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Pet Photographer Richie Schwartz: With 40 years as a pro photographer, this former Vet Tech, Groomer and Dog Trainer’s experiences and talent have given him the ability to create unique pet portraits. Based in NY, he has photographed over 75,000 pets in 33 states and is known as "America's Most Experienced Pet Photographer". He is also an educator and mentor, teaching pet photography and general business skills to other photographers. Richie volunteers his time to help animal rescue groups.
Showing posts with label dog pictures. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dog pictures. Show all posts
Thursday, October 20, 2022
Tuesday, August 28, 2018
The Making of a Pet Photography Business
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:
Saturday, July 5, 2014
Monday, February 3, 2014
Richie Schwartz voted "Best Pet Photographer" 2014
Richie Schwartz voted "Best Pet Photographer" 2014
Voted Best for the Second Consecutive Year
Long Island, NY, February 3, 2014 – Pet Photographer Richie Schwartz was voted "Best Pet Photographer" on Long Island, NY, in the annual “BEST OF LONG ISLAND 2014” competition, by readers of the Long Island Press, Long Island's largest weekly newspaper. The annual contest is sponsored by Bethpage Federal Credit Union.
The Bethpage “Best of Long Island” competition is the largest business awards program on Long Island and had more than 1 million votes counted this year.
Starting with thousands of nominees in hundreds of categories, the top 15-20 vote getters in each category were entered into the final round, where the final voting took place. Through it all, Schwartz prevailed as the FIRST PLACE WINNER in the category of "Best Pet Photographer". He also won first place last year as well, the first year the category appeared.
Schwartz founded Pets Photography Studio based in West Hempstead, NY, and through partnerships with other pet businesses, his studio provides Pet Photography services at over 50 locations throughout Long Island and the tri state region of NY, NJ, and CT.
Over the last 33 years as a professional photographer, it is estimated that Schwartz, a former Veterinary technician, groomer and dog trainer, has photographed over 75,000 pets. He is often referred to as “America’s Most Experienced Pet Photographer”. He is internationally recognized as an expert and leader in the specialized field of Pet Photography. Schwartz has been featured in books, magazines, blogs, podcasts, videos, newspapers, radio, and television.
He is a speaker and educator at photography clubs, schools, pet expos and other events, where he offers pet photography classes, seminars and workshops. He frequently volunteers his services to help raise funds and awareness for animal rescue organizations. Starting with thousands of nominees in hundreds of categories, the top 15-20 vote getters in each category were entered into the final round, where the final voting took place. Through it all, Schwartz prevailed as the FIRST PLACE WINNER in the category of "Best Pet Photographer". He also won first place last year as well, the first year the category appeared.
Schwartz founded Pets Photography Studio based in West Hempstead, NY, and through partnerships with other pet businesses, his studio provides Pet Photography services at over 50 locations throughout Long Island and the tri state region of NY, NJ, and CT.
Over the last 33 years as a professional photographer, it is estimated that Schwartz, a former Veterinary technician, groomer and dog trainer, has photographed over 75,000 pets. He is often referred to as “America’s Most Experienced Pet Photographer”. He is internationally recognized as an expert and leader in the specialized field of Pet Photography. Schwartz has been featured in books, magazines, blogs, podcasts, videos, newspapers, radio, and television.
Schwartz was named on the list of "TOP 25 PET PEOPLE OF 2010" by NBC Universal’s Petside.com, along with Oprah Winfrey, Betty White, Elayne Boosler, and Ellen DeGeneres for their volunteer work with animal rescue groups.
In 2010 he was the subject of a documentary by Videographer Brian Potts.If you would like more information, please contact
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RICHIE SCHWARTZ
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516-263-4821
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240-331-1367
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info@PetsPhotography.com
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Wednesday, June 26, 2013
THE DINNER PARTY AND THE PET PHOTOGRAPHER
Photographers, can you relate? What would your response be?
THE DINNER PARTY AND THE PET PHOTOGRAPHER
THE DINNER PARTY AND THE PET PHOTOGRAPHER
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
A Cool Boxer Visited Celebrity Pet Photographer Richie Schwartz
A dog named Buster visited Celebrity Pet Photographer Richie Schwartz in his New York photo studio. I think I did a good job capturing Buster’s personality as he changed poses from whimsical to regal to serious to fun. We are saving the best images for one of my books, but I am sharing a few outtakes from the session. As you can imagine from these images, a ton of fun was had by all.
