little_star3Today’s “Pawsh Spotlight” is focusing upon Amanda Collins of Little Star Photography. She is a Guelph, Ontario pet photographer who frequently donates her camera skills to local rescues and adores dogs in scarves!

Keep reading for Pawsh’s chat with this rising self-taught star and find out Amanda’s personal tips for starting a successful pet photography business, her favourite fashionable items this season and her never fail, go-to dog toys!

1) What are your pets’ names?
Cash and Koya. Both American Pit Bull Terriers.

2) Where did you go to school?
I attended college briefly, but quickly lost interest. I am a mostly self-taught photographer. I have taken a handful of workshops both online and in person.

3) How long have you been a professional photographer?
I started portfolio building in the summer of 2010 under my own name. When I became pregnant with my second child shortly afterwards and was too sick with morning sickness to do much of anything, I decided to put my business on hold until my daughter was born. My break was longer than anticipated and I didn’t launch Little Star Photography until January of 2012.
little-star-photography-headshot

4) What is your favourite camera/lens?
I presently shoot with a Nikon D300. My favourite lens would be the Nikkor 85mm f/1.8.

5) What is your most memorable pet photo shoot to date? Why?
My most memorable pet photo shoot to date would be a fundraiser I held for our local Humane Society. Shooting that many dogs continuously in a studio setting was challenging, but also a load of fun.

6) What has been your greatest professional challenge or triumph?
Thus far, being accepted to the organization “Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep” was my greatest professional accomplishment.

7) What has been the greatest lesson taught to you by a pet?
Oh my, I could probably write a book on all the lessons my pets have taught me over the years. As cheesy as it may sound, I have learned unconditional love from my pets. They love with all of their being, and it is inspiring.

8) What advice would you give to someone wishing to start a pet photography business?
Know your camera and take your time!!! Take photos of your own pets in every lighting condition you can think of. When you feel confident with that, start taking photos of your friend’s and families pets for free. Be prepared to spend a lot of time of the computer! Taking photos is a very small part of the biz so make sure you are comfortable with Photoshop and/or Lightroom.

Most importantly, don’t expect things to happen quickly. This is a tough market with a lot of photographers all competing for the same clients.

9) What are some of your favourite fashion and pet products at the moment?


10) Do you have any New Year’s resolutions?
Nope, not really. As always, I would like to eat better, exercise regularly, get enough rest, etc. I wouldn’t call those New Year’s resolutions though.

11) What is something you would like to see happen/change in the pet world in 2013?
I would love to see to the Ontario government finally get rid of the ban on Pit Bulls. Too many lovely dogs have died due to a law that has been based on prejudice and media sensationalism.

12) Is there anything else you would like to add?
Thank you for this wonderful opportunity. Your magazine is gorgeous!

No, thank you Amanda for taking the time to speak with me about life as a pet photographer. Be sure to follow Little Star Photography on Facebook for all the latest photos! And if you know of a pet photographer who should be featured in ‘Pawsh Spotlight’ be sure to tell us all about them here!

PAWSH PERKS: In case you missed what “Pawsh Spotlight” is all about, here it is again! Know a pet photographer who should be featured on Pawsh? Let us know!