Podcast Summary: This Can't Be That Hard – Episode 287: Including Fido with Monica Adalsteinsson
Episode Details:
- Title: Including Fido with Monica Adalsteinsson
- Host: Annemie Tonken
- Guest: Monica Adalsteinsson
- Release Date: October 22, 2024
Introduction: Embracing Pet Photography
In Episode 287 of This Can't Be That Hard, host Annemie Tonken welcomes Monica Adalsteinsson, the founder of Pupp and Me Photography. Annemie introduces Monica’s unique journey from solely pet photography to seamlessly incorporating humans into her sessions, thereby expanding her business and connecting with a broader client base.
Key Quote:
“If you specifically work pets, let’s say cats, dogs, you know, somebody has a parakeet into your newborn sessions, you don’t have to stop being a newborn photographer... you can attract the large subset of your newborn population, including the people who have not just newborns, but also pets at home.”
— Annemie Tonken [00:03]
Monica’s Journey: From Pets to People and Back
Monica shares her transition from volunteering at dog rescues to establishing a full-time photography business focused on capturing the bond between people and their dogs. In just two and a half years, Monica has achieved six-figure success and developed educational courses to help other photographers integrate pets into their sessions.
Key Quote:
“My goal with my photography is to photograph people and their dogs... to document the unique relationship that we have with our dogs.”
— Monica Adalsteinsson [05:03]
The Force Free Method: Ethical Pet Photography
A significant portion of the conversation centers around Monica’s “Force Free” certification. This methodology emphasizes humane and respectful techniques when photographing pets, avoiding forceful methods like prong collars, and instead focusing on understanding and responding to a pet’s body language and comfort.
Key Quote:
“Force free basically means like, take that literally. We’re not going to be forcing the dog to do anything... educating your clients on the processes that you use and just making sure that like everyone’s happy and safe and their needs are met.”
— Monica Adalsteinsson [06:23]
Annemie relates this commitment to certifications by sharing her background as a labor and delivery nurse, highlighting how specialized qualifications can instill client confidence.
Integrating Humans and Pets: Strategies for Success
Monica and Annemie discuss the benefits of blending human and pet photography. Monica explains how initially photographing just pets evolved into capturing the interactions between pets and their owners, enriching the storytelling aspect of the images.
Key Quote:
“I found that those photos... made my heart sing. So it became this business. It turned into something so much more because I just couldn’t stop photographing people and their dogs.”
— Monica Adalsteinsson [10:38]
Client Education and Preparation: Monica emphasizes the importance of educating clients before sessions. Setting clear expectations about pet behavior and the session’s flow helps manage both pets and humans effectively.
Key Quote:
“A lot of times clients feel that their dog has to be absolutely perfection... just let them be. They’re going to have fun and just encourage that in a fun environment.”
— Monica Adalsteinsson [12:44]
Annemie adds that similar to managing toddlers, handling pets requires patience and flexibility, advocating for an authentic approach to capturing natural interactions.
Marketing and Branding as a Family-Pet Photographer
Monica outlines effective marketing strategies for photographers looking to incorporate pets into their offerings. By branding herself as a “family dog photographer,” Monica leverages specific keywords for better SEO and attracts clients who value including their pets in family portraits.
Key Quote:
“Marketing yourself as a family dog photographer... people are actually searching those things, which kind of surprises me.”
— Monica Adalsteinsson [17:31]
She also touches on the sentimental aspect of photographing pets, encouraging clients to cherish and document their relationships while they can.
Overcoming Challenges: Managing Kids and Pets in Photography Sessions
Photographing families with both children and pets can introduce additional chaos. Monica shares her initial struggles and how client education transformed her approach, enabling her to handle more dynamic and lively sessions successfully.
Key Quote:
“When I first started... it was too much. But now I know I just need to educate people... It's very easy than you think.”
— Monica Adalsteinsson [09:52]
Annemie adds practical tips, such as assessing the dog's temperament and involving handlers or additional support during sessions to maintain order and capture meaningful moments.
Educational Resources and Continued Learning
Monica promotes her “Pup Plus Me Method,” a comprehensive course designed to help photographers integrate pet photography into their practice. She highlights the importance of continuous learning and offers a discount code for listeners to access her course.
Key Quote:
“We created the Pup plus me method... it's everything you would need to dive into photographing people and their pets.”
— Monica Adalsteinsson [25:14]
Annemie encourages listeners to utilize these resources to enhance their skills and expand their business offerings.
Conclusion: Expanding Horizons in Photography
The episode wraps up with Annemie and Monica reflecting on the mutual benefits of incorporating pets into photography. They emphasize that with the right strategies and education, photographers can differentiate themselves in the market, connect more deeply with clients, and create a more fulfilling business.
Key Quote:
“The more you do it, the better you will get and the more comfortable you will become.”
— Monica Adalsteinsson [19:32]
Annemie thanks Monica for her insights and urges listeners to explore the opportunities in pet-inclusive photography, reinforcing the podcast’s theme that running a photography business doesn’t have to be daunting.
Resources Mentioned:
- Monica’s Website: papamiphoto.com/education
- Course Discount Code: ONOMY A N N E M I E (Annemi’s name)
- Podcast Information: Visit thiscantbethard.com/learn for more details, show notes, and links.
Final Note: If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to This Can't Be That Hard, leave a review on iTunes, and share it with fellow photographers who might benefit from integrating pets into their business.
Episode Transcript Reference: The timestamps provided indicate when specific topics and quotes were discussed, ensuring accurate attribution and context for key points throughout the summary.