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The Fastest Path to Mastering Pet Photography

Stop wasting time on scattered tutorials—build a portfolio that stands out.

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I See You, Frustrated Photographer.

You’re passionate about pet photography. You dream of capturing sharp, stunning, personality-filled portraits—images that make people stop and say, “Wow, you took that?”

But right now? Maybe you feel stuck.

  • Some shots turn out okay, but most are a frustrating mix of missed focus, bad lighting, and "almost great" images.
  • You’ve spent hours watching tutorials, but you’re still guessing every time you pick up the camera.
  • Editing takes forever, and even then, your photos don’t have that polished, professional look.

And worst of all? You’ve started to wonder:

  • “Why can’t I make my photos look like the pros"
  • “Maybe I’m just not talented enough.”
  • “How much longer can I keep trying before I give up?”

You’ve been putting in the effort—watching tutorials, experimenting with your camera, trying to figure it out on your own.

But without a clear roadmap, progress is slow.

The truth is, talent isn’t the problem.

What’s missing is a structured system that removes the guesswork and actually helps you improve.

What if, in just a few months, you could confidently capture professional-quality pet portraits—without second-guessing your camera settings or spending hours fixing mistakes in editing?

Cris Andrews (Christopher)

"This course is outstanding."

This course is outstanding. Having done real estate photography for over eleven years I feel pretty comfortable with my camera, however, this is also a new approach for me. I am learning a lot and am very appreciative of having found the course. Many, many thanks!

I am really enjoying the academy and have just finished all the Module 1, Technical Elements. Much different than shooting real estate. I never once worried about my ISO or shutter speed or any of the other settings I have been (trying) to learn about.

 

Introducing the Hair of the Dog Academy Success Path

—the only pet photography framework designed to take you from frustrated amateur to confident professional photographer, without years of painful trial and error.

Think of the Hair of the Dog Academy Success Path like having a personal trainer for your photography. Just as a fitness expert guides you through proper techniques, corrects your form, and provides a structured plan, this framework gives you:

  • Precise, step-by-step guidance
  • Expert feedback that targets your specific struggles
  • A proven system that removes all the guesswork

No more random shooting. No more hoping. Just a clear, structured path to creating stunning pet portraits every single time.

You might be thinking:

Your Image"I can learn this on my own for free."

Your ImageReality: If free content worked, you wouldn't still be struggling to capture those perfect pet shots.

Your Image"I just need more practice."

Your ImageReality: Practice only improves you if you know exactly what to correct. The Success Path ensures you're practicing the right things in the right way.

Your Image"I don't have the right gear."

Your ImageReality: Your camera isn't the problem—your technique, lighting, and editing skills are. And those can be mastered with the right guidance.

The question isn't whether you can become a great pet photographer.

____

The question is:

Are you ready to stop guessing and start mastering your craft with a proven system that actually works?

Welcome to the
Hair of the Dog Academy!

Hair of the Dog Academy is a self-paced, comprehensive online program designed to help beginner and intermediate pet photographers master their craft and create stunning, professional-quality images by providing structured, pet-specific training, expert feedback, and a supportive community.

JOIN THE ACADEMY TODAY

Here's what's included in the Academy:

Pet Photography 101

Dive into the essentials of pet photography with Pet Photography 101, designed to cover all the technical foundations alongside expert techniques for working with dogs. From mastering manual settings and understanding exposure, to perfecting composition and ensuring sharp, stunning photos. You'll also learn the art of creating a positive experience for your furry subjects, understanding dog body language, and capturing their best expressions. 

Pet Photography EDU with Kim Hartz

If you're looking to improve your craft, start here! Created by Master Photographer Kim Hartz, this is a full-blown course on the art of pet photography. You'll learn about animal behavior and working with dogs, how to pose pets and their people, and go deep into lighting with both strobes and natural light, inside the studio and out.

Dog Posing Guide

Elevate your dog photography sessions with this invaluable resource offers a digital gallery featuring 50 distinctive poses, complete with directions to help you capture each shot perfectly. Say goodbye to the days of running out of ideas mid-session; with this guide, you'll have a wealth of inspiration at your fingertips, ready to transform any photography session into a dynamic and memorable experience.

Behind the Lens - Pets and People

What goes through your head when owners ask to be photographed with their dog?  If it’s anything other then, “OMG YES! OF COURSE!”, you NEED this class.  Master Photographer Nicole Begley takes you through working with a variety of pet and people combinations.  From one owner and two dogs, to a couple and two dogs, to a full-blown family shoot with two boys and an excitable doodle, this course has got you covered.

