What does it really take to step out of being the bottleneck in your photography business and start building a team?
In this episode of The Pet Photographers’ Journal, I sit down with Caitlin J. McColl, pet photographer, business coach, founder of Tails of the World, and host of the Focused on Time Podcast. Caitlin has grown her studio, Ragamuffin Pet Photography, into a thriving business supported by associate photographers and virtual assistants.
We dive into:
- The mindset shift from “my clients only want me” to building a trusted associate team
- How Caitlin trained and onboarded her associate photographers to deliver the same client experience
- Her practical hiring process — from job ads and test shoots to contracts and client feedback
- Outsourcing editing, admin, and other time-consuming tasks without losing quality
- Overcoming fears about client perception, competition, and having enough work for a team
- The freedom that comes from moving into the CEO role and focusing on marketing and client relationships
Caitlin’s journey is both inspiring and practical, proof that you can design a pet photography business that fits your life, not just drains your weekends.
Connect with Caitlin
Want to Be Coached Live?Interested in being featured on a future coaching episode?Apply here
Connect with Ina
Instagram: @inaj.thepetphotoceo
Email: ina@inajphotography.com
Mentoring & Coaching for Pet Photographers: Learn More
If you love this podcast, you’ll love the conversations happening inside the Pet Photographers’ Collective on Skool — it’s a free community for pet photographers who want to build a profitable, sustainable business with less overwhelm.
Inside, Ina shares:
✨ Practical marketing tips
✨ Business lessons and mindset shifts
✨ Free resources to help you grow
Connect with other photographers who get it and start creating a business that truly supports your life, not consumes it.
Join here → https://www.skool.com/pet-photographers-collective-3125/about?ref=9c7b56d2963f48a791297a43a29109e1
