The fun part of the process in your pet photography experience is your on-location pet photography session! It's the big day and a fun one! Before this day we would have chatted about you and your dog and decided on a photo shoot location around Canberra, designed your session with how you want to display your images by thinking about the end product and we would've covered any questions you have. You can learn more about how we personalise your pet photography experience through the inquiry and consultation process.
Scroll down to read more about what to expect and what happens during your pet photography session.
The Rendezvous
First thing first we will meet at our chosen location. You would've received an email with a google map link of our meeting place. You are likely to notice me as I'll be the lady with a camera and a big flash holder thingimabob (also known as a soft box for my off camera flash). I would be able to recognise you, well your pet(s)/dog(s) from the photos you would've provided in your questionnaire.
When we first meet I usually get down on the ground and get your dog to sniff me and my camera so they become comfortable with me. Once we're done with a meet and greet (and probably lots of licks and kisses from your pup) we are ready have fun and start our shoot!
The Session
I want you to think of your pet photography session as an afternoon playdate and walk with your dog and have fun! I'm here to capture your dog's personality and character and precious moments with you so it's important if you and your dog are both relaxed and having fun.
At the start of the session we might explore the location for a bit, especially if your dog gets quite excited when they go to a new place. If you had read my email and the blog post about preparing for your pet photography session, you might have arrived at the location 10 or so minutes earlier to let your dog sniff around and get familiar with the location and surrounding.
Capturing the photos
Once your dog gets comfortable with me and the surrounding we'll walk around and stop at various places with nice lighting and interesting background to capture beautiful photos of your dog. I usually have specific spots that I like to capture photos at with flowers, rocks or logs that we can use to pose your dog on.
I know you are probably wanting your dog to stay sitting or laying down in one spot but I like to take it easy and go with the flow. I don't want to force your dog to do anything they don't want to do or they're not comfortable with. You also don't need to stress or worry about your dog not posing or staying still as this energy can flow to your dog and make them feel what you're feeling. I want you and your dog to have fun and enjoy the session.
During the session I will be asking for your help to handle your dog. Sometimes this may also involve you running with your dog to capture some action shots. We will be working together throughout the session to create beautiful photos. I'll also capture some photos with you and your dog so you have some beautiful memories of both you and your dog together.
The pet photography session usually takes an hour but some dogs may get tired before the hour ends so I usually go with how they are feeling. If they're looking like they're over it within 30-40 minutes, as long as we've captured a variety of shots during that time we can end the session earlier. This doesn't mean you get less photos though. I always take lots of photos during the session but I will present the best shots (around 50-60) for you to choose from at your ordering appointment.
At the end of the session we will walk together back to the car park and during this time I'll book you in for your ordering appointment which is usually held 2 weeks after your session. Plus I usually have a yummy treat pack for your pup to take home as a thank you for being a good doggo during the session.
If have any questions for me feel free to book in a no-obligation consultation call with me. You can ask me any questions and there's no obligation to book a session.
If you're not ready for a full session, then you're in luck, I have got mini sessions released for International Dog Day. These sessions are 15-20 min in length. You can find out more and book in a mini session by clicking the button below.
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This post is a part of the Pet Photographers blog circle I am in. This week we talk all about the session and the next blog in the circle is from Holly Cook Photography. Holly of Holly Cook Photography in Seattle, Washington takes you through her portrait session experience.
4 Comments
Sep 1, 2021, 9:01:33 AM
Nancy - yes- going with the flow....that's a good phrase for the session. it becomes hard when owner and dog get stressed out.
Aug 19, 2021, 1:24:36 AM
Elaine - Great thought about how a dog might tire during an hour session. I also go with the flow and take my cues of when to end, from the dog, especially on hot summer days.
Aug 13, 2021, 11:44:33 AM
Angela Schneider - An afternoon play date ... what a great way to frame a dog photography session. That's exactly what it is!
Aug 13, 2021, 9:20:37 AM
Terri Jankelow - I'd feel at ease taking a photo session with you!