Photographer Lisa North specialises in pet, equine and family photography. Here, she explains how a hobby turned into a full-time business – and how her annual fundraising initiative supports an animal charity each year
Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Lisa North, and I have run my own business Lisa North Photography since 2011. It started as a hobby but quickly got out of hand and developed into a full-time business.
When did your love of photography begin and how would you describe your career so far?
I have always enjoyed photography as a hobby since I was a child. I became self-employed with another business in 2000 and felt I needed to spend more time on my hobby to give me a better work/life balance, so as not to spend all time on working 24/7 in my business.
When did you decide to set up Lisa North Photography and what were you doing before?
Following on from the above comments the hobby became Lisa North Photography after people started asking me to photograph their kids, their wedding, their dog etc. Initially I had to add these to my working day by slotting them into evenings and weekends. My existing Complementary Therapy business was already full time, but I was finding standing at a massage couch five days a week was not doing my back any good. It was too scary to give that up immediately as I had run it successfully for over 15 years, so I stopped taking on new clients as a first step. Before that I worked in banking for 25 years.
Where are you based and what area do you cover?
My studio is in the lovely South Norfolk market town of Harleston, where I also live. Most of my clients come from a 20-mile radius of the studio, but I travel to them too, and some come from further afield.
What is it about pet and equine photography that you love?
I am a passionate horsewoman and dog lover. Although I love all aspects of my photographic work it is the characters and personalities of the animals that I really love to show through my images. The bond between pet and owner is so special. The saddest thing is that our pets do not live that long compared to us, and it is so hard when they grow old and pass over the rainbow bridge. My sessions are often the only time they will have a professional sitting in the pet’s life so it’s crucial to capture them at their best. I also work with owners who are not far from losing their pet, and keen to get a portrait of their beloved animal. This can involve a home visit rather than a studio session as the dog may be frail. I recently completed a beautiful equine session with a horse and owner the day before the horse was being euthanised. Emotional, but a celebration of their relationship too.
Tell us about your annual fundraising initiative for animal charities and this year’s in particular?
This is the fifth year I have had a fundraising initiative that runs throughout the National Pet Month focus run annually nationwide in April and early May each year. I try to choose a local pet charity as the beneficiary of my charity photo shoots. Often these are smaller than the well-known pet charities and can get overlooked a bit when it comes to events raising money. I came across Suffolk Animal Rescue through a friend, and, having looked at their website and social media, chose them as this year’s charity to support.
I asked my clients to donate a minimum of £30 per dog to the charity. In return they brought in their pet for a photo shoot in my studio. The charity received 100% of that donation, and the participant’s received a commemorative professional print for their trouble.
It was amazing! I did 33 dogs in April and early May, and we raised £1000. I was totally thrilled and presented a cheque to the charity at their headquarters.
Do you have any animals of your own you would like to give special mention to?
Over the years I have owned cats, dogs and horses. Our beloved menagerie has all crossed the Rainbow Bridge now, and we feel that as we are both flat out with our work we are going to wait until we retire to get another dog. In the meantime, I get my ‘dog fix’ from my client’ dogs! I do have a friend’s horse on loan and love spending time with him.
How can people find out more about what you do?
I have a website, as well as social media pages on Facebook and Instagram. My studio is open at various times during the week so people can pop in for a chat. My email is info@lisanorthphoto.co.uk and my contact numbers are – studio 01379855129 or mobile 07771637933.
Visit Lisa North Photography.
Self-portrait of Lisa North – supplied
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