Why I Attend Shows, Fairs & Markets to Promote My Dog Photography Business

If you’ve visited a local fair, street market, or countryside show in Wiltshire recently, chances are you’ve seen me – standing proudly beside a stall full of framed prints, rustic props, and country-inspired dog portraits. You might’ve walked past some hay bales, spotted a wooden crate with a Spaniel peering out of it in a photograph, or noticed a few curious noses sniffing around – and by noses, I mean dogs, of course!

As The Outdoor Dog Photographer, I regularly attend shows, fairs, and local markets to promote my dog photography business – and people often ask me why. Isn’t it hard work? Does it really help grow the business? Is it worth the cost?This blog will give you the full picture: why I do it, the advantages and disadvantages, and what I’ve learned from promoting dog photography at shows and fairs across Wiltshire.

Showing Up for the Dogs – and Their Humans

At the heart of everything I do is a love for dogs and a desire to help people capture beautiful, lasting memories of their four-legged companions. But dog photography isn’t something people always think of booking – especially if they’ve never had professional dog photoshoots before.

That’s why getting out into the community is so important. Fairs, markets, and events give me the perfect chance to:

• Physically show people what I do as a dog photographer in Wiltshire

• Explain how simple and affordable a dog photography session really is

• Break down the myths around cost or complexity

• Let people touch, feel, and fall in love with the finished product

Whether it’s an outdoor action shot in the woods or a countryside dog portrait taken in my studio, I can talk people through the process, show real examples, and answer questions on the spot.

Promoting Dog Photography at Shows and Fairs

Most of the events I take part in are local to Warminster, including:

• Village fêtes and community days

• Street markets in towns like Frome or Devizes

• Dog-friendly fairs and events

• Christmas markets and gift fairs

• Larger countryside events like the Royal Bath and West Show

The smaller events usually cost between £30 and £40 for a stall, and they bring in just the right kind of audience – local people, dog owners, and families looking for unique experiences and thoughtful gifts like photography gift vouchers.

Then there are the big shows, like the three-day Bath and West Show, which I recently attended. That cost me £200 for a pitch – a significant investment, but one that brought me face to face with hundreds of new people who might never have come across my dog photography business otherwise.

The Advantages of Doing Shows and Fairs

Attending these events gives me far more than social media likes or website clicks. Here are just a few reasons why promoting dog photography at shows and fairs continues to play such a vital role in my work:

✅ Real Connections

I get to meet dog lovers in person, hear their stories, and build trust face-to-face. This is especially powerful for people who may be unsure about booking or just want to chat first.

✅ Displaying My Work

My framed dog portraits and rustic country-style setup have an impact in person that online galleries just can’t match. People can see the quality of the images, the detail in the editing, and the unique look I create during my dog photography sessions.

✅ Growing My Local Audience

Events help raise awareness of my dog photography business in Wiltshire. Even if people don’t book straight away, they often take a card or follow up later – sometimes months down the line.

✅ Gift Card Sales

I sell quite a few dog photography gift vouchers at events – perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or Christmas presents for dog lovers. People love giving the gift of a dog photoshoot experience.

✅ Booking On the Spot

Many people don’t realise how easy and affordable professional dog photography can be. Once they understand how it works, they often commit there and then.

The Challenges and Limitations

Of course, there are a few downsides – and I think it’s important to be honest about them.

❌ It’s Physically Demanding

Packing the car, setting up the stall, standing all day, chatting with visitors, then packing it all away – it’s hard work, especially over a weekend or multiple days.

❌ Weather Woes

Outdoor events can be unpredictable. If it rains, people stay home. If it’s too hot, dogs can’t be out for long. And wind? Let’s just say hay bales and framed countryside dog portraits don’t mix well with strong gusts!

❌ Travel vs. Conversion

This is the big one: the further I travel from Warminster, the less likely people are to travel to me for a dog photoshoot at home. And because I don’t travel for sessions, it can limit how many bookings come from more distant events. Someone from Somerset might love my work at a show – but a 90-minute drive may feel too far for a session.

That’s why I’m careful about how far I go and how much I spend.

How Much Am I Willing to Invest?

At this point in my business, £200 is about the most I’m prepared to pay for a stall at any one event. That’s what the Bath and West Show cost, and while it was worth it for the exposure, it’s not something I can afford to do regularly.

Most of my favourite events cost far less and attract a highly targeted audience who can and will travel to Warminster. Those are the sweet spots – affordable, local, and full of friendly dog owners who value what I offer.

I carefully balance the value of each event with my travel radius – aiming to stay within about an hour of Warminster, to keep the audience relevant and the interest genuine.

Final Thoughts

Promoting dog photography at shows and fairs isn’t just about advertising – it’s about being present. It’s about meeting people who love their dogs, talking about what makes their pets special, and showing them how that bond can be captured forever through thoughtful, artistic photography.

Yes, it takes time, energy, and careful budgeting. But the rewards go far beyond bookings. Every event reminds me why I started this journey in the first place: to capture the character, loyalty, and spirit of our dogs in a way that lasts a lifetime.

So if you’re ever nearby and spot my stall full of countryside props and wagging tails – come over, have a chat, and take a look at what I do. Whether you’re ready to book or just curious, I’m always happy to talk dogs and photography.

Because sometimes, the best moments start with a conversation at a fair.

Want to know where I’ll be next? Follow me on Facebook or check the website for upcoming events, behind-the-scenes photos, and updates on my latest dog photography sessions in Wiltshire.