Saturday, December 22, 2012
Top 10 Tips for Great Holiday Pet Photos
By Pet Photographer Richie Schwartz
Top 10 Tips for Great Holiday Pet Photos
By Pet Photographer Richie Schwartz
1 – If your pup is going to wear an outfit or even just a Santa hat, put it on a couple days before to make sure it fits, but more importantly, to see how your pup likes it and to let him/her get used to it.
2 – Try to bring your pup to the store/location where the pictures will be taken in advance to let him/her get used to the smells, noise, and hustle and bustle of the store.
3 - Buy a holiday toy that would look nice in the holiday picture and give it to the dog to play with a day or two before picture day. Bring it with you when you go for the pictures, it may help your dog feel more comfortable.
4 – Bring some of Fido’s favorite treats in case “bribery” is required.
5 – The photographers will most likely be using a camera with a flash, so I suggest that you practice taking pictures with a flash at home. Take a picture and quickly give the dog a treat. Let him make the connection that a flash will lead to a treat. This technique may help your dog sit calmly through a few shots if needed.
6 – Holiday picture days are typically very popular and there can be long lines to wait on. To avoid standing in long lines, arrive early in the day. You might even call the photographer at the store and ask what time would be least crowded.
7 – If you are using a professional photographer in a private photo studio, most likely you will be making an appointment. Make the appointment for a time when your dog has already eaten and has taken care of “business”.
8 – Try not to make any changes to the dog’s regular routine. Feed, use the bathroom, and exercise as usual if possible.
9 - It usually helps to take your dog for a long walk or run before the photo session, especially if you have one of the more active breeds or mixed breeds.
10 – Even after taking some or all of these steps, some dogs may not sit for a photo for one reason or another. Don’t get frustrated, give your pup an extra hug and remember it is all about having fun.
Richie Schwartz - America's Most Experienced Pet Photographer
Pets Photography Studio - Over 75,000 Pets Photographed
Named to Top 25 Pet People of 2010 (NBC Universal)
Monday, August 16, 2010
Pet Photographer Helps Shelter Rescue Dogs Get Adopted
I had a Pet Photo Day at a local Pet Supplies “Plus” store recently and there was a dog and cat rescue group celebrating the opening of their new facility within the store. The store owner had generously donated a large portion of his property to construct an area to house kittens and cats that have been rescued from the street and from other shelters. The name of the rescue group is Forgotten Friends of Long Island. and they have a Facebook page here: Forgotten Friends on Facebook
They had also brought with them, several rescued dogs that live in foster homes while waiting to be adopted. They don’t have room to house the dogs, so some volunteers with very big hearts become foster “parents” to these animals that would have otherwise been euthanized.
I asked the Coordinator of their Foster/Rescue Dog Program, if I could donate some of my time and take pictures of the foster dogs which could then be used on their web site. I hadn’t seen their web site or the pictures of the dogs on it, but I have seen other rescue sites and I know what the pictures usually look like. It is a known fact that the better the picture, the better the chances are that a dog will get adopted. Even without having seen the pictures they were using on their web site,I was sure that I could improve upon them, even with the limited set up I had to work with at the time.
Take a look at the pictures, maybe you would like to adopt one or perhaps you know someone who might like to. Please get in touch with Forgotten Friends of Long Island.
If you are a shelter or rescue organization in Connecticut, New York City or on Long Island, I am available to do the same thing for your organiztion.
Here are the “before” and “after” pictures:
The top row photos were taken by the rescue group’s volunteers. The rest are photos of the same dogs, taken by me.
They had also brought with them, several rescued dogs that live in foster homes while waiting to be adopted. They don’t have room to house the dogs, so some volunteers with very big hearts become foster “parents” to these animals that would have otherwise been euthanized.
I asked the Coordinator of their Foster/Rescue Dog Program, if I could donate some of my time and take pictures of the foster dogs which could then be used on their web site. I hadn’t seen their web site or the pictures of the dogs on it, but I have seen other rescue sites and I know what the pictures usually look like. It is a known fact that the better the picture, the better the chances are that a dog will get adopted. Even without having seen the pictures they were using on their web site,I was sure that I could improve upon them, even with the limited set up I had to work with at the time.
Take a look at the pictures, maybe you would like to adopt one or perhaps you know someone who might like to. Please get in touch with Forgotten Friends of Long Island.
If you are a shelter or rescue organization in Connecticut, New York City or on Long Island, I am available to do the same thing for your organiztion.
Here are the “before” and “after” pictures:
The top row photos were taken by the rescue group’s volunteers. The rest are photos of the same dogs, taken by me.
CLICK IMAGE TO SEE LARGER
The author's web site Pets Photography Studio
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