Behind the Lens - An Urban Adventure

Follow along on an actual urban photography session, with Master Photographer Nicole Begley showing you how to create beautiful images from backdrops you'd normally just pass by. Learn how to create variety in a session and then watch Nicole edit the images to perfection, as she talks you through the process.

Behind the Lens - Mini-Session in a Park

Join Master Photographer Nicole Begley as she walks you through a session at a local park. Discover what backgrounds to look for and what to avoid, how to manage multiple dogs, and tricks for capturing action photos. You'll also find tutorials for editing the images from this session. 

Behind the Lens - An Equine Adventure

Horses are quite literally a different animal than dogs - and photographing them requires a different approach.  Join Master Photographer, Nicole Begley, on an equine session to learn how to create variety, pose horse and human, and elicit expressions from your equine subject.

Equine Photography Basics

If you love to photograph small pets, you've probably wondered if you might also love to photograph horses. How different can it be? Well, it's a LOT different!  Originally included in a previous Hair of the Dog summit, this class presented by Shelley Paulson will help you understand horse behavior, work safely around horses, choose the best lenses to use, prepare horse and rider for the session, discover attention grabbing techniques, posing, and capturing the bond people share with their horses.

Cat Photography Basics

Join Kim Stephenson in this special feature as we delve into the elegant and enigmatic world of felines. This presentation was originally presented at one of the Hair of the Dog Summits.  In this video, we'll learn about the differences between cats and dogs, how to speak 'cat' by understanding their body talk, discover ways to get them to look at the camera, and find out what to do if a cat is feeling a bit nervous. Kim's also going to dive into how she runs her cat sessions.

Fast-Track Editing

Your shortcut to mastering the essential editing tools every pet photographer needs. In this bite-sized course, you’ll learn the exact techniques I use in nearly every session—from leash removal and color correction to Lightroom masking and multi-dog edits. It’s designed to get you up to speed quickly and confidently, without the overwhelm. Perfect whether you're new to editing or ready to fill in the gaps and work faster.

Post-Processing for Pet Photographers

Photoshop Edition

Photoshop is a beast and one of the biggest challenges for new photographers is knowing what’s important to learn – and what isn’t. We’ll show you exactly what you need to know for pet photography editing – and nothing that you don’t.

Post-Processing for Pet Photographers 

Swipe Nicole’s Workflow

Watch over the shoulder of a veteran pet photographer as she takes you through every step of her personal workflow including import into Lightroom and super speedy culling, exporting for sales and creating files that automatically update in your catalog, renaming Lightroom files quickly and easily and creating different export settings. You can’t get information like this unless you pay to work one on one with a professional photography coach.

Post-Processing for Pet Photographers

Wacom Training

This bonus video series that walks you through all the benefits of using a tablet. We’ll show you how to choose the right one for you and how to install, use, and program custom functions. Most photographers can’t imagine ever being without their tablet once they have one!

Post-Processing for Pet Photographers 

Create a No-Fail Backup Strategy

Data loss happens, but it doesn’t have to happen to you. Inside this special in-depth training to help you create a backup solution that works for you. We’ll discuss how to make sure you’re covered and walk you through the details of each of our systems. The aim of this special bonus training is to make data loss a minor inconvenience when it happens, not a major catastrophe!

Plus we're ready to help with live support:

Monthly Homework Reviews for personalized feedback from industry experts, so you always know exactly what to improve and how to elevate your skills.

Quarterly Portfolio Reviews that refine your work and help you create a cohesive, polished portfolio that attracts clients and showcases your unique style.

Live Editing Sessions where you’ll learn game-changing techniques from experienced photographers, transforming your editing skills and giving your images that professional polish.

Access to a Thriving Community of like-minded photographers for support, collaboration, and motivation—ensuring you never feel alone on your journey to mastery.

Join Hair of the Dog Academy today and take the first step towards transforming your pet photography skills into a source of pride and confidence!

JOIN THE ACADEMY NOW

Plus, when you join as a yearly or lifetime member you'll get these awesome bonuses....

Bonus #1:

Business Basics Bootcamp: Your Legal Launch Lifeline

Feeling overwhelmed by the business side of photography? This bonus is your ultimate roadmap to launching your pet photography business with zero confusion and total confidence. Think of it as your personal business guardian angel, guiding you through every legal and logistical challenge.

