CHESAPEAKE, Va. — Say “Cheese!” Bentley gets ready for the camera.
If you have a pet, you probably take pictures of it all the time. But how much would you pay for some professional shots?
Pet photography is big business. It's arguably the most difficult niche within the photography sector.
"Well, it is hard. I'm not going to say that it's not hard. That's what makes it worth it and that's the best reward," said Erin Bonilla, owner of Bonilla Pet Photography in Chesapeake. We paid a visit to her studios for a one-on-one with her and Bentley!
"Bentley was awesome to photograph because he is such a happy dog and he just aims to please. He can sit and stay which is like a miracle in the studio," Erin said.
It's Erin's passion to be able to capture these images of our beloved pets, but it requires lots of patience.
"Well, most portraits are totally chaotic while they're going on, Bentley's was not as chaotic but I think you'll agree it was still a little bit crazy. They usually all are, which is why people are amazed at what we are able to capture," according to Erin.
Erin uses a few tricks to grab your pup's attention, like whistles, shaking a bag of treats, even barking like a dog.
Erin said even if you think your pet is too difficult to photograph, don't worry, she's up for the challenge.
"Don't be concerned whether you can bring your pet into the studio. None of them sit still. Our record is actually photographing 10 cats in one portrait."
Erin doesn’t just photograph dogs and cats. She's won awards for her photographs of guinea pigs riding motorcycles, tarantulas, horses and pretty every other type of animal!