PETS & THEIR PEOPLE
Great Pet Photography Starts With Understanding Your Subject
Nearly half of the families we photograph bring a pet along, and over the years I’ve worked with everything from dogs and cats to horses, snakes, spiders and plenty of surprises. In this course, I’ll teach you how to safely and confidently work with animals, capture the connection they share with their people, and turn pet photography into a profitable part of your business.
Real-world techniques for real photographers, real families and their very real pets.
MORE THAN PET PHOTOGRAPHY
You Don't Have to Be a Pet Photographer to Photograph Pets Well
Pets are family, and they show up in our sessions all the time. Nearly half of the families we photograph bring a pet, so knowing how to work confidently with animals is a valuable skill for any portrait photographer.
Animals don’t pose on command. You’ll learn how to read their behavior, earn their trust, keep everyone safe and adapt when things don’t go according to plan.
And if pet photography becomes something you love, you’ll discover ways to create special events, build community partnerships and turn it into another revenue stream for your business.
“They may not understand the plan, but they always give us something real.”
MORE THAN BEAUTIFUL PORTRAITS
More Than a
Pet Session
Pet photography can become a natural extension of the portrait business you’ve already built.
Learn how to include pets in family, senior and portrait sessions, create pet pop-ups and special events, and build meaningful relationships with local rescues and nonprofits.
Along the way, you can reach new clients, strengthen relationships with existing families and create new opportunities for your business while doing work you love.
Pets • People • Community • Business
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
Pet Photography
From Nose to Tail
Great pet photography takes patience, preparation and a willingness to expect the unexpected. Sandy will show you how to work safely and confidently with animals while creating portraits filled with personality and connection.
From behavior, posing and lighting to pets with their people, special events and nonprofit partnerships, you’ll learn how to make pet photography work in both your sessions and your business.
Animal Behavior
Learn to read body language, recognize signs of comfort, stress and fear, and know when to direct, wait, redirect or give an animal a break.
Posing & Lighting
Learn practical ways to pose pets, choose flattering angles, work with different coats and colors, and create beautiful light in the studio and on location.
Pets & Their People
Create natural connection between pets and the people who love them while working with families, children, seniors, couples and more.
Beyond Dogs & Cats
Dogs are only the beginning. Learn how to adapt your approach when photographing horses, reptiles, birds, spiders and other animals.
Pet Pop-Ups & Events
Learn how Sandy creates pet-focused pop-ups and special events that give clients another reason to come back to the studio.
Rescues & Nonprofits
Explore ways to work with shelters, rescues and nonprofit organizations to create awareness, build relationships and use your photography to help animals in your community.
FROM FUR TO FEATHERS AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN
So Much More
Than Dogs
Pet photography comes in every shape, size and personality. Sandy will show you how to adapt your approach for animals in the studio and on location, alone or with the people who love them.
And yes, dogs are only the beginning.
Ready to photograph whatever walks, trots, flies or crawls in front of your camera?
MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR
37 Years Behind the Camera.
And Plenty of Paws in Front of It.
Sandy teaches what actually works in real sessions, because when animals are involved, the only thing you can truly expect is the unexpected.
You’ll learn a calm, practical approach to photographing animals and the people who love them. From reading behavior and earning trust to posing, lighting, safety and knowing when to change the plan, Sandy shares techniques built through decades of real portrait sessions.
EXPERIENCE YOU’LL FEEL IN EVERY LESSON:
37 years as a working portrait photographer
Thousands of families photographed across two generations
Decades of experience photographing pets alongside the people who love them
Real-world experience creating pet events, community partnerships and charitable programs
More than 10,000 photographers taught throughout Sandy’s career
Expect the unexpected.
VOICES FROM THE ACADEMY
What Photographers Are Saying
Sandy’s mentorship was pivotal in my journey as a professional photographer. The resources, time and insight created practices and skills I still use to this day. ❤️
My time with Sandy, both in classes and as a client, have definitely changed me. From the first class that I attended, her teaching style matched my learning style perfectly. I learned so much from her, that I signed up for more classes, each time she was in town. When she offered her talent to photograph my family, I jumped on it. Our time together during the photo session taught me so much, in a very different way, and it truly made me love her and her talents even more! Sandy continues to be an inspiration, and I cannot wait to attend another class!
Every year when sandy toured back out to Southern Ca I knew I had to be at the workshop. Not only did she teach about photography and lighting, she also thought about business plans and how to structure a business to succeed. Here hands on workshop were always great. All the different types of workshops benefited me in ways I didn’t even know I needed. I could go on and on about everything I have learned and how successful my business is because of the things I have learned from Sandy, but I won’t. Anyone who invests in Sandy and her crew will not regret it.
Sandy Puc not only opened my mind and made this photography thing click to my brain, but she also brought me to tears with her story of her involvement with the Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep program. I was hooked. Since that time, I have attended numerous Sandy Puc Tours. From being captivated by her educational stories to being hands-on photographing a model in a pool, it has always been a highlight when I am around Sandy. Not only have I grown as a photographer from learning from Sandy, but I have also been honored to have her take the time out of her travels to photograph my family. Those photos will always be cherished. When photography education comes to mind, Sandy Puc will always be at the top of my list!
FOUNDERS PRE-LAUNCH PRICING
PETS & THEIR PEOPLE
Get the Pet Photography Course
$49
Founders Pre-Launch Price • Regularly $149
COMPLETE 19-COURSE COLLECTION
Get the Complete Collection
$299
All 19 Sandy Puc Education courses in one complete collection
Founders pricing is available for a limited time before the official course release. Individual courses will increase in price after pre-launch.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions?
We’ve Got Answers.
Still wondering if this course is right for you? Here are a few things photographers often want to know.
Do I need to be a pet photographer to take this course?
Not at all. Whether you want to offer dedicated pet sessions or simply feel more confident when a pet joins a family, senior or portrait session, this course will give you practical techniques you can use.
Is this course only about dogs?
Definitely not! Dogs are only the beginning. We’ll talk about cats, horses, farm animals, birds, reptiles, spiders and more, including how to adjust your approach depending on the animal in front of you.
Will we cover animal behavior and safety?
Yes. We’ll talk about reading body language and recognizing signs of comfort, stress, fear and overstimulation, including when to keep working, when to change your approach and when an animal needs space.
Will I learn posing and lighting?
Absolutely. We’ll cover practical posing, lighting and camera angles for animals, along with techniques for photographing pets alone and with the people who love them.
Will we talk about pet pop-ups and special events?
Yes. Sandy will share ideas for pet pop-ups and special events and ways to make pet photography a natural addition to the photography business you already have.
Will you cover working with rescues and nonprofits?
Yes. We’ll explore ways to work with shelters, rescues and nonprofits to create awareness, build community relationships and use photography to help animals in need.
Photography education built from 37 years behind the camera and in the studio. Real experience, practical education, and lessons designed to help photographers create, connect, and build a business they love.
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