I just want them to look at those photos and relive probably the trip of a lifetime for most of them.
Kirstie McConnell
You can also listen to this episode with Kirstie on iTunes, Pocket Casts, Spotify, Castbox, and Google Podcasts.
Check out our global photography network to interact with host, Perrin, gain access to monthly photo contests, discover daily inspiration, and much more!
Built by photographers. Shaped by you.
We are building a new home for photographers, a platform that does not sell your portfolio, bury your shots, or tell you what to shoot next. You do. Community, podcast, Prime Classes, and a pro listing service on the way, all shaped by the photographers who use it.
Joining is completely free until December 2026. After that, a free layer stays for everyone, so you keep access either way.
Become a beta testerInterested in contributing? Visit our Supporter page to find out more.
Kirstie McConnell has found a unique niche in the photography world, transitioning from pet photography to capturing memorable vacation moments in Italy through her innovative venture, Classico Portraits. Her passion for storytelling is woven into every image she takes, providing her clients with lasting memories of their family travels.
Kirstie’s adventurous spirit led her from Australia to Italy, where she embraced the cultural shift and transformed her business approach. Her focus on authenticity shines through her work, as she meticulously plans each session to reflect the connectedness of her clients’ vacation experiences. Going above and beyond by suggesting activities like cooking classes, Kirstie ensures that her photographs resonate with genuine emotion and joy.
An integral part of her impact on the industry is the Pet Photographers Club podcast. This platform has fostered a global community, sharing insights and elevating the art of pet photography, helping to establish it as a recognized niche.
Now embarking on a new chapter, Kirstie plans to expand her horizon to France and eventually Australia, bringing her unique blend of creativity and passion to a broader audience. Her dedication to crafting timeless legacies is a testament to her love for photography and travel.
In this episode, Kirstie and I discuss:
- Her pet photography podcast and the influence it has had on the industry.
- Why she loves travelling and incorporates it into her business
- The significance of authentic experiences in photography and how she photographs the vibrance of her clients’ vacations.
- Her plans to expand Classico Portraits into France, reflecting her continuous pursuit of new challenges and inspirations.
My conversation with Kirstie offers a glimpse into a photographer’s world where passion meets innovation, further illustrating how the art of photography can create enduring memories, even across the world.
Enjoy the episode!
Q: Did you find the transition from film to digital difficult?
Kirstie McConnell: I did shoot on film for school and kind of for fun when I was 16, 17 years old… I didn’t really have to transition, I suppose, because I only learned like the very basics on film.
Q: Have you integrated pet photography into your services for Classico Portraits or is it still kind of just a thing you do on the side?
Kirstie McConnell: I have absolutely, I don’t really advertise it too much because my clients are tourists from abroad. For example, most of my clients are Americans and so they’re not bringing their dog with them for 10 days in Italy, you know. But when I photograph expats, so like other foreigners that live here in Italy, I absolutely encourage them to bring their dog.
Q: What do you hope to achieve in this great big photography world?
Kirstie McConnell: Honestly, you know, I would just be happy if all my clients have this amazing time in Italy because I gave them like some little tips and tricks… and they get to have like their favorite, at least one photo on the wall that always reminds them of that trip.
Find Out More About Kirstie!
The Pet Photographers Club Podcast
You are not a user here. You are a co-builder.
The new Great Big Photography World is being built in the open, by the photographers in it. Join the beta, help decide what we ship next, and get in before everyone else. Your feedback shapes the platform, not an algorithm.
Free until December 2026, with a free layer for everyone after, so you keep access either way. No card needed to join.
Become a co-builder
