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From Cheap Digitals to Profitable Artwork: Mindset Shifts with Michelle Crandallv

Author
Ina J Photography
Published
Mon 25 Aug 2025
Episode Link
https://the-pet-photographers-journal.captivate.fm/episode/from-cheap-digitals-to-profitable-artwork-mindset-shifts-with-michelle-crandallv

What happens when your business plan is built around selling $25 digitals… and then a global pandemic cancels every single dog sports event on your calendar?

For Michigan-based pet photographer Michelle Crandall of Pets in Focus, that reality became the turning point of her career.

In this honest and inspiring conversation, Michelle shares how she:

  • Pivoted from dog sports photography to pet portraits during the pandemic
  • Faced (and overcame) her fears of working one-on-one with clients
  • Shifted from selling cheap digitals to confidently offering in-person sales and high-value artwork
  • Navigated money mindset challenges and learned not to project her own money beliefs onto her clients
  • Successfully ran a breed-specific Dachshund book project—49 dogs photographed in just 5 months—while turning a deeply personal grief into a powerful business opportunity

We also talk openly about:

  • Pricing for profit vs. “charging your worth”
  • Finding your real ideal clients (hint: it might not be who you thought)
  • Why community and support make the biggest difference when tackling big projects
  • How overwhelm and imposter syndrome show up, even for experienced photographers

Michelle’s story is a reminder that you’re not alone in the struggles of running a pet photography business. Whether you’re thinking about raising your prices, starting in-person sales, or tackling a book project, her journey proves that growth is possible with the right mindset shifts.

Connect with Michelle

Website: ⁠petsinfocusphoto.com⁠

Instagram & Facebook: ⁠@petsinfocusphoto⁠ & ⁠Pets in Focus Photo⁠


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Connect with Ina

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@inaj.thepetphotoceo⁠

Email: ⁠[email protected]

Mentoring & Coaching for Pet Photographers: ⁠⁠⁠Learn More⁠


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