Why I’m Probably Undercharging for Pet Photography in Cleveland, And Why That’s Intentional
I was recently told something that made me stop and think:
“You’re probably not charging enough for pet photos.”
At first, I shrugged it off. Then curiosity kicked in, and like most photographers, I did some research.
I spent time looking at other professional pet photographers across Cleveland, Lakewood, Ohio City, Tremont, Cleveland Heights, Shaker Heights, Rocky River, Westlake, and surrounding Northeast Ohio areas. I wasn’t comparing styles or personalities, just pricing, structure, and accessibility.
I wanted to know if what I’d been told was actually true.
Turns out… it probably was.
What Comes Up When You Google “Pet Photographer Cleveland”
If you Google “pet photographer Cleveland”, I don’t show up in the top three results, yet. But I still clicked through them to understand what pet photography looks like at the top of the local market according to Google.
Here’s what I found:
The first photographer’s lowest package starts at $575 for 8 photos and a 30–40 minute session
The second requires a $150 deposit, with collections starting around $400, but most clients reportedly spend closer to $700
The third starts at $300, before any add-ons
I want to be very clear. I’m not knocking their businesses at all.
They’re clearly established, they deliver good work, and their pricing likely reflects years of experience, demand, and a studio-based model. In most cases, you’re also expected to go to them.
That pricing makes sense for what they offer.
But it’s also not accessible for a lot of people.
And That’s Where I Chose a Different Path
Photography is a business. I respect that fully. And I understand that higher pricing often signals premium service and experience.
But I also believe this: Everyone deserves quality photos of their pet.
Not just the people who can comfortably drop $600–$700 on a session.
So yes, when I compared those numbers to my own pricing, it became obvious that mine is lower.
Intentionally.
Why My Pet Photography Pricing Is Different
Instead of building around exclusivity, I built around real life.
I Come to You For In-Home Pet Photography
I travel to your home anywhere in the Greater Cleveland area, which means:
Your pet stays relaxed in a familiar environment
No car rides, studios, or unfamiliar smells
Photos that reflect who your pet actually is day to day
Fast, Reliable Turnaround
Most clients receive their edited images within 1–2 days. No long waits, no chasing updates.
Fair, Straightforward Add-Ons
Additional pets: just $25 per pet
Prints: offered at reasonable prices, not inflated boutique rates
No surprise fees. No “collections” you didn’t plan on buying.
Transparent Pricing
What I quote you is what you pay. Full stop.
Why I Also Offer a Risk-Free Guarantee
This is another reason my pricing structure looks different.
To book, I only require a small deposit to hold your time. I’ll come out, handle the session, and do all the work.
And here’s the promise: If you don’t like the photos, you don’t pay a thing.
I take pride in the quality of the work I deliver, but you know your pet best. And if you feel like we didn’t fully capture their personality:
We can try again at a later date, or
You simply don’t pay beyond the deposit
That’s it.
I’d rather stand behind my work than ask someone to spend money on photos they don’t truly connect with.
“But $100 Still Feels Like a Lot…”
I hear this, and I don’t dismiss it.
$100 is still money. It’s groceries. It’s gas. It’s a bill.
But in context, it’s also:
Hundreds less than many professional pet photography options in Cleveland
A dedicated, in-home session tailored to your pet
Edited images that go far beyond what a phone can realistically capture
Photos you’ll still be grateful you have years from now
It’s not about being the cheapest option. It’s about being the most reasonable one.
Why This Matters So Much to Me
This isn’t just a pricing strategy. It’s personal.
I started pet photography during a time when photos stopped being “nice to have” and became everything.
When our dog Leo was diagnosed with cancer and we learned we didn’t have much time left, documenting him suddenly mattered in a way I can’t fully explain. Those photos are still with us today, long after he’s gone.
They’re reminders of his personality. His presence. A chapter of life that ended far too soon.
That experience reshaped how I think about pet photography, pricing, and access.
My Belief: Everyone Deserves Quality Photos of Their Pets
I believe:
You shouldn’t need a luxury budget to document the animals you love
Pricing should be clear, honest, and human
Pet photography should feel welcoming, not intimidating
Yes, photography is a business.
Yes, established photographers and studios charge what they need to charge.
But there should also be room for something more accessible.
That’s the space I choose to work in.
Cleveland Pet Photography, Without the Pressure
If you’re in Cleveland or anywhere in Northeast Ohio and you’ve been putting off professional pet photos because of cost, stress, or uncertainty, this is exactly why I do things differently.
Your pet doesn’t need perfection. They need someone who understands why these moments matter.
If that sounds like what you’ve been looking for, I’d love to work with you—risk free.
