How Dog Photography Turned into Full-Time | Jen Hillenga

April 21, 2026

What if photographing dogs could turn into a full-time photography business?

In this episode of The Professional Photographer Podcast, Jen Hillenga shares how she walked away from a high-revenue portrait studio after burnout and rebuilt a thriving business as a dog photographer in New York City.

After years of chasing growth, bigger studios, and more clients, Jen hit a breaking point. Instead of scaling up, she scaled back—niching into dog photography, simplifying her business model, and focusing on work she actually enjoyed.

You’ll learn how she launched quickly, used free sessions to build demand, partnered with local communities, and grew an engaged Instagram audience that consistently brings in new clients.

If you’re a photographer feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or burned out, this episode will show you how to build a business that actually fits your life.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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