Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Bindiya Schaefer. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Bindiya, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. 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.

Supporting dog rescue shelters in my community has become a priority in the last couple of years. These shelters work tirelessly to rehabilitate and rehome dogs, often saving them from life-threatening situations and giving them a second chance at life.

I’ve been considering professionally photographing dogs for a while now. When I finally launched my small business this year, I knew I wanted to donate a percentage of my time each month to shelters and photograph dogs ready to find their forever homes. This can sometimes mean going to pet adoption drives or events and taking headshots of the pups that can be used along with their bios, and other times, it’s giving new pawrents a little photoshoot with their recuses before they go home.

It’s wonderful to combine my love for dogs and photography and give back to my community!

Bindiya, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’ve always dabbled in photography, mainly landscapes and nature. When we brought our dog, Apollo, home in early 2020 (before the pandemic was even a thing!), I realized how much I loved photographing him. He had such a big personality and forced me to elevate my skills to capture his life from a shy newborn to a rambunctious adult.

Soon, I was taking pictures of our friends’ dogs, and seeing the look on their faces when I showed them the final images was amazing! That’s how my venture started.

I provide various services, including individual dog portraits, usually outdoors, and family photos with pets. My work is not just about taking pictures; it’s about capturing moments and creating memories that will last a lifetime for my clients. My ability to connect with my subjects on a deeper level sets me apart in this industry. Dogs are incredibly expressive, and I have a knack for capturing their unique personalities and emotions in my photographs. Every dog has a story to tell, and my job is to bring that story to life through my lens.

There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing my client’s faces light up when they see their beloved pet captured so beautifully in a photograph.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I always strived for perfection—and that’s not a good thing! Perfection is an impossible standard I set for myself, which became a hindrance. It stopped me from pursuing opportunities because I felt I hadn’t perfected a particular skill and couldn’t do something until I was absolutely ready.

But as the years passed, I still wasn’t “perfect,” and my goals were lagging behind. That’s when I realized perfection was slowing me down. I could either take a leap of faith and go for it, or I could study and procrastinate until life passes me by.

So now, instead of aiming for perfection, I strive for excellence. It took a while to shift my thinking, and I often remind myself that nothing will ever be perfect. But it can be excellent, and nobody besides me will know the difference.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My goal is to continue this journey of exploration and growth, keep learning and improving, and, most importantly, keep capturing beautiful moments with dogs. Every picture I take brings me one step closer to understanding their world and, in turn, makes me a better person and professional.

This has been such an enriching experience! It has taught me valuable skills such as time management, multitasking, and strategic planning, and they have not only helped me grow as an entrepreneur but also contributed significantly to my performance in other areas of my life. Between those fleeting moments of joy, curiosity, and tranquility are skittish little runners who teach me patience, agility (both physically and mentally), and to just be in the moment.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.afurtographer.com
• Instagram: @afurtographer
• Twitter: @bindiyaschaefer