5. Not pricing for the specialised skill set  and experience you have

Pet photography is not the same as photographing people. We are part photographer, part animal behaviour reader, and honestly sometimes part gymnast because we have to get down on the ground and be in weird positions sometimes. We're working with anxious dogs, hyperactive dogs, dogs that would rather eat the camera than look at it.

If you're pricing your sessions the same as a standard portrait session, you're undervaluing everything it actually takes to do what you do. Your pricing should reflect that skill and experience.

6. Not leading with wall art

A lot of photographers list their products and hope clients will choose something big. But if you're not actively guiding clients toward artwork for their home, most of them will default to whatever feels safe and affordable.

Here's the thing. The shift I made that changed everything was leading with wall art from the very beginning of the client relationship, not at the end when I'm hoping they'll upgrade. By the time a client books with me, they're already thinking about where a piece might go in their home. We've talked about it. I've asked about their walls. I know whether they're thinking about one big statement piece or a collection or if they don't have wall space a portrait box or album.

That means by the time we get to the session, I'm shooting with intention. And by the time we get to the ordering appointment, it's not a sales conversation. It's just finalising what we already planned together.

If you're not doing this yet, that's where I'd start. Not with a product price list overhaul. Just start the artwork conversation earlier.

7. Avoiding the money conversation

I used to be scared to say my prices out loud. I'd avoid mentioning them until the very end of a call, worried people would think I was expensive.

What I've learned is that avoiding it early actually attracts the wrong people. When you're upfront about your starting prices and clear about the experience you offer, you pre-qualify your enquiries. You want the people who value what you do to reach out. Not the people who are shopping for the lowest price.

And if you're hesitant when you mention your session fee, clients will feel that. Confidence in your pricing is where client confidence in you starts.

Here's the thing though. This is really a mindset issue. If you're struggling with this, it's worth looking at your money blocks, because a lot of what holds photographers back comes down to one belief: "I wouldn't pay this, so why would my client?"

But you are not your ideal client. And projecting your own money beliefs on to your clients aren't actually going to help you or even protect them. It's just going to get in the way and your clients will then feel that.

So what do you do with all of this?

Fixing these mistakes isn't just about updating some numbers on your website. It's about a genuine mindset shift and putting a system in place that actually works.

This is why I built the Consistent Bookings Program. I wanted to help pet photographers move away from inconsistent income and into a business that feels sustainable and genuinely worthwhile. Whether you're just starting out or you've been doing this for years and feel stuck, there is a better way to do this.

If you want to start by figuring out where the gaps actually are in your business, the Consistent Bookings Audit is a good place to begin:

And if you're ready to go deeper, you can join the waitlist for the next Consistent Bookings Workshop here:

Your work has value. Your time has value. And building a business that reflects that is completely possible.

If you have any questions or just want to chat about where you're at with your pricing, feel free to reach out. I'm always happy to have a conversation.