We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kirsten Krupps a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Kirsten, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?
As a pet photographer in Austin, TX, keeping my creativity alive is essential to providing my clients with stunning and unique photos of their furry friends. One way I keep my creativity flowing is by constantly seeking inspiration from my surroundings and subjects. I also experiment with different photography techniques and equipment to challenge myself and push the boundaries of traditional pet photography. Additionally, I love collaborating with pet owners to incorporate their vision and ideas into our photo shoots. By staying open-minded and flexible, I am able to consistently produce fresh and captivating pet portraits.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I am a photographer located in Austin, Texas, who specializes in pet portraiture. I’ve always had an affinity for animals, and when photography became my “thing” in college, I was naturally drawn to photographing pets. After a couple of years of photographing any and everything I could, I honed in on the types of shoots that I felt most passionate about, one being pets. So in December of 2013, the Shutter Hound brand was born, and I started using that to show off all my pet photography. I absolutely adore working with animals and their humans. It’s a much more collaborative type of shoot since they know their animals best.
Custom pet portraiture sessions are a fun way to ensure that you have visible memories of your beloved pet forever. You will cherish the photos from your session for years to come. We’ll work together to produce amazing photos of your pet. Sessions are intended to capture your pet’s unique personality, as well as the unique bond you share. All sessions are on-location, at your home, at a nearby park, or any other place that is near and dear to your heart.
I offer both pets only and people with their pet session options, as well as Celebration sessions. Celebration sessions are pet sessions for ill or elderly pets. Few things will ever be harder than saying goodbye to your four-legged family member. I believe one last photo session to celebrate your pet’s life and their time with you is something pet parents will greatly appreciate, and I’m proud to offer it.
These uniquely intimate sessions are a somber, but beautiful time for you and your pet that focuses on your loving relationship. I will come to your home where your pet is most comfortable taking photos. I encourage you to just sit and enjoy your pet and let me capture the moments as they happen. It can be a hard and emotional time, but these photos will be cherished once the heart has had some time to heal.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
As a pet photographer in Austin, TX, my journey has been filled with challenges and triumphs, and looking back, I can confidently say that three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge were most impactful in shaping my craft.
Adaptability has been essential for my success. Pets are unpredictable, and each photo shoot presents unique challenges. Being able to think on your feet, adjust to changing circumstances, and stay calm under pressure is crucial. To improve your adaptability, practice working in different environments and situations. Experiment with various lighting conditions, backgrounds, and pet temperaments to build confidence and flexibility.
Next, an eye for detail has been a critical aspect of my success. Capturing the perfect shot of a pet can be a fleeting moment, and having a sharp eye to notice subtle changes in expression, posture, and lighting can make all the difference. To develop this skill, I recommend practicing observation regularly. Spend time studying the behavior and mannerisms of different animals and try to capture these moments with your camera.
Finally, understanding pet behavior and psychology has been essential for building rapport with my animal subjects. Knowing how to read body language, interpret vocalizations, and anticipate reactions can help you create a comfortable and safe space for the pets you work with. To improve your understanding of animal behavior, consider taking classes or workshops on pet psychology, observing pets in their natural habitats, and studying the works of animal behaviorists.
For those who are early in their journey as a pet photographer, I would advise focusing on developing these three areas. Practice your observation skills, work on being adaptable in different situations, and study animal behavior and psychology. Building these foundational skills will set you up for success in the long run and help you create beautiful and memorable pet portraits.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I would love to network and make connections with other pet-related businesses in the Austin area. I’ve also had the opportunity to work with some of the apartments in the area and do Yappy Hour events to provide photos for their residents. I’d love to do more of those, as well! If you’d be interested in partnering or collaborating, the best way to contact me is by email – hi@shutterhoundphotos.com.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shutterhoundphotos.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shutterhoundphotos/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shutterhound
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirstenkrupps/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Shutter_Hound
