From Mini Sessions to Meaningful Stories: A Shift in My Photography Business
Remember the McDonald’s “McPickle” burger? Just pickles on a bun—no patty, no sauce. 😂 Or Ikea’s “Pee-kea” bathroom line with the self-cleaning toilet brush? And, of course, Krispy Kreme’s “Ketchup Doughnut” (that one definitely made me do a double take 🤮).
While I love a good laugh, when it comes to my business, I prefer to keep things simple and straightforward. When my clients trust me to capture memories with their pets, I want them to know they’re in good hands. So, no pranks from me this year—just a little real talk about a big shift in my photography business.
After 15 Years, It’s Time to Evolve
For 15 years, I've offered two different approaches to sessions - my Thirty Minute Pawtrait sessions and my no time limit Signature Sessions. The Pawtrait Sessions have been great - they're fast, fun, and provided value to clients looking for quick updates or gift sessions. But over time, I realised I was yearning for something deeper.
So, here’s the change: I’m no longer photographing the mini sessions.
This wasn’t an easy decision, but it’s a necessary one. I want to focus on what excites me most—creating richer, more meaningful photography experiences that explore the bond between pets and their families.
Echo the Bull Terrier, photographed by Justin for Ragamuffin
Why the Change?
As photographers, it’s easy to fall into a rhythm. We know what works, what fills the calendar, and what clients expect. But deep down, we all have a vision that excites us more than just another "quick fix" session. For me, that vision is telling full, rich stories—capturing the essence of the relationship between pets and their owners, not just their appearance.
And that’s exactly where my focus is now shifting: immersive, story-driven Signature Sessions that explore the full narrative of a pet’s life with their family.
Building a Team to Support My Vision
Here’s the exciting part: I’ve spent months building an amazing team of photographers who share my passion for natural, patient pet photography. They’ll continue offering the short & sweet sessions for clients who need them, allowing me to focus on the sessions that inspire me most.
With this shift, I’ll be able to dedicate more time to creating meaningful, emotionally rich work—capturing those deeper connections that my clients truly value.
Why It’s Time to Evolve
As photographers, we can get stuck in the comfort of what works. But if we’re not pushing ourselves to grow creatively, we risk missing out on the passion that originally drove us to photography. For me, these Signature and Adventure Sessions are the work I’m most excited about. They allow me to connect with clients and capture something truly meaningful.
And that’s what I want to offer moving forward: not just pictures, but an experience that reflects the unique bond between pets and their families.
Lexi the Kelpie, photographed by Jaxine for Ragamuffin
The Value of Going Deeper
If you’re feeling stuck in your business, I encourage you to think about what excites you. It’s easy to stay with what’s familiar, but when you align your work with what truly excites you, you create more than just photos—you create experiences that resonate with both you and your clients.
This change means more time to dedicate to each client, and more meaningful work that I’m truly passionate about. And it means giving clients an experience that goes beyond a "quick" session—offering them a chance to capture the full depth of their relationship with their pets.
What’s Next?
For me, this shift opens up new opportunities to create richer, more personalized sessions. I’ll be spending more time connecting with my clients, telling their stories, and capturing their unique relationships with their pets. It’s the kind of work that excites me, and I’m looking forward to where this new direction will take me.
If you’re a photographer thinking about making a similar change, don’t be afraid to follow what excites you. The growth may feel a little intimidating at first, but it’s the kind of change that brings new possibilities. Embrace it, and your work will reflect that passion.
Thanks for supporting me through this journey. I can’t wait to share more updates with you all soon!