$1600 Class on the ins and outs of Pet Photography... Worth it?

[epp_b]

Wow, that's excellent! Very nice lighting and posture.

im speechless. I rather use $400 to buy my self a chihuahua and $1200 on a new lens.

You want one of these Lakeland Terrier - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

No, no, no, you want a portie!

 

[Overread36]

I would say no... If you are willing to spend $ 1600 on a course I would suggest to get a new lens for 1000+ and pick up a pet with the rest of the cash and go nuts shooting.

I disagree - a pet is not something you just buy for testing flash setups and shooting. Unless you have one already you can practice lighting setups with a teddy/stuffed toy animal and then if you want the real thing I'm sure you know someone nearby who owns a dog or cat you could go over to shoot

 

[loopy]

Photography Podcast: Pro Photo Show, Pet Photography Workshop

Do they have a website? I'd be interested to see it before I make my judgment.

Is pet photography your main business focus?

I would say no... If you are willing to spend $ 1600 on a course I would suggest to get a new lens for 1000+ and pick up a pet with the rest of the cash and go nuts shooting.

I disagree - a pet is not something you just buy for testing flash setups and shooting. Unless you have one already you can practice lighting setups with a teddy/stuffed toy animal and then if you want the real thing I'm sure you know someone nearby who owns a dog or cat you could go over to shoot

100% agree!

 

[BekahAura]

Wow, I never expected so many responses! I think I've decided to hold back on the $1600 splurge for now. You all made very good points.

I made a list of my assets in my head, and I'm pretty sure I can succeed with the resources I have. (Although as KMH said, it'll just take longer) 1) My boss at the bar I work at has owned several successful businesses, and has offered to help me out in any way he can. 2) My boss at the magazine I work at (a photographer) has offered to look over my business plan, he and the other 3 photographers that work there have already taught me so much. 3) I already know how to work with animals.

One of you pointed out that only practice can get me those jaw dropping photos. I have been practicing, shooting any furry thing that moves, but maybe it's time to study those professional images I like and try to mimic them. Or at least study them a little closer.

I will definitely check out those live seminars, that sounds awesome.

For those of you who are interested here is the workshop blog: Unleashed. There are links on there to the photographers' websites.

Perhaps I just was amazed to find such a targeted workshop that I was convincing myself that I needed to do it. That and some people look at me funny when I say I'm starting a photography business revolving around pets. I know there is money to be made. In fact, I came across this workshop while doing market research on pet spending, and for the past 20 years it's only gone up.

Thank you all for your wisdom, I'm glad I asked.

 

[Ginu]

Photography Podcast: Pro Photo Show, Pet Photography Workshop

Do they have a website? I'd be interested to see it before I make my judgment.

Is pet photography your main business focus?

I would say no... If you are willing to spend $ 1600 on a course I would suggest to get a new lens for 1000+ and pick up a pet with the rest of the cash and go nuts shooting.

I disagree - a pet is not something you just buy for testing flash setups and shooting. Unless you have one already you can practice lighting setups with a teddy/stuffed toy animal and then if you want the real thing I'm sure you know someone nearby who owns a dog or cat you could go over to shoot

100% agree!

Well I didn't mean for the OP to just buy a pet then dispose like a used condom... it was an idea instead of throwing away 1600$ for a course which does not include transport and accommodations. The OP would get a toy (new lens) and a pet(fun factor for years to come) and obviously not just for the sake of taking pictures. A pet is a big commitment and anyone considering getting a pet would know what it means and takes.

Can't believe some readers would even think this way...

 

[Forkie]

I would say no... If you are willing to spend $ 1600 on a course I would suggest to get a new lens for 1000+ and pick up a pet with the rest of the cash and go nuts shooting. Honestly you will not be happier not to mention the toys left over.

I spent 200$ on my cats and they provide the best pet photography practice not to mention the fun factor in having pets around the house. I'm sure they are both traumatized when they see me picking up the camera but they dont whine.

