Spa Offers Post-Groom Photo Shoots

BATHE. CHECK! Cut and style hair. Check! Trim nails. Check! Next task: Take a picture of the freshly groomed pet on an elaborate set, creating an adorable image that their person just can’t wait to share on social media. Fairytales Pet Spaw in Winchester, KY, does all of the above and more as part of its popular Facebook Photo Package.

THE IDEA

DIY Pet Portraits

Salon owner Heather Carter has been pampering dogs and cats for nearly 25 years. She would pay a professional to shoot “after” photos during the holidays, until 2008 when the groomer decided to DIY instead.
“I was already doing so much of the work. I had to book sessions and help out during,” Carter says. “I started making my own sets and taking my own pictures.”
She now offers the images as part of an add-on package available year-round. For $10, it also comes with teeth brushing, designer neckwear and a gourmet treat.

THE EXECUTION

Ready, Set, Shoot

Carter finds inspiration for her sets — holiday, seasonal and other themes — in a variety of places. She may find a backdrop online and build around it, or an item at a thrift store may spark an idea. That was the case with Labor Day photos this year.
“I was at Goodwill and saw a man looking at this teeny tiny grill. I thought, ‘Please don’t buy it please don’t buy it.’”
He didn’t, so the salon owner snatched it up. She put it on a patch of fake grass and added a mini Coleman cooler from American Girl, plus squeaky hot dog and hamburger toys. A green sheet and red, white and blue bunting hung behind.
Carter spends between $50 and $150 on each set. With minor adjustments, pets of all sizes can fit. The set currently in use — she introduces a new one every two weeks — stays in a designated photo room, complete with box lights from a $100 kit that also came with solid backdrops and a stand. During the busy holiday season, large dogs get their own set in the salon’s adoption center.
The groomer uses her iPhone to take pictures.
“I do have a professional camera that I use during the holidays, when we offer longer sessions for $50 with a CD of images to take home.
“Most people, though, just want one nice photo of their dog to share on Facebook.”
Because many pets are regulars, they are comfortable on the set.
“They know it’s the last thing we’re going to put them through, and then they will get a treat and can go home. It doesn’t take but a couple of minutes.”
Carter edits and adds her logo to photos between appointments, also right on her iPhone. She then shares the final images with clients on Facebook or via email.

THE RESULTS

Income Boosts

From five to 10 clients buy the Facebook Photo Package each business day, resulting in $200 to $400 in additional income per week. The branded images circulate on social media, seen and shared by Fairytales Pet Spaw’s 3,500-plus Facebook fans alone as well as proud pet parents. Carter does not have to advertise otherwise.
“We not only get to showcase our work, but it’s great marketing and has been highly beneficial for me.”
The salon owner also earns money through sales of her photo sets. She offers replicas and those she no longer uses to other pet businesses. A package including the set and pet accessories can sell for as much as $150 plus shipping.
“I’m so busy I can’t fill all of the orders!”

PHOTO GALLERY (5 IMAGES)