So I stumbled upon the post for this year’s Pet Blogger Challenge on the fab pet travel blog GoPetFriendly.com and thought I’d give it a go, just to connect myself with other pet bloggers and to share some things about me and my blog! It’s a little diversion from my usual posts, for a bit of fun, and some reflection. I’ll tell you what though, if we’re talking about travel at all, I wish I could do way more of it.

Blog Challenge Questions – 1. How long have you been blogging? 

So I had to look this up because I couldn’t remember, and I should probably clean out my archives (it’s one of my 2016 website goals) but I’ve been chattering away about my photography, cats, my rescue pet photography work here in Seattle, since the start of 2012. It has evolved a lot in that time, as has my photography, which is what I hope everyone who comes to my blog, and looks over my site, will end up enjoying.

2. What is the one thing that you accomplished during 2015, either on your blog or because of it, that made you most proud?

I’m always proud to share my photography with people, but I do know that I was asked to be the Official Photographer for the Seattle Pet Expo, thanks to my blog/site. This was a great privilege for me, and documenting the event was a highlight. I also have been asked to join Getty Images as a contributing photographer, thanks to them finding my work on here, so that looks like something that will happen for me this year. I was also very proud to have my cat images come together to create our rescue’s 2016 Cat Calendar, and then to meet and have Jackson Galaxy go home from his book signing with a copy was icing on the cake. 

   

3. Which of your blog posts was your favorite this year and why? 

I would have to say my Wings of Rescue 11.20.15 post. I documented planes landing here with dogs and cats bound for rescues and shelters (from CA to WA) hoping for new homes for the holidays. It’s the second time I’ve documented one of these amazing rescue missions and they just blow me away. My first Wings of Rescue 12.5.14 post was probably more emotional for me but smaller in scale, but I want to continue to spread the word about these rescue flights, and show everyone just how many animals are in need…and can be helped.

4. What is one thing you’ve done in the past year that has brought more traffic to your blog?  

Not only has being on CreativeLIVE driven traffic to my blog, I believe there has been so much that I’ve learned by being a studio audience member and watching their online courses that has helped me in many ways. When I was lucky enough to appear on an online course that the amazing pet photographer Rachael Hale McKenna taught, as well as one by the photographer Kirsten Lewis, I had a ton of traffic to my blog. These were great learning experiences for me, and they inadvertently put my face out there (it’s still out there forever when you buy the courses!).

5. Which of your blog posts got the most traffic this year? Why do you think it was so popular? 

I believe my Seattle Meowtropolitan cat cafe posts have been the most popular, as  

 well as the Wings of Rescue posts. The cat cafe was highly awaited here in Seattle, so lots of people wanted to see photos! 

6. What is one blog that you read religiously – other than your own – and what makes you such a devoted reader?

Just ONE?!! That’s so hard. I read a bunch, but it’s probably got to be Clickin Moms for tutorials and the photography community.

And Boho Berry for planning inspiration!

7. What resources do you rely on to enhance your technical, writing, photography, social media, or other skills that improve your blog?

As a photographer, I practice my craft, of course, but I read many sites to stay on top of the latest, I read photography magazines, in print and digital, I also love TIME magazine, and following photojournalism blogs and sites. I watch online classes on CreativeLive on photography and business, and there are many great ones on social media too. There’s really not enough time to do it all. I really wish I had more time to read, but the most inspiring book I read last year was Lynsey Adarrio’s memoir ‘It’s What I Do’.

8. What is the best piece of advice you can offer other bloggers?  

I’d never think I’m the best one to ask for blogging advice, only pet photography! (Feel free to ask me!) My advice would be what I’d give myself: keep it fresh, post regularly, and make it authentically you. 

9. What is your vision for your blog in 2016? Do you have specific goals?

I need a better plan than last year but it was a difficult personal year for me (not that this year won’t be!) so things became erratic in the middle, including my posts!

I plan to have art prints of my cat photography for sale this year, and am going to start work on a rescue cat photography book (I keep getting asked!), so these things will all be reflected but my blog will always be home for my rescue work and my pet photography. I hope to get more personal projects done because they keep me creative!

10. You have the attention of the pet blogging community – is there one blogging challenge you’d like help with, or one aspect of your blog that you’d like input on?

I just have to move over to a full WordPress site…I  just have to have all capabilities of customizing and adjusting everything. I’m also frustrated by a WordPress.com site not acting like a regular site for the average visitor, and therefore it’s difficult for them to interact with it. I’m a little intimidated by the idea of changing it but I think it’s time! My ‘One Little Word’ of the year is Change so it’s 2016 or bust (that goes for a great many things).

Thanks for checking out my blog! Hopefully you will stick around and check out my many pet photography posts.

~ Katherine