Pets Photography Studio was founded by Richie Schwartz, often referred to as "America's Most Experienced Pet Photographer."
After a successful 25 year career in photography in New York doing photojournalism, weddings/events, families/ kids, pets, schools, models and commercial work, Richie decided to specialize. As a former Veterinary Technician, Dog Groomer and Trainer, working with animals exclusively seemed to be a natural progression. In 2002 he joined forces with another photo studio based in Canada. Their plan was to partner with other pet businesses in the US and Canada, that already had a customer base which matched a common target market, namely pet owners who shopped in brick and mortar stores. The business model would create partnerships with other pet businesses to form mutually beneficial relationships.
Through persistent and skillful negotiating efforts, their team was able to enter into contracts and collaborate with the two largest pet supply stores in the US. That milestone was a game changer. They grew Great Beginnings Photo and it's subsidiary Pet One Photo into the world’s largest pet photography company. As Operations Manager, Richie was in charge of day to day operations, overseeing a staff of 40 photographers taking pet portraits at 600 Petsmart and Petco stores across 30 states. These two companies alone accounted for over 50,000 photo sessions each year.
In 2006, Richie left that company to open his own Pet Photography business in New York using a similar business model but on a smaller, more localized scale. Richie, pitched his idea to PETCO and got a contract that put his studio in over 80 locations in NY, NJ, and CT.
In 2010, he had taken on the same role for national chain Pet Supplies “Plus,” servicing stores in NY, NJ, CT and PA. In 2013 Schwartz's studio partnered with Petland Discounts, a local pet supply store chain with over 100 stores in the NY area. His studio has worked with other major pet supply chains such as Pet Valu, as well as dozens of independent pet businesses such as grooming salons, doggie daycares, dog boarding kennels, pet stores, and animal hospitals.
On a personal level, Richie has been recognized both for his photography and his contributions to the community. He provides free photography for several Pet Rescue organizations. Richie was named to NBC Universal's Petside.com’s list of Top 25 Pet People of 2010 along with Oprah Winfrey and Ellen DeGeneres, for his charity work with animals and his impact on the welfare of pets.
- 2018 - Named Pet Photographer of the Year (NY Pet Fashion Show)
- 2017 - Society Paws Award for Professional Pet Photographer (NYC)
- 2022 - SEVEN time winner: Best Pet Photographer on Long Island competition (LI Press) 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2022
He has been featured on TV and radio and in magazines and newspapers such as Modern Dog Magazine, American Dog Magazine, Pet Home Magazine, Pets in the City Magazine, Metropolitan Magazine, Newsday, Wall Street Journal, and the Cats In Sweaters Calendars and book.
Richie is not only an acclaimed pet photographer, but he is an admired educator as well. He offers classes, mentoring, and coaching in Photography, Sales, Starting and/or growing a Photography business, Marketing for Photographers, Partnering for Pet Photographers and more. He is available for general business coaching and/or mentoring as well. He provides workshops and seminars both online and at various venues. Richie runs several Facebook groups for Professional Photographers with topics ranging from technical skills to sales to customer service. He is also available as a public speaker on a variety of related topics. As of early 2022 he has a social media following of over 50,000 followers.
His Social Media includes:
His Social Media includes:
