We were lucky to catch up with Natalka Kolosok recently and have shared our conversation below.

Natalka, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about how you got your first non-friend, non-family client. Paint the picture for us so we can feel the same excitement you felt on that day.

Getting my first client was a natural progression from my volunteer work at the local rescue. While volunteering with the Washington Alaskan Malamute Adoption League (WAMAL), I built a portfolio by photographing the beautiful dogs in their care. These images not only helped the dogs find their forever homes but also showcased my skills as a photographer. As a support, the rescue organization began referring my services to others. My first client came through one of these referrals, marking the start of my professional journey in pet photography.

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

I’m Natalka Kolosok, a Seattle-based pet photographer. My path into pet photography was a blend of passion and a deep love for animals. With a background in Public Relations, I initially honed my skills in communication and visual storytelling. For years I was exploring the work of other photographers, learning psychology and canine behavior. When I came to capturing the essence of pets and their relationships with people, I felt like I belonged here.

My journey began in earnest when I volunteered with the Washington Alaskan Malamute Adoption League (WAMAL) in 2014. This experience not only allowed me to build a portfolio but also instilled a profound respect for the healing value of connecting with pets. Photographing these majestic dogs and helping them find their forever homes became a pivotal moment in my life, leading to the launch of my pet photography business.

Two years ago I was called one of the best pet photographers in Seattle and this year my goal is to get my services to the next level. Each session is tailored to capture the unique personalities and bonds between pets and their owners, it is customized and planned with a focus on even the smallest details. What sets my work apart is my deep understanding of canine behavior and psychology, allowing me to create a comfortable and stress-free environment for both pets and their families. These sessions are incredibly special, providing families with cherished mementos of their beloved companions. I also emphasize the therapeutic value of pet photography, capturing the joy, comfort, and unconditional love that pets bring into our lives.

I’m most proud of the impact my work has on both the animals and their owners. Whether it’s helping a rescue dog find a home, capturing the playful spirit of a puppy, or documenting the tender moments between an aging pet and their family, each photograph tells a story of love and connection.

My brand stands for authenticity, compassion, and a deep appreciation for the unique relationships we share with our pets. I look forward to continuing this journey and capturing more heartwarming stories through my lens.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Building my reputation within the pet photography market has been a rewarding journey, and several key factors have contributed to my success. First and foremost, I believe in genuinely caring about what my clients say and addressing their questions with thoughtful solutions. My goal is to understand their needs and deliver a personalized experience that exceeds their expectations.

Taking the time to learn about each family and their canine companions is another cornerstone of my business. By getting to know their personalities, dynamics, and unique stories, I can capture moments that truly reflect their bond. This attention to detail helps create images that are not only beautiful but also deeply meaningful.

Having fun and fostering a relaxed atmosphere during sessions is essential. Pets and their owners feel more comfortable and natural, which leads to more authentic and joyful photographs. Keeping up with trends in photography and pet care allows me to stay relevant and innovative. I constantly seek new techniques and creative ideas to bring fresh perspectives to my work.

Ultimately, my reputation has been built on a foundation of empathy, professionalism, and creativity. By listening to my clients, understanding their stories, and bringing a fun and creative approach to each session, I’ve been able to create lasting memories and build a strong, trusted presence in the pet photography market.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One important lesson I’ve learned in my journey came from an experience with a client who tried to take advantage of my business. Out of the hundreds of sessions I’ve conducted, this particular instance brought a significant amount of stress to my workflow. It involved a young family who received a final gallery with more images than I had initially guaranteed. Despite this, they attempted to manipulate me into providing additional services for free blaming me for missing some shots.

This situation challenged my confidence and tested my commitment to my art. However, I chose to stand firm in my work and my principles. I learned that there will always be different opinions and that some clients might never be fully satisfied. Yet, by explaining myself with gratitude and maintaining professionalism, I realized that while they might not become my ideal clients, they would at least respect me.

This experience taught me the value of setting clear boundaries and staying true to my standards. It reinforced the importance of confidence in my work and the necessity of maintaining a professional yet empathetic approach. Not every client will align perfectly with my business, but handling such situations with grace and firmness ensures that my reputation remains strong and my workflow stress-free. I will always treat my clients the best way because that is what I want for myself.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.earsandnoses.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/earsandnoses/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/earsandnoses
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliiakolosova/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/ears-and-noses-photography-lynnwood

Image Credits

Portrait image of Natalka – Valeriia Oshovska. Other images – work of Natalka Kolosok