Bonus #2:

Client Education Toolkit: Lifetime Access

Imagine looking like a total professional from day one, with beautifully designed guides that do all the heavy lifting for you. These plug-and-play Canva templates will make you look like a seasoned pro, even if you're just starting out.

  • Customizable Pricing Guides
  • Session Preparation Templates
  • Product & Wall Art Showcase Materials
  • Post-Session Communication Guides
  • Fully Brandable Canva Templates
And especially for our lifetime members:

Hair of the Dog Posing Cards mailed to your home!

Never freeze up during a photo session again! These posing cards are like having a professional photography assistant whispering creative ideas in your ear, ensuring you capture the perfect shot every single time.

Rachel McCready

"She shows the dirty, tricky, funny and beautiful side of dog photography."

I love Hair of the Dog Academy because Nicole speaks my language. She shows the dirty, tricky, funny, and beautiful side of dog photography. She shoots in real places—spots that look just like the parks and paths many of us have access to—and shows how to make them look magical. That’s something I’ve really taken to heart. I’ve learned to see the magic in a small park or an otherwise unremarkable location.

I'm Nicole.
Master photographer, zoological animal trainer turned pet photographer, travel addict, and chocolate martini connoisseur.

I’ve helped thousands of photographers become more confident in their craft and earn real money as professional pet photographers all while maintaining the balance needed to enjoy the journey.  

At this point, you're probably thinking, "Okay, just tell me how much this costs!" I get it.. But before I do, let’s put this into perspective.

Most specialized pet photography workshops charge between $3,500 to $5,000 for a single workshop, without your travel expenses. One-on-one mentorship? To do a private day with me is $2,700—and that’s just a few hours of guidance.

Trying to learn on your own? You’ll likely:

  • Spend hundreds of hours testing techniques, with no guarantee of success
  • Pay for multiple smaller courses, that often aren't specific to pet photography
  • Waste months—even years—frustrated because you don’t have a clear roadmap

YOU MAY HAVE SEEN ME SPEAK AT:

Hair of the Dog Academy Eliminates the Guesswork

Instead of piecing together free content and hoping for the best, you get:

Step-by-step training videos

Live coaching, portfolio reviews, and expert feedback

A supportive community of photographers who actually get it

A proven system that cuts your learning curve from years to weeks

And the best part? It’s not going to cost you thousands.

Which membership is right for me?

I've been told I'm crazy for offering the Academy at such a low rate - but my mission is to elevate the pet photography industry and I wanted to make this affordable for everyone.

MONTHLY Membership

$37

Per Month

  • Full access to all classes
  • Full access to live calls and homework reviews
  • Cancel anytime, no commitment

 

BECOME A MONTHLY MEMBER

YEARLY Membership

$297

Per Year

  • Full access to all classes
  • Full access to live calls and homework reviews
  • BONUS Immediate access to all client education templates
  • BONUS access to the Business Basics Training to help you get your business started.
BECOME A YEARLY MEMBER

LIFETIME Membership

$997

Single Payment

  • Everything in the Yearly Membership - forever and ever with no expiration!
  • Includes all future content added to the Hair of the Dog Academy
  • Our 50-card physical posing guide mailed to your home - worldwide availability!
BECOME A LIFETIME
MEMBER

Join Hair of the Dog Academy 100% Risk-Free—Try It for 14 Days!

I get it—committing to something new can feel like a big deal. What if you join and realize you’re actually destined to be a landscape photographer instead? (Kidding… mostly.)

That’s why I’m offering a no-questions-asked, 14-day, 100% money-back guarantee.

Here’s the deal: Jump in, explore the training, start improving your pet photography, and if you decide it’s not for you—no worries. Just email us within 14 days, and we’ll refund every penny. No hassle, no awkward breakups, no dramatic farewell speeches.

That means you can test it out, risk-free, and see for yourself why so many pet photographers are loving Hair of the Dog Academy. If it’s not the right fit, we’ll part as friends—no hard feelings, and I promise I won’t send your dog judgmental side-eye photos.

So go ahead, give it a shot—you’ve got nothing to lose, and a whole lot of stunning pet portraits to gain.

Suzanne Pallottelli

"I realized I needed support and was very lucky to find HOD."

I dreamed of being a dog photographer for a long time. When I finally had the time to pursue it as a second career, I felt lost, stuck, and alone for over a year—until I found Hair of the Dog Academy. Joining has been truly life-changing. I’ve learned so many new skills, like editing, shooting in manual, and setting up my business. I love that I can turn to the community and office hours for support and inspiration whenever I need it. Now my business is finally getting off the ground—and I’m loving it. I’m so grateful. Thank you, Nicole and team, for everything you do!

