We recently connected with Kirsten Krupps and have shared our conversation below.

Kirsten, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?

I really wanted something that had a fun photography term in it. I spent a whole day when I was still working at a local camera shop bouncing ideas off my coworker and friend until Shutter Hound came out of my mouth and I knew that was it! I added Pet Photography to the end to hopefully make it clear that it’s not just dogs, but all animals are welcome! Dogs just happen to be my most popular subject.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

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, a nearby dog 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.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

My website has definitely been the best source for new clients. Most clients find me via search and go from there. I highly recommend keeping an up-to-date website and paying attention to SEO.

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

I worked in a camera and print shop throughout college (shout out to Peoria Camera Shop!) and even a bit afterward as the co-assistant manager. I helped people purchase and use their camera equipment, but also create and pick out print products from their photos. We had examples all over our walls and the staff often contributed our own photography. One of these that we displayed was of my dog, Lola. It was a close-up portrait and was definitely eye-catching. A good number of people would comment about it and I’d pipe up or my coworkers would divulge that it was my dog and my shot. Then, they often proceeded to tell me how they wish they had gotten professional photos of their beloved family pets before it was too late. As an animal lover and photography enthusiast, I quickly picked up on this pattern and since it is my side-hustle, passion project tried to make my offerings reasonable (yet still worth my time) so more people could get great photos of their pet. I hate that we will long outlive our furry family members, but it is an unfortunate fact. Having great memories memorialized via photos is a wonderful way to preserve them for the years to come, even once that pet has crossed the rainbow bridge.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://shutterhoundphotos.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shutterhoundphotos/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shutterhound
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/kirstenkrupps
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/Shutter_Hound
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/shutterhoundphotos/