The Making of a Pet Photography Business

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:

Twitter / YouTube / Facebook / LinkedIn / Instagram

Is Professional Photography Really "Worth It"?

Being in the photography business for years has been an amazing journey and a great accomplishment for me. I believe that the people I meet are the best clients anyone could wish for. For the most part, my clients book an appointment, look at the images and then make a purchase according to the price list I provide and they go home a happy camper! Once in a while, though, a new client will express concerns about what they perceive to be the high cost of professional photography in general, and they wonder aloud if it is really worth it. And that is when I say to them, maybe I can help you to better understand why professional photography really is “worth it”.

Now, I don’t launch into a list of expenses that pro photographers have to cover just to stay in business. I don’t mention things like rent, insurance, licensing fees, business taxes, equipment cost, software upgrades, photo lab costs, assistants, shipping fees, travel costs, equipment upgrades, editing and retouching fees, ongoing education, and advertising costs . NO, I don’t mention any of these things; I wouldn’t resort to that! ;) But I do tell them about Sunday, October 28, 2012.

Yes, October 28, 2012, the day that President Obama issued a declaration of emergency for New York State. Schools, bridges, and airports were closed. Here in my home town on Long Island, the orders were given to evacuate immediately! A "super" storm named Sandy was headed directly at our island as if guided by some hi technological laser gun.

Hurricane Sandy came to New York the next day and for those of us that survived, our lives were changed forever. A lot was going on in the hours of that Sunday afternoon before the storm was due to land. The neighborhood was alive with commotion, yet there was a sort of calm panic. As if by coincidence (or something else) as I packed my vehicle, I looked around and noticed all my neighbors were doing the same thing at the same time. It was eerie, almost as if we had rehearsed this like the synchronized swimmers in the Olympics, or the newest young and bold dance team on America's Got Talent, but we hadn’t.

As my neighbors brought their valuables out of their homes and into their vehicles, not knowing if there would still be a house when we were allowed back, I saw something I will never forget; we all brought the same thing out of our homes!

I didn't see any Xbox console, or stereo system, I did not see any plasma screen 90 inch Super Hi Def TV, I didn't see any air conditioners nor did I see any comfy sectional sofas or fancy bathroom sinks, I didn't see any kid's bunk beds. No desktop computers or pretty Tiffany lamps.

What I DID see was that EVERYONE was loading their cars and mini vans with the family photos that they took off the walls, frame and all. They had their wedding albums and wall portraits. They had their kid’s photo albums filled with years of school pictures and Halloween costumes, taking their first steps and posing proudly on their first bicycle. And there were shoe boxes full of photos from years of assorted family occasions, even that last picture of Grandma before she passed ,and I understood. I understood. I really understood.

We know that at the end of the day, of all our “possessions”, it is our memories that we treasure most and place the highest value on. Pictures represent our memories. Our memories cannot be replaced with any amount of money or any material goods - it really is the most valuable thing we have!

I tell these “wondering” clients to keep in mind that when a photographer hands over custom prints with the images of your loved ones, these are now your “priceless” treasures forevermore. These are now the most valuable thing you own! And as they get misty eyed and give a quick sniffle thinking about what they would have done, they get it. They get it.
They really get it.

©2015 Richie Schwartz

Thanks for reading!

Click to  

Read This Article on Facebook