We were lucky to catch up with Trish Dole recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Trish, thanks for joining us today. Almost every entrepreneur we know has considered donating a portion of their sales to an organization or cause – how did you make the decision of whether to donate? We’d love to hear the backstory if you’re open to sharing the details.

I hold photoshoot fundraisers for various pet/ animal organizations to help raise funds and awareness of the cause. From various dog rescues/shelters to wildlife organizations I’ve helped a number of groups. People come and donate a pre set amount and they then get a digital file of their pet in return.

I also offer no cost sessions to help get hard to adopt dogs better photos to get them adopted. I’m also a registered veterinary technician, with a huge background in rescue, it is super close to my heart.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’ve been a professional human photographer for over 15 years, but photographing people just didn’t fill a void in me. Shortly after establishing myself as a photographer I decided to further educate myself in things that interested me. That’s when I completed my veterinary training. I started that career by volunteering for a local rescue/ shelter, ultimately ending with me progressing to a being a full time surgical veterinarian technician. I then volunteered my time to caring for rescue animals in my home, fostering them, providing veterinary care and getting them into forever homes. All while still photographing families part time. I learned early on I needed a balance of science and art in my life, and I loved giving back to the animals. I then moved states, changed positions in the veterinary field. I now worked in general practice. I also had a new home which didn’t give me the space to volunteer like I used to by fostering animals. This is about the time when the profession started to beat me down. For those that don’t know the veterinary field has one of the highest suicide rates. It is both physically and mentally exhausting and not very profitable. Many people struggle and leave the profession, I was one of those people. I worked at a toxic job and was struggling with mental health. I decided I was out and on to something new. That’s when I decided to bring photography to the forefront again. But this time I wanted to focus on one specific genre, one that I loved, pets. People love their pets and not every photographer is trained in pet personalities. I’ve seen all types of pets in the vet field, and feel comfortable reading pets. I’m able to use various tricks to build bonds and condition animals to the experience which shows in the final images. My main goal is the pet had fun, lights and sounds can be scary. I’ve since return to the vet field part time, I work at an amazing animal hospital where I am a canine physiotherapist. But they allow me to focus on pet photography first. So pets are my life and have been for a very long time.

I am able to provide images of pets that truly capture their individual energies and personalities for owners to cherish forever. I heard it way too much when putting a beloved pet to sleep with a family- how they wish they had more nice photos of or with their best friend. I want everyone to have at least one nice photo of their pet.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Im a registered veterinary technician as well as a professional photographer. I started in professional photography of people about 18 years ago, but that was never enough for my soul so I studied veterinary medicine. I’ve been in that field, for over 15 years. This job is known for being a very physically and emotionally exhausting. About 4 years ago I was the lowest I’d ever been in my vet career, working for a horrible veterinary hospital and feeling completely stuck. I was at my breaking point when I decided to look into other ways to help pets. That when the love of pets and the love of photography just clicked, It 100% changed my focus and I haven’t looked back. I now have a balance of helping animals with the fun, uplifting, creative aspects of photographing pets.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

My favorite aspect is fulfilling a need my clients have. When they just want a great photo of their pet, no matter the species, and they just cant get one that capture’s their personality. I love getting to make art of things people love.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://trishdolephotography.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trishdolephotography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Trishdolephotography/

Image Credits
Trish Dole Photography