S17E02 | Thinking like a business person for pet photography success with Lisa Asp
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Today’s guest has been in business for a long time- and you can tell. She is thinking outside the box with her marketing while also ensuring she has a layered approach to fill her calendar. I’m talking about Lisa Asp who beyond that, is heavily involved with PPA and ISAP so after chatting marketing she answered your questions about joining a photography association and the different awards and competitions that are out there.
WE COVERED
Lisa’s journey from the dream of being a painting major to shifting gears into photography
How a rescue encouraged Lisa’s business to transition into pets from general portraits
How Lisa uses social media
Marketing a specialised studio versus a general portrait studio
Thinking outside the box with passive marketing by partnering with a cafe
How putting yourself out there can lead to new clients and marketing partnerships
What is a professional photography association and why would you join
IN THE MEMBERS-ONLY EXTENDED EPISODE
How to find an association to join for professional photographers
What's the deal with competitions and awards, and which should you enter
Headshots for hounds
Knowing when to say no to fundraisers
Mentioned links:
https://tangerinehouseofdesign.com/
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Lisa Asp
Tangerine House of Design, USA
I've always been a dog lover. From Charlie the Lhasa Apso my family had when I was a child or Chewy the golden I unsuccessfully tried to raise in my college dorm, dogs have always held something special for me. I don't think I fully appreciated this however, until 2001 when my husband and I adopted a greyhound from a local rescue in Connecticut. His name was Jersey and he was a gentle soul who willingly put up with all of our crazy photo shoots. He was a best friend and my muse. For a photographer, having access to such a beautiful creature was a godsend and gave rise to many impromptu sessions featuring Jersey: dog supermodel. It was from those early experiences in the studio that I realized the power of an image to illustrate the true soul of a dog - to show it not as a pet, or a possession, but with all the depth and clarity that comes from living together with a dog in a shared world. A great portrait is the image the owners hold in their minds when they think of their dog. An image can be a powerful thing, even after all these years since Jersey passed away - it only takes seeing his face in a portrait and that soul connection comes back. That's the face of my friend, who I love and miss. I thank God that I have those images. It doesn't replace him but it does remind me of the sweetness of life with a dog. And I love bringing the same emotion to my clients.
Dogs and humans are meant to be together. We've evolved together over the past millennia and, in my opinion, are never as good apart as we can be together. When we adopted Jersey, I became aware of the needs of shelter dogs. I never knew so many greyhounds never made it past their last race on the track. Or so many great pets were stuck in shelters. I realized that every dollar raised helps find a pet a home and every pet that finds a family helps to change the world. If you know me, you know I'm a bit of a Do-er! So I did what I always do: I got involved. I volunteered at meet and greets, educated everyone I met about the gentle greyhound and the large number of pets of all breeds needing good homes. I started donating my time taking portraits of adoptable dogs to help them find forever homes. I joined with several rescues to raise funds through pet calendars. I was creating pet portraits but also being a Jack-of-All-Trades Photographer: seniors, families, weddings, pets, engagements. I did it all and had a good time! I've taken photos of everything from a Christmas ham to publicity shots for politicians. It wasn't until I moved to Minnesota in 2011, however, that I decided to focus my energy on pet portraits. There's something about starting over in every aspect of my life that I think gave me the freedom to take a risk and specialize with pets. And I’ve never looked back!
Lisa Asp, M. Photog., M. Artist, Cr., CPP, MAI has been a professional photographer for more than 25 years. Lisa has a deep history in portrait photography and has specialized in pet portraits since moving her business across the country in 2011. Her love of animals expanded into wildlife photography several years ago as well. Lisa has won numerous awards for her work including Kodak Gallery awards, Fuji Masterpiece, Lexjet, PPA District First Place, IPC GIA First Place and GIA Second Place, two-time Diamond Photographer of the Year, Twin Cities Photographer of the year, and more. Lisa is the president of the International Society of Animal Photographers, a PPA Councilor and PPA-Approved Juror.
