About Nicole Begley
The woman behind it all
We Are Hair of the Dog.
We are the dreamers who don’t just imagine a better life—we make it happen. We are the go-getters who cheer each other on, knowing that together we rise higher. We understand that life is fleeting, and this is our one shot to create something extraordinary.
We are chasing our passions with unstoppable energy, and what that looks like is different for each of us. Some of us are thriving in our day jobs while pouring our hearts into pet photography on the side. Some are building their businesses to break free from the 9-to-5 grind. And others have already taken the leap, living their dream as full-time pet photographers.
What unites us? We’re designing lives we love. We’re doing work that fills our souls, capturing moments that matter, and creating art that lasts a lifetime.
We are Hair of the Dog.
Hi! I’m Nicole Begley.
Master photographer, zoological animal trainer turned pet photographer, travel addict, conservationist, and chocolate martini connoisseur.
Since 2013 I’ve helped thousands of photographers become more confident in their craft and earn real money as professional pet photographers all while maintaining the balance needed to enjoy the journey.
I love helping pet photographers because puppies + photography + awesome people = fulfillment.
Seriously though, nothing makes me happier than when I help a student have a major breakthrough, whether that is finally learning how those pesky layers and masks work in Photoshop or having their first multi-four figure sale!
Hair of the Dog Academy is where we dive into ALL things craft related. If you’re looking for business help, that happens inside Freedom Focus Formula.
I still do pet photography for clients in Charlotte North Carolina, so I know just what you go through!
MY PHOTOGRAPHY HISTORY / BACKSTORY
I started my photography business in 2010 focusing on family portraiture and thought that if I could photograph an animal here and there that would be rad. Well, after about 5 years (in 2015) I transitioned fully to pet photography.
Hair of the Dog started as a little blog to share my experiences in 2013 and never did I dream it would morph into what it is today.
Now I teach pet photographers around the world in destination pet photography retreats, coaching and courses.
Just goes to show that you may not know your full path yet, but always, always, follow your passion and you never know what magic will unfold.
“WHEN YOU WALK WITH PURPOSE, YOU COLLIDE WITH DESTINY.” -Bertice Berry
MY PHOTOGRAPHY HISTORY / BACKSTORY
I started my photography business in 2010 focusing on family portraiture and thought that if I could photograph an animal here and there that would be rad. Well, after about 5 years (in 2015) I transitioned fully to pet photography.
Hair of the Dog started as a little blog to share my experiences in 2013 and never did I dream it would morph into what it is today.
Now I teach pet photographers around the world in destination pet photography retreats, master coaching, and my online Academy and courses.
Just goes to show that you may not know your full path yet, but always, always, follow your passion and you never know what magic will unfold.
“WHEN YOU WALK WITH PURPOSE, YOU COLLIDE WITH DESTINY.” -Bertice Berry
You may have seen me speak at:
I believe
All animals should sleep on the bed. Except MAYBE THE horses.
Speaking of horses, they are more addictive than any drug.
looking into the eyes of an animal reveals a piece of our soul.
Photography is magic by entangling emotion with color and light.
Travel is the secret ingredient to appreciating the little things.
Fruit has no business coming anywhere close to chocolate.
AN ESpRESSO martini is always a good idea – but never 3.
Life is meant to be lived, and it’s even better with a furry friend, or several.
The best artwork is both personal and stylish.
My dry boring bio for those who like these sorts of things….
Nicole Begley, M.Photog.Cr., CPP, is a zoological animal trainer turned pet photographer and educator. She is the founder of Hair of the Dog Academy, an online community in which she empowers pet photographers to improve their craft and grow their business. Nicole has authored the sold out book “Pet and Equine Photography for Everyone”, available on Amazon for Kindle.
She established Nicole Begley Photography in Pittsburgh, PA in 2010 but now serves the market of Charlotte, NC. Nicole is an international award-winning pet photographer, having received a Photographer of the Year designation from Professional Photographers of America numerous times, as well as numerous local and state awards.
In addition to being an in-demand speaker for conferences such as ImagingUSA, Click Away, and Shutterhound, Nicole has organized and led sold-out pet photography retreats and workshops both domestically and in far-flung locations such as New Zealand, Iceland, and Costa Rica. Nicole is also the founder of Hair of the Dog Conservation Fund, a 501(c)3 to protect our global biodiversity and inspire individual action by supporting conservation projects for wild animals and the surrounding communities. The fund has raised over $250,000 so far for important conservation work.
Nicole shares her home with her husband, two teenage humans, and her Coconut Retriever (rescue mutt from the islands) Cami. She’s proud treat lady to one no longer baby horse Morocco. She is the creator of the #selfiedog series, a travel addict, and a chocolate/espresso martini connoisseur.
Come hang out with me
From free resources to in-depth programs, everything you need to elevate your pet photography is right here. Whether you’re just starting out or leveling up, we’ve got you covered.