In this interview with Caitlin McColl of Ragamuffin Pet Photography in Melbourne, we discuss the real business of pet photography success and what it takes to attract bookings week in, week out.

Being young with little business experience meant Caitlin had to learn fast or change direction. She almost gave up at one stage before “busting through” and business has been great since. In this interview, Caitlin shares how she grew her business through marketing, Facebook, a business plan, strategy and systems. We cover the things that really work and some that definitely don't. No matter what style of photography business you run, there is something to learn form Caitlin.

Here's some of what we cover:

  • Using Facebook to gather momentum and get known
  • YouTube as a source of SEO
  • Advertising and what definitely did not work
  • Pricing and how things changed from the beginning
  • Giving up a possible life in fashion photography to photograph pets
  • Blogging consistently
  • Why Caitlin says NO to sneak peeks of her shoots
  • Scheduling your social media posts for maximum affect
  • Almost quitting before breaking through
  • Shooting less and charging more for a better lifestyle and successful business
  • Business plans and the role they played
  • Systems, systems and more systems
  • Session fees
  • Locating a gap or niche in the market
My advice after interviewing Caitlin is to follow her on social media, check out her blog to truly understand what a motivated professional photographer can do in regard to creating content, being seen and attracting more business.

Raggamuffin Pet Photography Interview

 

What is your big takeaway?

After listening to this episode, what is your one big takeaway, what's the one thing you'd like to implement in your business as a result of what Caitlin is doing or had to say? Get involved, leave a comment below and start the conversation rolling.

Disagree with something? Feel free to add that too, as long as you are being respectful, healthy debate is totally fine.

Raggamuffin Pet Photography Interview

Staying Motivated with a New Camera

At the beginning of the show I mentioned a new camera that has reignited my passion for shooting for fun, the Fuji X100s – it's a real beauty, just fun to use.

I said in the podcast I love this camera because I don't have to think, it has a fixed 35mm lens and that's it. After thinking a little more about that statement, I guess I have to think just as much about my shots but I'm less distracted with options of lens choice and a bag load of gear.

Working within the constraints of this small, retro, capable and very cool camera.That's what is so refreshing about it.

If you have something that gets you inspired or motivated to shoot for fun, let me know in the comments below.

Staying Motivated Fuji X110s

 

iTunes ratings, reviews and Shout-Outs

One great iTunes rating and review this week from Jerome Cole of www.jeromecole.com.au in Melbourne. Thanks heaps Jerome, great to have you listening and thanks for taking the time to review the podcast in iTunes!

Screen Shot 2013-07-25 at 6.41.42 PM

Also, a few shout-outs to photographers/listeners that have made contact via email or social media this week:

Rob Ervin of www.robervinphotography.com

Kate Little of www.katelittlephotography.com

If you'd like to get in touch, ask a question or make a suggestion for the show, you can email me andrew@photobizx.com, find me on twitter https://twitter.com/andrewhellmich or on Facebook at https://photobizx.com/facebook – I'd love to hear from you.

 Raggamuffin Pet Photography Interview

Links to people, places and things mentioned in this episode:

Ragamuffin Pet Photography: http://ragamuffinpetphotography.com.au

Ragamuffin on Facebook: http://ragamuffinpetphotography.com.au

Ragamuffin on Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/RagamuffinPhotos

Beautiful Beasties – resource for Pet Photographers world wide: http://www.beautifulbeasties.com

Pro Photo Blogs: http://www.prophoto.com

WordPress Blogs: http://wordpress.org

Hoote Suite for managing social media and scheduling posts:

Animoto for slideshows: http://animoto.com

Shoot and Sell – sales tool to show framed prints on your clients walls: http://www.shootandsellapp.com

Preveal – iPad sales tool to show framed prints on your clients walls: http://getpreveal.com

Google Docs: http://docs.google.com

Text Expander, a great tool for creating custom keyboard shortcuts to add frequently used text or images: http://smilesoftware.com/TextExpander/index.html

Family Image Photography – check out Brian's new website: http://www.familyimage.com.au

The Business of Photography – Brian's 3 Day Business Workshops: http://www.thebusinessofphotography.com.au

Raggamuffin Pet Photography Interview

 

That's it for me this week, hope everything is going well for you. I'd love for you to leave a comment below to let me know what you took away from this interview.

Speak soon

Andrew