4,619 hearts
Toronto pet photographer Jason Krygier-Baum has, as they say, made it. 'I get that bounce in my step walking down the pet-food aisle and spotting my images,' says Jason, whose clients span Royale Tissue, Canadian Tire, Purina and Pedigree. 'Every time I land a big commercial job, I get the sense that what I'm doing is resonating with a huge audience.'
But exactly how does a person wind up photographing pets for a living?
'I always loved art and was always fascinated by animals, growing up in a household we nicknamed "the zoo,"' he laughs.
He studied ecology and animal behaviour in university and fell into photography. But it wasn't until his health forced a pause that he discovered his true path.
'I was working at a catalogue studio,' he shares, 'when I hit a mental-health crisis and had to stop to focus on my recovery. So I tried things on my own: photos of my own dogs, mini sessions at a doggie daycare… I had room to explore and real freedom, because I wasn't tied down—it was a full stop and restart. Covid is offering people a bit of the same.'
Once he recovered, the warm reception his animal photography earned pushed him forward. 'Now I bring my knowledge of animal behaviour together with my creative drive in my animal photography business,' he says.
But it's not merely talent, he's quick to add. 'A really big part is having confidence in your work and the confidence to charge what you think you're worth so this becomes a viable business,' Jason advises aspiring pet photographers. 'You have to know your business expenses and what you can actually pull in so you can turn a passion or hobby into something that makes money. It doesn't happen on its own—you need a plan.'
For those with the right skill set, the rewards are plentiful, says Jason, whose goal is to spark an emotional response in viewers—whether delight and laughter or a soulful connection.
Commercial gigs are gratifying and creatively challenging, sure—but it's the intimate private commissions that truly move him.
'Seeing the joy my artwork brings to clients is the best part of the job, especially when their dog is older, sick, or has recently passed. Getting those messages—sometimes years later, sometimes after the animal is gone—about how memorable the art and the day were... that's what fuels me.'
A Day In The Life With Professional Pet Photographer Jason Krygier-Baum
6:45 am — Wake up, usually with a cat on my chest, a dog by my feet, and, ideally, the smell of a fresh latte whipped up by my partner, Angus.
7:00 am — Meditate, then work out.
8:00 am — Another latte and a mango lassi; sardines as treats for the cats; a check on my 200+ houseplants.
9:00 am — Review the day's plan, dive into email and other messages, then work on client tasks—editing photos, sending proofs, laying out albums, opening and inspecting artwork—and so on.
12:00 pm — Lunch: cottage cheese salad with nacho chips.
2:00 pm — Get the studio prepped for a client.
2:30 pm — Photo shoot in the studio.
5:00 pm — Plan social media content and marketing efforts.
6:00 pm — Cook dinner—often a veggie stir-fry or homemade pizza.
7:00 pm — Map out the next day.
8:00 pm — Evening walk or backyard hangout with friends.
What skill set does the job call for?
'It needs a balance of photography skills, animal-behaviour know-how, and entrepreneurial chops—plus problem-solving, patience and persistence. Without the entrepreneurial side, you have a hobby, not a business. Entrepreneur: self-driven, passionate, business-minded. Photographer: patient, a creative eye, quick on your toes.'
Top 5 Tips For Capturing The Right Expression
1. Use what motivates the animals—toys, treats or praise.
2. Try various noises to draw out facial expressions and attention. Squeaky toys, musical instruments and the human voice all work well.
3. Talk to the dog; ask it questions ('Do you want to go for a walk? Want to visit Grandma?').
4. Think of the situations that spark different expressions and recreate them—the doorbell ringing, a brand-new toy, or you cooking in the kitchen.
5. You'll get the most cooperation when the animal is having fun, so keep things entertaining and fresh.
Top 5 Tips For Photographing Your Own Dogs
1. Know your equipment cold so you're not fumbling and missing the shot.
2. Be fully prepared before working with the dog—their attention spans are short and you don't want to waste theirs. Round up your noisemakers, treats and props beforehand.
3. Have someone lend a hand so you can focus on the camera while your helper positions the dog.
4. Get down to the dog's eye level by crouching or elevating them—and make sure those eyes are in focus.
5. Match your energy to what you want to capture. Be upbeat and playful for silly shots, or calm and soothing for relaxed ones.
► BOOK A SESSION: Sessions start at about $1,200 and include the photoshoot plus a ready-to-hang wall piece.
By hitting the arrow you accept your web Terms of Use and Privacy & Cookie Policy. Every email comes with easy one-click unsubscribe links.
keep the journal open