BLOG - Ina J Photography - Canberra Pet Photographer

Pet photographer standing in her studio with dog portraits, representing a professional photography workflow behind the scenes

Photography Workflow: What Happens Before the Session (And Why It Makes Such a Difference)

April 27, 2026

If your sessions sometimes feel a bit unpredictable or your clients arrive unsure of what to expect, it might not be the session itself. It’s usually what happens before it. When I first started, I didn’t think too much about my photography workflow before the session. I was focused on getting the photos and making sure everything looked good on the day.At the same time, I was building my photography business while working full time in the Australian public service as a ...

Shih Tzu sitting on a dirt path beside purple wildflowers.

5 Mistakes People Make When Preparing for Photos With Their Dog (And What to Do Instead)

April 21, 2026

If you’ve been thinking about booking a session with your dog, you’ve probably also caught yourself overthinking a few things.Most of the time, it’s not big issues, it’s small decisions that feel unclear, so you either delay it or try to control everything upfront.So here are the most common mistakes I see, and what actually helps instead. 1. Doing a big walk right before the session to “tire them out”This is probably the most common one.People think ...

Couple kneeling with their dog during an outdoor portrait session, capturing a relaxed and connected client experience

How to Grow a Photography Business That Actually Fits Your Life

April 12, 2026

If you’ve been trying to figure out how to grow a photography business and it still feels harder than it should, you’re not alone. I remember being in that exact place.There was a time where I was building my photography business while working full time in the Australian public service as a CPA and business analyst. I was photographing sessions on weekends, editing at night, answering emails in between everything else. At one point, I even photographed 140 sessions in a ...

Pet photographer walking with a client and golden retriever during an outdoor session, showing behind the scenes of photography business coaching

Photography Business Coaching for Pet Photographers Ready to Grow

March 26, 2026

If you’re a pet photographer and your business feels stuck in that frustrating cycle of busy, quiet, busy again, you’re not alone.I remember what that felt like so clearly. There was a time when I was building my photography business while working full time in the Australian public service as a CPA and business analyst. At one point, I photographed 140 sessions in a year while still employed full time.From the outside, it probably looked like things were working. But behind the ...

Pet photographer photographing two dalmatians during a lifestyle session, illustrating real client work when photographers learn how to get photography clients.

How to Get Photography Clients and Grow Your Photography Business

March 20, 2026

If you’re a photographer and your bookings feel unpredictable, you’re not alone.I remember what it felt like in the early days of my business. I’d have a busy month where enquiries came in, a few sessions booked, and I’d feel like things were finally working. Then the next month would be quiet again and I’d find myself wondering what I’d done wrong.At the time I assumed the answer was to post more on social media. More photos. More reels. More hashtags. But ...

Person holding dachshund puppy with bandana, bokeh lights in background photographed by dog photographer Ina J Photography

Why Now Is Enough of a Reason to Book a Dog Photography Session

March 19, 2026

I get asked fairly often about when the right time is to book a pet photography session. People wonder whether their dog is the right age, whether they should wait until they've settled into a new home, or whether there needs to be a particular reason to do it.My answer is almost always the same. The right time is usually just now. Not because of anything looming, but because your dog is worth celebrating right now, exactly as they are. The life you're already living is worth ...

7 Mistakes You’re Making with Your Pet Photography Pricing (and How to Fix Them)

March 11, 2026

7 mistakes you’re making with your pet photography pricing (and how to fix them) When I started Ina J Photography back in 2007, it started as a hobby. I'd just bought my first SLR and was shooting for fun, but at some point I thought, "I could actually charge for this," registered my ABN, and it became a side hustle. I looked at what a few people in my area were charging, picked a number that felt safe, and hoped for the best.I got some bookings here and there but never made any real ...

The Best Age to Photograph Your Dog (Puppy, Adult or Senior?)

March 3, 2026

If you’ve been wondering when to photograph your dog, you’re not alone. A lot of people hesitate. They tell me they’ll book once their dog is calmer, once they’re fully grown, or when life feels a bit less busy.It makes sense. You want the timing to feel right.But after years of photographing dogs across Canberra and the ACT, I’ve realised there isn’t one perfect age and there isn't the "right" time. There isn’t a stage where everything suddenly aligns ...

Woman sitting on a bench outdoors with three small dogs, representing a pet photographer building a business supported by the best CRM for photographers.

Best CRM for Photographers: A Practical Guide for Pet Photography Businesses

March 1, 2026

If you’re currently managing enquiries through Instagram DMs, sticky notes, your inbox, and pure memory, we need to talk. Because that’s not a system. That’s survival mode. And survival mode doesn’t build a sustainable business.Hi, I’m Ina, a pet photographer based in Canberra, a very devoted dog mum to three wildly different little personalities, and I also coach pet photographers on building businesses that actually work. I still run my ...

pet photography marketing strategy. Ina with her three dogs in studio.

Pet Photography Marketing Strategy That Actually Brings Bookings

February 22, 2026

If you’re relying on random Instagram posts, the occasional mini session, and hoping enquiries will just roll in, you don’t have a photography marketing strategy. You have activity.And activity doesn’t create consistent bookings.Hi, I’m Ina, a pet photographer based in Canberra, a dog mum to three very loved (and very different) dogs, and I coach other pet photographers on marketing and business. I'm still running my own pet photography studio, so I know ...