A common question I get from clients is "What location do we go to for our pet photography session?" I always ask my clients if they have a preferred location but most, if not all the time I always get asked which location I recommend. 

Being in Canberra, there are so many great locations for pet photography sessions and having been doing photography for over 10 years (with the last 2 years in pet photography) I have a list of my favourite locations. I have built this over time from experience and I will recommend different locations for different clients as there are different factors to consider. So here are 5 things that I consider when we choose a location for your pet photography session.

1. Dog-friendly / Pet-friendly and safe

The first and most important factor is whether the location is dog friendly or pet friendly and that it's safe. Obviously for dog and pet photography, we need to find a location that allows dogs and other pets. Safety is also an important factor - especially if the area allow dogs off-leash as the safety of your pet is my number one concern.

2. Does your dog/pet get easily distracted, are they okay around other dogs and people? 

If you have a nervous or anxious dog or you have a dog that gets easily distracted and excited when there's lots of things going on around, then I would recommend a quieter location. This way there isn't many people around and there's less chance of your dog getting distracted. 

I have a favourite location that I go to for these situations and it's a beautiful place and is usually very quiet. I won't say where it is as it's my secret place sssshhh.. I don't think it's a secret but I have found that every time I go here to photograph dogs, it tends to be very quiet which helps a lot.

3. What feel do you like the image to have? 

Do you want a photo of your dog surrounded in nature and greeneries, in the forest, or at the lake? Or do you like more urban and city settings, or do you want to

photograph your dog somewhere that showcase Canberra icons? Alternatively, some of my clients just want to have a lifestyle pet photography sessions in the comfort of their own home and backyard. This is a good alternative for elderly pets or for cats and bunnies who don't really want to be outside of their home. 

This can also affect how you want to display your images (which is the next factor in choosing location for your pet photography session), especially if you are thinking of getting a wall art. You'll need to have a think if the colours suits your decor. 

4. How do you want to display your images?

This is one of the first questions I ask my clients. If you have not thought about it then it's a good idea to think about it as it will help me to provide recommendations on locations as well as plan and design your pet photography session. For example you may want to tell a story or document 'a day in the life of your dog' in a keepsake photo album or a storyboard collage framed print. Or you want to showcase a portrait of your dog in a large hero wall art piece, or you want to capture a few photos to display them in a three-piece wall art gallery.

5. Time of the day

Time of the day is important. As I've previously blogged about, a couple of hours before sunset or after sunrise are usually the best times of day for pet photography.  The lighting are even and you get that beautiful golden hour light. Also, if we do have to photograph in the middle of the day, I would choose locations that has a lot of shades so we don't get the harsh lighting of the full sun.

So, have you got a location in mind? I also have a location guide where I list my go-to recommended locations for your pet photography experience. If you're ready to book your pet photography session, then contact me using the button below. We'll have a chat first (there's no obligation to book until you're ready) so I can get to know more about you and your dog and personalise your pet photography experience.