Dog Blog A Day for National Pet Month – Fiona Crawford - Devon Horse and Dog Photographer
Question of the day (QotD) – Have you had your dog photographed professionally?
It is all about me today, I thought it was time to feature myself in my 'Dog Blog A Day' for National Pet Month series. For me dog photography is all about connection, on so many levels.
The bond you share with your dog is amazing, they do not judge or comment, they are your best friend, your confident. You enjoy adventures together and quiet nights in on the sofa. I am a photographer because I love to capture a moment in time, a moment in your life that can’t be repeated but can live on forever in the photographs.
I am an emotional type, you have probably guessed that by now and I am inquisitive, I love to hear your pet’s story, how they came to you, how you share each other’s lives. I find it an honour to be a tiny part of it and to capture it all for you and give you something tangible to treasure forever.
Wow, bit long winded but as you can see, I am passionate about my work and I could talk about it endlessly. One thing I can guarantee is that no client has ever regretted having a portrait session done.
https://www.instagram.com/thefionacrawford
Traditional framed photographs
Modern framed photographs
So, it is now my turn to answer my own questions...it took longer than I thought it would.
How does your business help dogs and their people?
I create amazing photographs of your dog, making these memories for you to be seen either in albums, books or on the wall so their story can live on long after they are gone.
What are your goals and ambitions for your business over the next year and how can we help?
I want to help as many clients as possible create beautiful wall art of their dog so they have it to treasure for ever. I would like to get myself fully established within my local dog community too and give back to other dog businesses and charities by promoting them in return. Any dog businesses and charities out there please get in touch to see how we benefit each other.
What was your biggest triumph from the last year?
Keeping momentum in my business, working when legally allowed to during the pandemic, using the lockdown time to grow my skills and mindset to have a fabulous 2021 and beyond.
What is your favourite part of your job?
Meeting dogs and their people. I love to hear their stories and capture their bond. It's such an honour and we get to have such great fun too.
What is the funniest thing that has happened in your job?
There has been so many, they say never work with animals or children for a reason! I can't pick THE funniest but one shoot that comes to mind is photographing a litter of English Setter puppies, there were 9 of them and they were about 6 weeks old. Their owner wanted all 9 puppies lined up together for one photograph, we got it but it was so funny trying to wrangle that many puppies all with their own unique personalities and opinions about where they should sit and who they should sit next too. Being down low for the photograph I had puppies with their noses on the camera lens, puppies hanging off various bits of my clothing, one trying to make a bed out of my camera bag. It was funny, frantic and delightful all at the same time.
What are your favourite things about your community of clients, customers and supports?
My clients are so loyal and lovely, we stay in touch long after the shoots. They champion me to others which is so kind and generous of them. Being a sole trader can be isolating but my clients and their pets make it so much better.
If this wasn’t your job what would you do instead?
I would be a dog or horse trainer; I am fascinated in animal psychology.
If you were to start a business again, what advice would you give yourself in general?
Be prepared for the long haul, it takes years to get established but never give up believing in yourself. Get some accountability in your business, it really helps when you are self employed, to have someone you don’t know hold you to account.
If you could be any dog, what breed would you be and how does that align with your personality?
I am going to say a Boxer - I am very much like a Boxer – the ones that sit bolt upright in the driver’s seat of a car waiting alertly and quizzically for its owner to return! Boxers are brave, joyfully bouncy, loyal to their family and friendly, a guarding instinct!
What is the earliest dog related memory that you can recall?
I was brought up around Labradors and Spaniels but my earliest memory that has really stuck with me was my mum's best friend owning a Great Dane and a Yorkshire Terrier. They were so different from what we had at home, I remember the Great Dane vividly as she was so much bigger than me or any dog I had ever met and I felt intimidated but she won my heart as she was so gentle and loving towards me. I have always wanted one since then.
Name three things you couldn’t live without?
My creativity, my family (four and two legs), black coffee.
Bespoke albums
I have something super exciting coming up nearer the end of National Pet Month, keep an eye out on my social feed to that as well as my blogs .
If you want to know more about me and what I can offer you go any of the links below.
https://www.instagram.com/thefionacrawford/?hl=en
https://twitter.com/equinephotopro
https://www.facebook.com/EquinePhotoPro
Don’t forget my Question of the day (QotD) – Have you had your dog photographed professionally?Answer here.
Bye for now.
Fiona
Wooden photograph boxes
