Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda.
Hi Amanda, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I have always been an animal lover. I started volunteering for local shelters in High School (in New Hampshire, where I am from.) In my senior year of high school I got a job as a pet care technician and learned a lot about taking care of dogs and cats, as well as grooming, therapy and I assisted in training classes. I also started doing photography as a hobby in high school as well. It’s funny to see how it all came full circle and now many years later makes complete sense that I am a pet and equine photographer! I went to college for graphic design and took some photography classes while I was there. After I graduated and was working in graphic design for a few years, I realized I didn’t really enjoy it like I thought I would. At the time I was volunteering as a youth leader at my church and I liked working with the high school kids. So, I decided to get into teaching. After going through a certificate program and applying for art teaching jobs, I ended up getting a position teaching high school photography and video media. During that time I really pushed into my own photography. After 8 years of teaching, in 2021 I decided I wanted to go full time with a photography business of my own. I was considering what kind of photography I wanted to do. I always loved documentary photography and I considered going into photojournalism. I had randomly come across a workshop for pet photographers and stopped to consider that. I have always had a way of working with animals and my husband pointed out that no matter where I am, when I am photographing I find myself mostly photographing the local animals. For example, I traveled to Israel and when I came home most of my photos were of cats. I went to Central America and most of my photos were dogs and horses. So, I realized with my background Pet and Equine Photography made a lot of sense. So, I spent some time developing my brand and haven’t looked back. I left teaching that June and have been running Beloved Pet and Equine Photography ever since.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Starting a business from scratch is not necessarily easy and it hasn’t been a smooth road. (Especially in a profession a lot of people don’t even know exists.) In the beginning the hardest part was getting my name out there. Letting people know I am here and this is what I do and how I can help them. Now, 5 years into it there are other challenges. I love what I do and the people and animals I get to work with. But, I often see people putting off or waiting too long to schedule a session. I don’t want to be insensitive with telling people that you don’t know what tomorrow holds. But, I have seen enough now to feel the need to encourage people strongly not to wait. It’s hard when I see people miss the opportunity to capture memories before it’s too late and their pet or horse is no longer with us. Other business challenges have been more business related, like getting busy and needing to find an assistant to help me with things to be sure I am still serving my clients well. That has been a big challenge. Also, pivoting into a new area can add some bumps along the way. I have pivoted since I first started from working with just families, to now working with brands as well. I now also create commercial imagery and video for pet brands. I realized I love this and have been pivoting to do more of that kind of work. Now, I’m wanting to get me name out there more for this.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
The simple answer is that I specialize in pet and equine photography. But, that doesn’t really tell you what I do. There are 2 things that I actually specialize in and am known for. And both of these are what I am the most proud of as well.
The first is working with people who want to have an extra special experience for them and their pet or horse. Since my background is in documentary photography, I have developed a storytelling session that not only allows people to set apart time to focus on and celebrate their furry family members, but captures authentic images and video documenting their bond. From this I work with them to curate custom framed artwork and storytelling albums that fits in perfectly with their home and lifestyle. It’s a boutique experience from start to finish.
The other thing I specialize in is working with pet brands as a content partner. I work with brands to develop imagery and video assets that go along with a marketing strategy to tell their story in a way that will resonate with their audience. I especially love working with pet wellness, lifestyle and pet friendly travel brands.
The thing my work is most known for is for having bright and clean imagery that has a very authentic feel to it. I am well known for storytelling and capturing the moments to create authentic lifestyle imagery.
I am also well known for my process. Having wonderful imagery is only a small part of the entire experience. Whether I am working with a family, or a brand, they know that I am there for them every step of the way from the very first planning meeting all the way through to the final product. I pay attention to every detail to be sure the sessions go smoothly, the animals and people are comfortable and look good. The entire experience is something I have always paid close attention to.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I guess the best advice I can give its to be present and show up. Then pay attention. Try to see how you can help others, not just trying to see how they can help you. I have had som wonderful photography mentors over the years. And honestly it all just happened organically. I am actively seeking more of a business type of mentor at the present time. But, I believe the right person will come at the right time.
As far as networking goes, what has worked well for me, again is seeing where I can be helpful, as well as just showing up consistently. I became fairly well known in the area because I photograph dogs and cats for a lot of rescues and shelters in my area who need homes. The good photos help tremendously in getting them adopted. I did that because I saw a need and then, out of that came networking opportunities and business. I also attend a lot of local events. I will either have a table setup, or just go and meet people. I sometimes visit networking groups. Things like that help get you engrained in local community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.belovedpetphoto.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/belovedpetphoto/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/belovedpetphotography