So, Let's Recap!

Here’s everything you get when you join Hair of the Dog Academy today!

  • Step-by-Step Video Lessons -  Master your camera settings, capture action shots, and create breathtaking pet portraits every time!
  • Monthly Homework Reviews -  Receive personalized feedback from industry experts that guides your improvement and boosts your confidence.
  • Quarterly Portfolio Reviews -  Refine your work and create a cohesive portfolio that attracts clients and showcases your unique style.
  • Live Editing Sessions - Learn game-changing techniques from experienced photographers to transform your editing skills and give your images a professional polish.
  • Access to a Thriving Community - Connect with like-minded photographers for support, collaboration, and motivation on your journey to mastery.

PLUS, when you join as a yearly or lifetime member you’re getting these exclusive bonuses too!

  • Business Basics Bootcamp: Your Legal Launch Lifeline – A roadmap to launching your pet photography business with confidence.
  • Client Education Toolkit: Lifetime Access – Beautifully designed guides that make you look like a seasoned pro from day one.
For lifetime members:

Ultimate Posing Cards: Your Creative Companion – Never freeze up during a photo session again with these 50 comprehensive posing prompts.

YES! THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT I NEED
Now it’s time for you to make a choice….

Take a moment and go through the list below. 

How many questions can you answer yes to?  Do you wish that you could confidently answer differently?

Here’s the thing, if you do nothing differently…nothing changes.  

Are you stumbling around Lightroom and Photoshop and not getting the results you desire?

We can give you a clear understanding of how to use these programs in an effective and efficient way - so you are creating the imagery you want, in less time than ever.

Are you struggling to find the light, whether in-studio or on-location?

Lighting is one of the most important pieces of photography, and we are sharing our secrets for on-location and studio in Behind the Lens and Pet Photography EDU.

Do you want to have more confidence in creating variety at your sessions?  

There's nothing quite like rolling up to a shoot with the confidence that you will be able to create images that your client is going to LOVE.  That's why we have numerous resources so you're never at a loss for ideas.

Are you yearning to create a signature style but you can’t find a way to learn different techniques?

We’ve lined up some of the world’s leading pet photographers to share their shooting and editing knowledge, with new instructors being added all of the time.  This is how a style is created, by learning bits and pieces from lots of different sources - then mix them up and you have some magic.

Maybe you're wondering how dog, cat, or equine photographers get great images every time?

As with any niche of photography, there are lots of tips and tricks to create the images that clients expect.  From working with dogs that can't be off-leash, to learning how to photograph horses safely - we dive into it all within the Academy.

Are you curious how different professionals edit their images?  

One of the best things about the Academy is that you get to learn from many leaders in the industry!   Not only do we have great Academy coaches but we also have regular guest artists sharing their tips and techniques for editing images.

The Academy is for you if:

✔  You are serious about improving your pet photography craft.

✔  You are willing to take imperfect action.

✔  You’re looking to connect with like-minded people going after the same goals.

The Academy is not for you if:

✖  You expect everything to change just by watching videos and not taking action.

✖  You plan to binge on all you can in 30 days and then leave, results take time.

✖  You feel the need to cut others down to feel better about yourself. 

Worried you don’t have the time or money?

I want to ask you what your dream is worth?  Where are your priorities?  If this isn’t enough of a priority in your life to dedicate a few hours a week and a couple of dollars a month (less than the cost of a night at the movies) towards achieving your goals - then maybe now isn’t the right time.  However, you’ve been given this passion for a reason and you wouldn’t have this dream if you didn’t have the ability to achieve it - you just need a road map and some support.  That’s why we’re here. 

So what will it be? If you are finally ready to feel confident calling yourself a pet photographer - now is your chance.  Click the button below and let’s get to work!

What are you waiting for?  

Frequently Asked Questions

___

Got Questions?

We Have Answers!
Results like this could be yours...
Wow!  Look at you! 

You made it all the way to the bottom of this page! 

 

If you are still reading this, there is a reason. 

 

There is some piece of you that knows that this is what you have been looking for. 

 

So why not jump in and test it out?  There is no commitment and you can cancel at any time. 

 

What do you have to lose?

 

JUMP IN TODAY

JOIN THE HAIR OF THE DOG ACADEMY TODAY!

Still have questions?

We’re standing by at Hair of the Dog HQ with your answers!