Tips From A Professional Pet Photographer

A day in the life of professional pet photographer Jason Krygier-Baum

Toronto-based professional animal photographer Jason Krygier-Baum has made it, as they say. “I get that bounce in my step when I’m going down the pet food aisle and I see my images,” says Jason, whose clients include Royale Tissue, Canadian Tire, Purina, and Pedigree. “Every time I book a large commercial job, I get a sense of what I’m doing is resonating with a large audience.”

But just how does one become a professional pet photographer?

“I always loved art and always had an interest in animals, growing up in a household nicknamed ‘the zoo,’ he laughs.

He studied ecology and animal behaviour at university and got interested in photography. But it wasn’t until his health forced him to take a break that he found his calling.

“I was working at a studio that shot catalogue,” he shares, “and I had a mental health crisis and had to stop working to focus on my recovery. I decided to try some things on my own: photos of my own dogs, mini session at a doggie daycare…I was exploring ideas and had some freedom as I wasn’t tied down—I had a full stop and restart. Covid is allowing people some of the same.”

After he recovered, the positive reception his animal photography received pushed him forward. “Now I combine my knowledge and understanding of animal behaviour with my pursuit of creativity in my animal photography business,” he says.

It’s not all just talent, he’s quick to note. “I think that a really big part of it is having confidence in your work and having confidence to charge people what you think you’re worth to make this a viable business,” Jason offers as advice to would-be professional pet photographers. “Knowing the expenses involved in a business and what you’re able to pull in so you’re able to move your passion/hobby into something that’s a money-making venture [is essential]. It doesn’t just naturally progress—you need to have a plan in place.”

For those with the right skillset for the job, the rewards are many, says Jason, whose goal is eliciting an emotional reaction from the viewer, be it delight and laughter, or soulful connection.

Though commercial gigs are gratifying and creatively challenging, it’s the private commissions that really resonate with him.

“Seeing the joy my artwork brings to my clients, particularly if their dog is older, sick or recently passed away is the best part of the job. Getting those messages, maybe years later, maybe after the animal has passed on, about how memorable the art is, the day was—that’s what inspires me.”

BOOK A SESSION

Sessions start at about $1200 and include the photoshoot and a ready to hang wall piece.