell Tupperware. The other thought I had about this is that, if I'm doing this to make money, how much will that affect my enjoyment of the hobby. Definitely food for thought. Thanks for the advice.
Erich

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

I have never pursued trying to sell any of my photos for the very reason it would take the joy out of my hobby. I have produced cute pet portraits for three of my elderly neighbors (eldery = 15 - 20 years older than I); didn't even let them reimburse me for the 50 cents it costs for the 5x7 print I had done at the store

They were thrilled with the results, and then I was done. No more for other people because just that little bit was enough to remind me it's stressful "doing for others" even if just for fun. btw, I shot a relative's wedding in 1990, but that was before I knew enough to be petrified of how easy it could have been to mess it up!

I didn't express interest in purchasing your shot #2 most likely because I had my photographer's critique hat on, and yes, I saw the flaws. But also I have photographed Trixie in similar sweet, emotional (the eyes say it all) mode, so I know I can do it myself

ebrunner Loc: New Jersey Shore

I've been hemming and hawing about pursuing my hobby as a way to actually sell photos. I have to be honest, the idea scares me on several levels. No. 1 of course is that I don't want to mess up which means that I would automatically increase the stress level from that of ordinary shoot for fun photography. Second I would never want to shoot things that are time specific. If you mess up a photo shoot with a pooch, you can always arrange for a re-shoot. Mess up somebody's wedding and I can't imagine the horror. The next idea is exactly what you touched on. Everyone has taken "fantastic" "cute" photos of their pets. One angle to get over that hump is to suggest to the person that , since they are taking the photos, they are never in the photos with their pets. Of course that is fine with people who hate to have their picture taken. The biggest hurdle for me is: Do I really want to overcome all the negatives for no major advantage. If my services are good enough to warrant hiring me, then I can't do it for nothing. I also don't want to do it for "bargain basement" prices. I would have to suggest that If I'm worth hiring, then I'm worth getting paid a fair price for the time and expertise involved. So, do I actually want to put myself in a situation where I'm spending two weekends a month with clients? Maybe not. I'm going to have to do a lot of research and really figure out it this is something I want to do.

The positive side is that I actually enjoy working with people. I can imagine this type of work being a nightmare; but I can also imagine it being a lot of fun and meeting a lot of really nice people. If the expectations on both sides are well understood before hand (written contract), then I think it could be a very workable endeavor. We'll see where all this goes. Thanks for your interest and comments.
Erich

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

I was going on the assumption you must enjoy being with and working with people, Erich. That's a huge plus, for sure!

If you decide that the pro side isn't worth the hassle, you might consider volunteering to do pet portraits at assisted living facilities, low income communities, or for the Humane Society, something like that.

ediesaul

[quote=ebrunner]I know that there is a danger in posting pet portraits...

I think the black/white portrait is perfect! I like the gentle processing and the pose. I would be very happy with this photo on my wall!

TheeGambler Loc: The green pastures of Northeast Texas

I think the "coy look" in #1 is quite enticing! Makes the photo for me.. The other two are just as nice, I am just taken with the first expression! I really like the pose in #3, but would like it better in BW. That is just personal preference as I am not into the antique look. If you want to do this for fun, you just should try it! Nothing gained if you don't try to take advantage of your ideas. TG

pfrancke Loc: cold Maine

Your number three shot is timeless. Beautifully done.

About money.. Sometimes I dabble in woodworking. Recently I made some small tables from the crotch of a fallen walnut tree and am keeping some of this work and giving others away to my kids and some close friends. But if I were to sell these things, I would want to charge an hourly rate that I am accustomed to earning in my real job, and these things would not be affordable. And it would just suck the joy out of sharing the lucky good things that we sometimes come up with.

When blessed with the freedom to do what we please, be careful to not pollute it by placing yourself into someone else's chain of command. Service is good, hobbies are for us, work is work. Always do what you are driven to do - but don't ever let it become poisoned by the measurement of reward.

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

“Do one thing every day that scares you.” ― Eleanor Roosevelt