Why spend even $200 on cats? I happen to disagree with buying from breeders. Go down to the nearest rescue centre and give one a new home for free.

 

[Forkie]

Wow, I never expected so many responses! I think I've decided to hold back on the $1600 splurge for now. You all made very good points.

I made a list of my assets in my head, and I'm pretty sure I can succeed with the resources I have. (Although as KMH said, it'll just take longer) 1) My boss at the bar I work at has owned several successful businesses, and has offered to help me out in any way he can. 2) My boss at the magazine I work at (a photographer) has offered to look over my business plan, he and the other 3 photographers that work there have already taught me so much. 3) I already know how to work with animals.

One of you pointed out that only practice can get me those jaw dropping photos. I have been practicing, shooting any furry thing that moves, but maybe it's time to study those professional images I like and try to mimic them. Or at least study them a little closer.

I will definitely check out those live seminars, that sounds awesome.

For those of you who are interested here is the workshop blog: Unleashed. There are links on there to the photographers' websites.

Perhaps I just was amazed to find such a targeted workshop that I was convincing myself that I needed to do it. That and some people look at me funny when I say I'm starting a photography business revolving around pets. I know there is money to be made. In fact, I came across this workshop while doing market research on pet spending, and for the past 20 years it's only gone up.

Thank you all for your wisdom, I'm glad I asked.

F**king hell, I'm glad you changed your mind. If the images you will learn to take are anything like the first image on that page, WALK AWAY AND DON'T LOOK BACK:

 

[bigtwinky]

F**king hell, I'm glad you changed your mind. If the images you will learn to take are anything like the first image on that page, WALK AWAY AND DON'T LOOK BACK:

I totally agree. I just looked at your blog and that shot of the lab-rotty is great!
Start looking at those pro images and see what yours are missing. One thing that comes to mind is the background. Pets are like people..candids work, but sometimes you need more set up shots

 

[ghache]

Wow, they are not that great.
for 1600$, i will give you a week of my time.

 

[Ginu]

I would say no... If you are willing to spend $ 1600 on a course I would suggest to get a new lens for 1000+ and pick up a pet with the rest of the cash and go nuts shooting. Honestly you will not be happier not to mention the toys left over.

I spent 200$ on my cats and they provide the best pet photography practice not to mention the fun factor in having pets around the house. I'm sure they are both traumatized when they see me picking up the camera but they dont whine.

Why spend even $200 on cats? I happen to disagree with buying from breeders. Go down to the nearest rescue centre and give one a new home for free.

Sadly, in Canada SPCA charges even for pet adoptions; In my case I've adopted 3 cats from the shelter and they were from 99$ (b4 the financial collapse) to 130$ for each adoption (current price). In the pet stores they are 250$+ depending on breed.

 

[gsgary]

Wow, that's excellent! Very nice lighting and posture.

im speechless. I rather use $400 to buy my self a chihuahua and $1200 on a new lens.

You want one of these Lakeland Terrier - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

No, no, no, you want a portie!

Definately a Lakeland

 

[ghache]

I wouldnt pay for a cat, especially for a main coon you can get everywhere.

I have one at home + 2 dogs

Cats are like the most useless animal ever. it does nothing, no affection whatso ever, it doest play with anything except his tail and anything small he can put his mouth on....Like anything small that i leave on my desk,, it doesnt go outside. you have to clean after the crate all the time. no **** they eat them in china they are like chicken.

 

[Overread36]

Pffft forget all those dogs you want a proper dog !!
You need a husky!

ps I'm not a pro so I get to make all the little mistakes with the paws.. and the background.. and the door..

 

[JoshC.]

No no no... You need a shorthair....

Wait since when is this a dog thread...

 

[gsgary]

Pffft forget all those dogs you want a proper dog !!
You need a husky!

ps I'm not a pro so I get to make all the little mistakes with the paws.. and the background.. and the door..

He's a beauty