Attending photography conferences as a pet photographer
Finally it seems that travel is completely back open to most of us, and that means that many of the in-person events that were canceled or delayed- are back too!
For those of you who have joined our industry in the last couple of years, this is likely your first opportunity to experience an event and so I wanted to give you an idea of what these events are like!
Back when the Australian Institute of Professional Photography (AIPP) was still around, we had an annual photography conference, “Nikon AIPP The Event”. In 2011 it was held during the last semester of my Diploma of Photography. I found out about it after the student scholarship closed (actually.. I only learned of the scholarship once I was there!) and although I barely had a dollar to my name, I decided to invest what I had (and borrow the rest) in order to attend the four day photography conference.
I admit- I was pretty nervous heading to this event. I was 20 years old and didn’t know one single person attending! But by the end of the four day event I had learned from some of the biggest names in the industry through their key notes and workshops, spoken with reps from album companies and labs which helped me understand what was on offer for professionals, and I had a job offer (which I did accept and eventually lead to me specializing in pets, but that’s a story for another day!).
I remember the feeling I had on that flight home over a decade ago. I don’t think I’ll ever forget it. A combination of exhaustion yet buzzing with excitement and a feeling of being a part of something. With every professional event I’ve attended since, I have left with that same buzz, reigniting a passion that eagerness to learn, to improve, to grow- that is sometimes forgotten among the day-to-day of photography.
That’s what these industry events are about. Igniting enthusiasm and building relationships.
Back then, there weren't any pet photography specific events, but these days there are. You have small retreats like ours but of course the biggest conference is Animal Image Makers (AIM) held in Minneapolis, USA.
I really value all of the experiences I have had attending conferences over the years but to have an event that is specific for pet photographers is just fabulous.I’m so excited that you don’t have to sit in on a keynote with a truck photographer to pick up tips on commercial photography, or join a newborn photographers class on marketing! Instead, you can head to AIM to learn from those who face the same challenges as you do- other pet photographers.
I asked the AIM organizers to share with you what some of their attendees have said, so that you can hear an opinion other than mine! Here’s what they’ve passed on:
“..AIM has helped my business in so many ways. Print competition has helped me push myself to learn and try new things as well as improve the quality of my work. The opportunity to connect with others who do what I do has led to lasting friendships and business connections. Because of AIM, I have a network of people with whom I can share ideas and get feedback on everything from images and editing techniques to business questions.” - Annie Ballantine
“The best thing about attending AIM is learning from all of the amazing speakers and hanging out with new friends! I love that everyone is unique, but we can all grow together on our own journeys. I learned that being myself makes the biggest impact on my clients.” - Ashley Metler
“I got endless useful new ideas from talking with other pet photographers.” - Margaret Bryant
“I am one half of the business with my life partner Karen. The presentation from the New Hampshire couple, Kim and Bud Thorpe was very poignant as they talked about how they work together as a team to get the most out of their business. In addition, they were very helpful in teaching how to photograph dogs and the importance of having a clean-up plan during each session so that dog owners never associate an image with a dog mess.” - Joe Plaia
Disclosure: This is a sponsored blog post.
As part of that, I managed to snag you guys a discount code for AIM! Just use the code ‘PPC-2023’ to save $49 on your ticket.
If you’ve attended an industry conference, pet-specific or not, I already know that you left with that same buzzing feeling we all get, but I’d love to know what lasting impact it had on your business?
Members continue the discussion in the Mastermind Facebook Group, otherwise shoot me an email: kirstie@thepetphotographersclub.com
ENTER TO WIN
Would you love to go to AIM? You can go in the draw to win your ticket!
Discount Code
If you don’t win, don’t panic! I managed to snag you guys a discount code for the 2023 Animal Image Makers conference in Minneapolis! Just use the code ‘PPC-2023’ to save $49 on your ticket!
Author
Kirstie McConnell |
Founder
The Pet Photographers Club
When Kirstie launched her pet photography business in Australia in 2012, the genre was barely a thing. She spent the next years at the forefront of this niche, marketing not just her own business, but the concept of pet photography. Each year she photographed around 100 dogs, cats and horses per year to create wall art and albums for pet-parents.
Now based in Italy, she continues to offer pet photography to her clients back in Australia on return trips, but otherwise spends her energy helping other pet photographers build a business which will allow them to follow their dreams.
Internationally recognized as a leader in the industry, she hosts the podcast, workshops, courses and business events for The Pet Photographers Club which she co-founded.
Pin to Pinterest!
