Hi Debbie,
I'm kind of like you. Nature and wildlife photography is my passion, so I thought the leap to pet photography wouldn't be that different. Boy oh boy, was I wrong!! Mind you, I'm not a bad photographer. I hold my own when out shooting the natural world. In fact, I think I'm pretty respectable. But, pets offer a whole new set of issues.
1) As much as you think you've got a decent shot, the pet, like wildflife, doesn't care. The clients, on the other hand, have their own set of emotions, and they're the ones you have to please.
2) DOF and lighting are their own sets of new issues, wherein with wildlife, it's very different. Shooting pets is one interesting learning curve.
3) Like any shot, backgrounds will make or break an image. Pay attention.
4) If you can, have an assistant standing by to direct the animal. Owners are helpful. Sometimes. Be very explicit about what you want him/her to do.
5) From what I've seen here, a website, professionally designed, will go a long way towards bringing in clients. I've got a long way to go on mine, for sure. But, I did develop a Portfolio Gallery in my site, so that maybe a prospective client won't get bogged down with all my other stuff. That gallery has to only have your best work.
5) Develop a personal style. From what I've seen from the pros who post here, they've got individual styles that are fabulous. I sure don't have that yet. Someday.......
That's just starters for me. I'm looking to retire within 2 years from the National Park Service, and would like photography to supplement my pension. I've not given up on pet photography. On the contrary, I'm determined to learn this craft. In fact, I'd love to work with a pro to learn stuff, but right now, that's not a possibility. I'm still a 9-5 working stiff. So, I read a lot. I practice on gulls and cats and dogs, oh my!!! I've got a long, long way to go, for sure. Check out my
Pets Gallery. You'll see what I mean.
Good luck with your business!!!