A few years ago, Fetch Photo Truck, my mobile dog photography studio based in Denver, Colorado, was simply an idea scribbled in a notebook. As a Denver dog photographer, I wanted to create a calm, comfortable experience that brought professional dog portrait sessions and custom artwork directly to people’s homes.
A mobile dog photography studio that could travel directly to people’s homes and create professional portraits of their dogs in a calm, comfortable environment.
At the time, I never imagined that idea would eventually connect me with photographers, dog lovers, and small business owners around the world.
That’s why I felt incredibly honored to recently be invited back onto the PhotoBizX Podcast with Andrew Hellmich.
You can listen to PhotoBizX here.
Andrew has spent years creating thoughtful conversations around photography, business, creativity, and the realities of entrepreneurship. What I appreciated most about this interview was that it became less about photography techniques or marketing, and more about something many people can relate to:
How easy it is to get caught up in constantly pushing forward without stopping to ask whether the pace is actually sustainable.
The Easiest Part Has Always Been the Dogs
One of the things I shared during the interview is that photographing dogs has never been the stressful part of this business for me.
That’s the part that fills me back up.
The quiet moments watching a nervous dog slowly relax. The excitement when a goofy Labrador catches a treat mid-air. The emotional reaction people have when they see a portrait that truly feels like their dog.
Those moments still matter deeply to me.
What became harder over time was everything surrounding the photography. The constant pace of entrepreneurship. Long weekends working events. Feeling like I always needed to push harder or do more.
I think a lot of people, whether they own a business or not, understand that feeling.
At some point, you realize success means very little if you’re too exhausted to enjoy your actual life.
Dogs Have a Way of Reminding Us to Slow Down
One thing I’ve learned from spending my days around dogs is how naturally they live in the present moment.
They don’t care about algorithms, notifications, growth charts, or productivity.
They care about connection.
A walk.
A familiar face.
A favorite toy.
A quiet moment laying beside someone they love.
Ironically, the very animals I photograph for a living have probably taught me more about balance than anything else over the last few years.
As Fetch Photo Truck continues to grow, I’ve been reflecting more on what I want life to look like moving forward, not just what I want the business to look like.
For me, that means creating more room for balance, relationships, health, creativity, travel, and simply being present.
Why Printed Artwork Matters to a Denver Dog Photographer
We live in a world where thousands of photos sit forgotten on phones and hard drives.
But the images people come back to over and over again are usually the ones that were intentionally printed, framed, and displayed in their homes.
That’s one reason I continue to believe so strongly in printed artwork.
Not because anyone needs more “stuff,” but because the right photograph becomes part of a home and part of a memory.
Especially with dogs, time moves faster than we want it to.
I’ve photographed senior dogs that families knew they didn’t have much time left with. I’ve photographed energetic puppies that later became the calm companion sleeping beside the fireplace years down the road.
Those photographs gain emotional value with time.
Looking Ahead
One of the things I’m most excited about moving forward is finding more ways to use photography to give back.
Over the years, I’ve had opportunities to work with senior dog rescues and nonprofit organizations throughout Colorado, helping create portraits that bring visibility to dogs waiting for homes and support organizations doing incredible work.
That’s something I want to continue investing more energy into in the years ahead.
At the end of the day, this interview reminded me that the most meaningful part of Fetch Photo Truck has never really been about photography alone.
It’s about connection.
The connection people have with their dogs.
The memories tied to a season of life.
And creating artwork that helps those moments live on a little longer.
I’m incredibly grateful to Andrew for the conversation and for creating a platform that encourages honest discussions about creativity, business, and life.
You can listen to PhotoBizX here.
Hi, I’m Ryan Erickson.
I am the owner and photographer of Fetch Photo Truck. I was born and raised in Colorado and love the many adventures it offers me every day. My black Labrador, Henry, is always by my side, ready for belly rubs, really big stretches, and all the fun we can find.
