Episode 12

full
Published on:

3rd Sep 2025

Scaling Beyond Yourself: Hiring Associates and Outsourcing with Caitlin J. McColl

What does it really take to step out of being the bottleneck in your photography business and start building a team?

In this episode of The Pet Photographers’ Journal, I sit down with Caitlin J. McColl, pet photographer, business coach, founder of Tails of the World, and host of the Focused on Time Podcast. Caitlin has grown her studio, Ragamuffin Pet Photography, into a thriving business supported by associate photographers and virtual assistants.

We dive into:

  • The mindset shift from “my clients only want me” to building a trusted associate team
  • How Caitlin trained and onboarded her associate photographers to deliver the same client experience
  • Her practical hiring process — from job ads and test shoots to contracts and client feedback
  • Outsourcing editing, admin, and other time-consuming tasks without losing quality
  • Overcoming fears about client perception, competition, and having enough work for a team
  • The freedom that comes from moving into the CEO role and focusing on marketing and client relationships

Caitlin’s journey is both inspiring and practical, proof that you can design a pet photography business that fits your life, not just drains your weekends.

Connect with Caitlin


Want to Be Coached Live?Interested in being featured on a future coaching episode?⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apply here⁠⁠


Connect with Ina

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@inaj.thepetphotoceo⁠⁠

Email: ⁠⁠ina@inajphotography.com⁠⁠

Mentoring & Coaching for Pet Photographers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn More⁠⁠



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About the Podcast

The Pet Photographers' Journal
Building Confidence and Consistency in Your Pet Photography Business.
Welcome to The Pet Photographers' Journal, a practical and unfiltered podcast for talented pet photographers ready to build a business with more purpose, passion, and profitability.

I’m Ina J, a pet photographer who turned my side hustle into my full-time career. In this podcast, I share exactly what I’ve learned and actually applied in my own business. We talk about pricing, mindset, marketing, client experience, and sales, without feeling pushy.

Some lessons I picked up from others but I always tweak things to work for me and I’ll tell you how you can too. I overshare sometimes but in the best way possible because I believe in learning from real-life experiences not just theory.

Whether you’re just starting or scaling to five-figure sales this show is your behind-the-scenes guide to pet photography business success.

About your host