Pet Photography
Your Pet ‘Paw-trait’
Do you love your dog? I know I love mine (a Staffie called Ruby, in case you wondered) and I love photographing dogs of all shapes and sizes. Each and every one of them has it’s own character and to have a portrait of your hound, who loves you so much, is a prized possession. Working on-location, pet photography is all about letting your pets be themselves. I believe environmental photography is the perfect setting for dogs and horses. By capturing the personalities of your pets outdoors, where they feel more relaxed, I can create stunning images that you will love and enjoy for years to come.
You can discover more about my location ‘pawtrait’ sessions below and you may even find some inspiration for where you’d like your shoot to take place. I understand that planning a pet photography session can seem daunting for many people. I’ve tried to cover everything about the process below but I know that you may still have questions to ask. If you still have anything you’d like help with, please don’t hesitate to get in touch!
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My Environmental ‘Paw-trait’ Sessions
On-location pet photography allows me to capture the spirit of your pet in a setting that they find comfortable. When in a location that you know and love, you can all feel relaxed and be yourselves.
For me, on-location pet photography sessions are all about creating an experience that is tailored to you and your animals, where you all can feel at ease and just have fun.
Your ‘Pawtrait’ session doesn’t just have to be all about your pet (even though your pet might disagree). I like to encourage people to include family as well. After all, you are all family, two legs or four.
The location of your shoot is completely up to you. From your home and local parks to riverwalks and scenic woods, I love to visit new places. If you’re feeling adventurous, I can also take commissions for further afield, such as the Lake District, the Norfolk Coast and even the London Docklands! I have a lot of experience with on-location photoshoots, so if you need help choosing where to have your pet photography session, I can certainly offer some suggestions!
“What I like most about photography is the moment that you can’t anticipate: you have to be constantly watching for it, ready to welcome the unexpected.”
Martine Franck
What to Expect on Your Shoot
The focus of my pet photography sessions creating an experience that is enjoyable for both you and your pets. I want you to feel at ease and for everyone to be able to have fun with it. By creating this enjoyable experience, I can concentrate on capturing fantastic images that can be treasured for generations.
Want to get involved but hate the thought of having your photo taken? I know that many people think that a photoshoot isn’t for them. That’s because there’s this idea that professional photography is all about stiff poses and rigid smiles. My goal is to help you feel as comfortable as possible, and I have to say, I do have a knack for creating an environment people feel comfortable in.
Here’s what to expect at your ‘Paw-trait’ session:
Preparing for your shoot
First, we’ll prepare for your pet photography session. This is the opportunity for you to discuss locations and any special requests that you might have. Thinking about how you may want to display your images will also help me create ‘paw-trait’ images that will look brilliant in your home.
On the day
During your session, my focus will be making sure everyone feels relaxed so that we can all enjoy the photoshoot. This includes helping your pets feel safe and comfortable. Remember, it’s all about you and your animals. I will be able to offer some guidance and direction so that I can capture natural moments.
Viewing
Following your shoot, I’ll go through the photos and pick out the best ones. After a bit of digital ‘magic’, I will put these all together in a digital presentation that will make you go ‘wow’. This will give us a chance to go through your photos and discuss which ones you’d like to order and how you can display them in your home.
Enjoy your memories
I hand-finish each order to ensure that it is of the highest quality. You’ll also receive advice on how to get the most out of your portraits. You can rest assured that if there are any issues with the materials or production of your order, there is the guarantee that your wall-art will be replaced with no extra charge.
Session Fees
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Tuesday to Saturday |
Sundays |
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Home and location sessions |
from £150* | from £200* |
*(these may not apply in the case of a prize, a voucher or other offer)
Where appropriate, the sitting fee is payable at the time of booking to confirm the arrangements. All prices include VAT at the current rate and may be subject to change without notice. All major credit cards accepted.
Examples of My Work
Your Questions
How many dogs/horses can I have at my portrait session?
Working on location means the number of people and pets rarely restricts us. Typically, our pet photography sessions are with one to three dogs, but I’m happy to work with as many as you have and are happy that you can control. For multiple dogs, I’d recommend that two or more people come so there are spare hands to assist with handling and controlling them.
Please let me know the numbers in advance so that I can prepare accordingly. At each session, I’ll take a variety of images & poses using different settings.
How do we see our pictures and how long will it take?
Your images are shown at your own special design & consultation session, on a large screen. I will be on hand to help you select your favourite images and suggest the best way to display portraits at home. Most people take 60-90 minutes to choose and make their order. You will not be rushed or pressurised into making the wrong decisions, you will just be shown superb pictures that you may find hard to resist!
Why is there a session fee and what is included?
The session fee secures your appointment date & time. It includes your pet photography session of 1 – 2 hours, the creation, editing and production of your portraits, and your design consultation & ordering session of 1 – 2 hours. Any images you order will be extra (unless stated otherwise e.g. prizes, gift offers etc.).
How will you be able to photograph my lively dog?
I have been fortunate enough to photograph dogs (and horses) for many years and they all have their own temperaments from shy to boisterous, timid to energetic. I will have supplied you with handy tips in advance of your pet photography session which include bringing a collar and lead (not a harness) and making sure that any treats are hidden completely and only brought out in emergencies! I have several tricks I employ to get a dog’s attention and have yet to be beaten by a reluctant hound!
What happens with bad weather?
We are constantly looking at the weather forecasts (why does it always rain on a Saturday???) and always contact you a day or two before your shoot to talk about your pet photography session. When it comes to dog portraits I find that most people don’t mind a bit of rain, but if people are part of the photoshoot, and the forecast is thick clouds, heavy rain and strong winds, I shall be happy to change the time if possible or the date. What is not essential are blue skies and sunshine.
