We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Wendy Jo O’Barr a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Wendy Jo thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So, one thing many business owners consider is donating a percentage of sales or profits to an organization or cause. We’d love to hear your thoughts and the story behind how and why you chose the cause or organization you donate to.
Four times throughout the year I have a day of themed mini-sessions. These are considerably lower cost than a normal session, and therefore give everyone a chance to get photos of their pets, something I believe is very important. My summer minis are always a fundraiser for a different charity. The first year I did it I supported a local charity whose building had been extremely damaged by the 2020 tornado that hit downtown Nashville. Last year I donated to a local group that works with the Black Lives Matter movement. And this year I chose the Nashville Humane Association. They are the heroes of the animal community in Nashville. The work they do for homeless animals in Tennessee and beyond is extraordinary and at times heart-breaking. I volunteer with them every week, taking photos of the shelter animals. My mini sessions were for anyone who wanted photos of their pets and all of the session fees went straight to Nashville Humane. I bought some dog-friendly ice cream, and each dog was photographed enjoying a cone! It was a very fun day, all the while supporting a great cause.
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 have always loved photography. My parents gave me my first camera when I was 14. I enjoyed 2 other careers though before deciding to do it for a living. In 2015 I had the epiphany that I wanted to put my two loves together – photography and animals. I opened my pet photography business officially in 2016. I love this quote by Anatole France – “Until one has loved an animal a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” This has become the “why” of what I do. Our love for our pets brings out the best in us. They give us unconditional love, and they are a safe space for us. Everyone needs to have photos of their fur babies, as they are a part of the family too. I recently lost my beloved German shepherd and am so very thankful for the photos I have of her. I preserve these moments in time for my clients. I offer wall art in canvas, metal, and wood, as well as albums of the images we make during our photo sessions. My first work as a professional photographer was in the commercial field, working for magazines and doing product photos. I have taken what I have learned there to make unique portraits of pets. Whether it’s dramatic studio lighting or editorial style at a dog-friendly venue, I offer a look that is not so common in the pet industry. Giving my clients a wall piece of their beloved furry family member is so rewarding, and knowing that they can treasure it now with their pet and later when they have left us makes my heart happy. This world is hard, so I believe the love and joy that animals bring into the world is crucial for our mental health. I love that my clients feels the same.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
Owning and operating a photography business can be a lonely venture. Staff jobs are very rare nowadays and we spend a lot of time trying to figure things out on our own. And as creatives, the business side of things is perhaps the most challenging. I am so thankful I found an organization called the Hair of the Dog Academy. This has been an amazing resource for me. Not only has it been such an encouragement to hear from like-minded people, but it has helped me finally take a struggling business to a stable one. I always say pet people are the best people, and the pet photographers that are a part of this group are very encouraging and generous with their experience and what they have learned from their own mistakes. I had no clue how to price my products, nor the confidence to really charge what I needed to be charging. There is a wealth of information available to members here, and frequent chances for zoom calls to discuss ideas and ask questions. Nicole Begley the founder pours her heart and soul into it, and many of us have been saved by this group.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
In one brainstorming group with other photographers, it was suggested to have an ambassador or representative group as some graduating senior photographers do. The name Music City Dogs was available and in 2019 I chose my first reps. I chose people with an Instagram presence who were active in the dog community in Nashville. We did 6 sessions a year and I gifted each ambassador 3 images from each shoot. They would post those images to promote me and had a discount code they could give out to people interested in their own photo shoot. We photographed in various Nashville landmark locations. The second year I had people knocking down my door to apply. I’ve done it for 3 years, and this present year I have taken off in order to restructure it. Not only has it gotten the word out, but it’s built a little community of “MCDs”, pets and their owners. I love this little group. I’m looking forward to starting it up again in 2023, bringing new MCDs into the fold as well as keeping up with the veterans.
Contact Info:
- Website: wendyjophoto.com
- Instagram: @wendyjophoto
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpMPTL70HNHoQAMVGnAPt7Q