I had a chat with Aliira from Allira Fontana Photography to find out about her and the business.
How long ago, and how?
I have been taking photos for 7 years now. I first started out traveling around Australia taking photos at horse shows and events, but I missed home too much and wanted to be with my own dogs more. So I took a small break, rebranded and now offer private photography sessions for pooches and horses in Sydney.
What do you sell?
I have two main photography packages, a smaller shorter session and a longer session for households with multiple pets. Sessions are typically held at local parks and reserves, with the majority of my equine sessions being held at the agistment property the horses are at.
Where do you sell?
Photo sessions can be booked through my website directly.
Tell me about your own dogs - and are they involved in the business?
Where do I begin! My two rascals are Archie and Chico, both rescue dogs and my whole world. They aren't directly involved in my business, but almost everyone knows about them because I love to share their images and adventures on my social media accounts. Archie is 5 years old and at my best guess is a Labrador cross Corgi mixed breed dog, I often say he is me in a dog form. He pushes boundaries, can be a little stubborn but deep down is a big softy. Chico is a chocolate Border Collie who I fostered then adopted. He is 7 years old and loves to play fetch, no matter the weather. Although both boys are dog reactive, they love each other and often play fight numerous times a day, usually first thing in the morning when I am trying to sleep. They have taken me on a lot of adventures I simply would not have gone on if I did not have them. I saw snow for the first time with them, go to the beach just so they can have a change of scenery (I HATE the beach), they have been published in newspaper articles and Archie has even been published in the book I co-wrote.
What's the best thing about what you do?
Lots of dogs are excited about visiting a new park or location, which makes their owners worry they won't behave for a photo session. I love showing them split seconds in time when the dog was standing or sitting still, and seeing the ecstatic look on their faces when I captured that perfect moment. Plus, there are not many jobs where you get paid to hang out with dogs and get covered in slobber, right?!
What was the last song that got stuck in your head?
I always get weird looks when I say this, but I actually am not much into music! I stick my car on a radio station and whatever is playing is what I listen to. I don't even pay attention to the songs most of the time, so honestly I can't remember the last song than got stuck in my head.
What's the most recent photo on your phone?
A photo of my dogs of course! They are hugging each other, I took the photo to upload to their Instagram account. Even though I have a fancy pants camera, my phone is always on hand for those candid moments.
Tea or coffee?
Although Italian, I am herbal tea all the way. At the moment I am obsessed with Chamomile tea and a mixed tea called Sleep Tight from T2.
Thanks to Allira for a great interview. If you are interested in booking her for a photo session (and I can personally recommend her) the website is here
Leave a comment