How Much Money Do Dog Photographers Make?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,
Annual Salary Hourly Wage
Top Earners


$56,500


$27
75th Percentile $39,500 $19 Average $36,685 $18 25th Percentile $24,000 $12

How much should I charge for taking pictures of my dog?

Dog photography costs vary. Professional pet portrait prices can range anywhere from

$500 to $5,000 per dog

. Most amateur and student photographers charge much less, often charging as little as $250 to $500 per session.

Can you make a living as a pet photographer?

While you might think you’re simply capturing your dog or cat at ease,

that skill can earn big bucks

. There’s a reason why: Looking at photos of dogs actually makes people feel happier, more energized and relaxed. And that’s just when they look at images of other people’s dogs.

How do you become a dog photographer?

  1. Make Sure You Know the Dog’s Personality.
  2. Capture Owner/Pet Relationships.
  3. Focus on the Eyes to Create Depth.
  4. Use a Black Background for Classic Portraits.
  5. Take Photos Using Burst Mode to Capture Motion.
  6. Use a Wide-Angle Lens for Fun Portraits.
  7. Use Manual Focus for Sharp Portraits.

Is there a demand for pet photography?

Pet Photography Demand. According to CBC News,

the demand for pet photography has increased 30% from 2018 to 2019

(source). They based their data on Google Keyword research.

How much do professional pet photos cost?

Many pet photographers are also professional human portrait photographers. The national average cost of pet photography is

$100–$230

, but costs vary by location and the specifics of the photo shoot and image package.

How do you charge for pet photography?

City Cost of 2 hour photoshoot Los Angeles, CA $578 San Francisco, CA $518 San Jose, CA $441

How much should I charge for a photography session?

Level Per Hour Per Image
Semi-Pro


$75 to $150

$50 to $150
Professional $100 to $300 $75 to $350

How do I sell my pet portrait?

Another great way to promote your pet portrait business is to

get involved with the pet owner community in your area

. There are a number of ways to do that such as setting up a booth at local art fairs or pet expos, and visit various dog parks to make new pet-owner connections.

How do I start pet photography?

  1. Plan your Pet Photography Business.
  2. Form your Pet Photography Business into a Legal Entity.
  3. Register your Pet Photography Business for Taxes.
  4. Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card.
  5. Set up Accounting for your Pet Photography Business.

Can I sell photos of my dog?

Sell Photos of Your Dog


You can absolutely make money taking pictures of dogs and cats and selling them to people looking for them

. Go on any stock photo site and you’ll easily find several photos of dogs, cats, and other pets and animals.

What do dog photographers do?

Pet Photographers

take commissioned pictures of a person’s pet

. For the most part, you work as a Pet Photographer in a freelance role—you either have your own business, or do the job on the side. There are some photo studios where you can find employment.

What makes a successful pet photography?


Try to photograph your pets at their eye-level to capture the world they live in from their unique perspective

. Getting down low can give a more interesting feel to your images, although much can also be said for shooting from a high angle too.

How much can you make as a pet photographer?

While ZipRecruiter is seeing annual salaries

as high as $74,500 and as low as $14,000

, the majority of Pet Photography salaries currently range between $24,000 (25th percentile) to $39,500 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $56,500 annually across the United States.

How can I be a good pet photographer?

  1. You need to be passionate about photographing dogs and have the patience of a saint. …
  2. Learn about behaviour and body language. …
  3. Make sure your images are up to scratch. …
  4. Don’t beat yourself. …
  5. Create a strong brand. …
  6. Bring the things you value into your business. …
  7. Tell people where you are.

How do pet photographers get clients?

  1. 1) Use Photography Magazine Templates to Market Your Pet Photography Business. …
  2. 3) Cross Promote Your Pet Photography Business with Other Pet Related Businesses. …
  3. 4) Partner with Other Businesses. …
  4. 5) Work with Pet Shelters and Animal Welfare Organizations.

Why do photographers wear black?

So, why do they wear black? It turns out, dressing in an all-black ensemble is a general rule of thumb in the photography world,

so photographers are as invisible as possible at a photo shoot

. This way, they don’t take any attention away from the photo’s main subject or their ability to work.

How can a beginner photographer make money?

  1. Photograph small businesses.
  2. Teach photography.
  3. Sell digital or printed copies of your work.
  4. Sell your photos on stock websites.
  5. Write a photography blog.
  6. Invest in your art.
  7. Conduct photography tours and workshops.
  8. Become a social guru.

Why are photographers so expensive?

While photography can be viewed as an expensive service, the true costs of the industry for the photographer are evident. From

cost of gear to marketing, content usage, self employment fees and the extensive dedication of time

– being a photographer is truly a financial investment in the industry and profession.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.