Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Matovic.
Hi Michelle, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I turned to photography as a way to navigate grief after losing my father. He was a photography enthusiast, and continuing something he loved became a way for me to feel connected to him.
What began with photographing dogs at local parks evolved into hosting curated sessions and building meaningful connections within Houston’s animal-loving community. Their support played a huge role in shaping Nala Shots Pet Photography into what it is today.
Beyond being a tribute to my father, Nala Shots was named in honor of our family cat, Nala, who crossed the Rainbow Bridge in 2023. Her memory remains at the heart of my work.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Entrepreneurship has been smoother than I initially expected. I’ve been fortunate to have a strong support system, access to valuable resources and a genuine passion for what I do, which has made the challenges feel more manageable. Working for myself has allowed me to keep things simple and build at my own pace.
People often assume working with pets is the hardest part, but I actually thrive in a little bit of chaos. Every pet has a different personality and set of quirks, and I love learning how to work with each one and figuring out what brings out their best.
The biggest learning curve has been photography itself. I really enjoy the design side of creating an image, but I’ve learned that great photography requires more than a good eye. It’s a balance of creativity, technique and understanding the science behind it. From the start, I’ve taken a thoughtful, intentional approach by focusing on the fundamentals and building a strong foundation rather than rushing through the process.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a photographer specializing in pets, focused on capturing each pet’s unique personality and the bond they share with their people. My style ranges from creative themed setups with custom backdrops, costumes and props to simple, natural portraits and candid moments.
I am most proud of being trusted with some of families’ most meaningful moments, especially during end-of-life sessions and helping to preserve those memories. I am also proud of my work with rescues and shelters, giving adoptable pets a better chance of finding loving homes.
What sets me apart is my commitment to making professional pet photography accessible. Whether it’s accommodating busy schedules, offering flexible locations or working within different budgets, I never want logistics or cost to prevent someone from creating lasting memories with their beloved pets.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I’m an attorney by profession, so I’m wired to think through risk. A big part of what I do is prepare for every possible “what if.” That same mindset has been incredibly valuable in my photography business. It shows up in how I protect my equipment, back up files, maintain clear documentation, prioritize pet safety and comfort, and communicate clearly with clients so we’re aligned from the start. These moments are often once-in-a-lifetime, so I take the responsibility of getting them right seriously.
Pricing:
- 2-Hour Studio Session – starting $175
- 2-Hour On-Site Session – starting $200
- Shelter/Rescue/Foster Pets – complimentary
- Senior/Sick/End-of-Life Sessions – pay what you can (no minimum)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://nalashotspetphotography.mypixieset.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nalashots.htx
