Rye Business Spotlight: Tischman Pets Photography

Every local business has a story worth sharing with the community. And that’s the belief behind this new, exciting series we’re kicking off at Patch — to shine the spotlight on all our favorite local businesses, and to learn a little about the ones we may not know that well.

Business: Tischman Pets Photography
Owner: Geoffrey Tischman
Website: http://www.tischmanpets.com www.gmt-photo.com/blog facebook.com/TischmanPets
Address: work from home 217 Purchase St. Rye NY

How did you come up with the name?

I have 2 businesses- Geoffrey Tischman Photography. I photograph events (bar mitzvahs, corp events, head shots, etc.) but have always loved pet photography so started Tischman Pets a separate division and now I mostly do pet and family portraits. I also work with all large number of rescue groups and shelters in Westchester and Fairfield counties photographing their adoptable pets to help get them adopted as well as photographing their events and galas.

Why choose that location? Why start a business in this town?

As do many photographers, I work out of my home- I have an office in my house but don’t do photo shoots at my home I rent a studio on occasion but mostly work with clients on location.

Briefly, what business are you in?

Photography

What’s the most difficult moment or challenge you’ve faced as a business owner?

I donate to lots of silent auctions for charities I work with. Often times people win a photo session and expect all the hi res digital files and don’t fully understand the pricing up front.

Were there any challenges that made you second guess your decision to be an entrepreneur?

I had started my business while living in NYC and moved to Westchester when my daughter was born- I definitely have busy seasons and slow times so it’s hard to have a family knowing I will have months with low income.

What’s been your favorite moment or proudest achievement since opening?

My photos of pets will appear in this upcoming months (Sept 2014) Westchester Magazine. I love living in Westchester and love Westchester Mag and was thrilled they selected me to do the photos for their 4th annual pet issue.

What’s the most innovative idea your employees or customers have had that you put into practice?

Can’t think of any.

How do you deal with difficult customers?

I have had some very demanding difficult customers- I don’t give in to their demands. As a small business owner I have my pricing and I share the pricing and am now very up front about the costs. I definitely hold my ground and dont’ give things away for free. However, there have been a few occasions where dealing with children and pets that I just didn’t feel I got the best photos possible so I have a few times gone back for a reshoot at my expense and every time I was happy I did as I was able to get better photos for the customer.

How does your business give back or get involved in the community?

I photograph homeless pets to help them get adopted and am a very active member of Hearts Speak and organization that brings artists together to help animals. With them and on my own I’ve done training sessions for shelters including the NYC animal care & control and the Mayor’s Alliance- helping their volunteers taking better photos of their shelter pets. (www.heartsspeak.org)

Are you a local small business with a story to tell? Send it to us by clicking here.