Turning Shelter Shoots Into Income with Adam Goldberg

Today I’m chatting with my friend Adam Goldberg of AGoldPhoto, a studio pet photographer, shelter-dog hype man, and the brain behind “Second Shot.” He started in shelters back in 2013, built a thriving studio, and is now circling back to his roots with a model that funds adoption photos through brand sponsors. It’s smart, generous, and wildly scalable.

If you love the idea of photographing rescue pets but struggle to find the time with your adulting responsibilities and bills, this one’s for you.

What to Listen For:

• The surprising reason Adam first picked up a camera at the shelter (hint: it wasn’t about the dogs).
• How pit bulls changed the course of his career—and what he discovered that the news never shows.
• Why he refunded $100,000 in bookings overnight…and what he built from the ashes.
• The single question that sparked the idea for Second Shot.
• How a casual social media post turned into brand sponsorships that now fund adoption photos.
• The behind-the-scenes of what sponsors actually want, and why some don’t care about analytics at all.
• What makes this model irresistible to shelters (and why Adam warns photographers not to ask for money too soon).
• The unexpected pushback he faced from other photographers and how he handled it.
• Why Adam believes photographers shouldn’t have to choose between paying their bills and saving lives.
• Where he sees Second Shot going next and how you might be able to join in.

Adam’s “Second Shot” model proves you can serve shelters, create real adoption momentum, and still get paid for your craft. If this lights you up, go follow Adam, say hello, and tell him Nicole sent you. Then hit play and take notes—you’ll walk away with partnership ideas you can action this month. CTA: Subscribe, share this episode with a rescue-loving friend, and leave a review so more photographers can find it.

Additional information: 

• Adam’s Instagram: https://instagram.com/agoldphoto
• Adam’s website: https://agoldphoto.com
• Facebook group: Studio Pet Photography Help

More Resources:

• Freedom Focus Photography Podcast: https://hairofthedogacademy.com/podcast (or your preferred podcast hub)
• Hair of the Dog Academy: https://hairofthedogacademy.com
• Free Guide – Top 10 Dog Poses: https://hairofthedogacademy.com/poses
• Freedom Focus Formula: https://nicolebegley.com/freedom-focus-formula

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