Tom, in the IRC Buffy chat where I met Dan and Andi there was a guy who did photography for fun, he started doing a lot of pictures at car shows and stuff. And then went to a few dog events (like Dog o ween or something) and started taking pictures and someone asked him to take Santa pictures of dogs. And I think he started building a side business like that. Just word of mouth and doing what he liked.

Which is my rambly way of saying it's been done. And it sounds like something you should at least look into.

The architectural photography sounds interesting too.

I've read several articles that said people are still spending on high-end pet stuff.

My vet has giant pet portraits that serve as advertising for a shitty pet photog. If Tom were out here I would get one from him.

Tom, team up with a boutique pet supply place and/or a doggy day care.

Or maybe get a start volunteering to take glamor shots of rescue animals - you'd get to meet people, get some photos for your portfolio, find out if it was something you were interested in. And, as a volunteer, you could say no to animals that were too troublesome (as many pet owners have discovered, it's better to be pissed off than pissed on).

Toddson's idea is very good!

amych, I think that'd count as terrorism

Yeah, that's why it doesn't work long-term. It'd be nice to clear out the fridge and get something sent in to the gummint, but I suspect homeland security showing up in haz-mat gear would be slightly worse than an audit.

Although you might get your refrigerator really, really clean.

Or maybe get a start volunteering to take glamor shots of rescue animals

Sean Casey is in desperate need of this service.

With the web, you can get started without a lot of initial investment. If you focus on outdoor and at home photography at the beginning, I think you can get by with what you have, with maybe some lighting.

eta: Glamor shots of rescue animals [link] It would also be a great way to practice.