FAQ

FAQ's

We know you've got questions, rest assured here's a few things we get asked regularly.

  • My dog doesn't or won't sit still. Is that a problem?

    Not at all! Some of our favourite portraits are of dogs standing up. And rest assured, I have a DEEP well of unique sounds and tasty treats to grab their attention - even if it's just for a second while I capture each image.

  • My dog can't be off leash. Can I still do a session?

    Yes! Absolutely! Believe it or not, 95% of the dogs I photograph are on leash. Leashes not only keep your best pal safe, but they're also important for following local laws when photographing in urban environments. Thanks to the wizardry of Photoshop, leashes will be removed from most final images.

  • What about harnesses or gentle leaders, can those be edited out?

    Well, Photoshop does have its limitations. Super bulky harnesses hide so much of the dog's chest that it's very challenging to accurately rebuild those pixels in post-production. Gentle leaders can leave unsightly shadows or pull on the dog's skin, so those are a challenge to digitally remove. If your dog normally wears one of these for walks, I recommend using it while walking to our location, but also bringing a flat collar to use for the actual shoot. If you need to stick with the harness or gentle leader but would like it edited from the final images, there is an additional retouching fee. However, digital removal for leashes, regular flat collars and martingale collars are always included.

  • My dog is super reactive to other dogs/people/bicycles. How can we do a session?

    I completely understand; the world can be a scary place for all of us sometimes. If your dog is nervous or reactive, we can choose a location that suits his temperment. I have a few out-of-the-way locations that receive very little dog or foot traffic, or we can rent a private location for a small fee, ensuring that we won't see a soul.

  • My dog is a never-ending ball of energy! How do you manage high-energy dogs?

    My camera shutter goes all the way up to 1/8000th of a second - in other words, plenty fast enough to capture even the most active dog! Our sessions never require your dog to sit, stay and behave for hours (or even minutes) on end. One of the benefits of hiring a pet-specific photographer is that we know how to work with "hyper" models and still deliver gorgeous images, jam-packed with personality.

  • Can I be in the images too?

    Of course! I love documenting the wonderful connection between you and your dog. While we can certainly capture a traditional portrait of you both smiling at the camera, my clients especially love the candid images of the moments you share. If you're especially camera shy, I can still create some lovely, creative images that tell you the story of your relationship. Please trust me, and remember that you don't need to purchase or display any images that you don't adore.

  • What time will our photo session be?

    The most magical light for photography happens during the "golden hour", which is why I schedule most sessions during the last two hours of daylight. However, certain locations - such as urban areas that bustle with activity during the evening - are better suited for morning sessions, when we can still take advantage of the lovely low-angle light.

  • How do I choose a location?

    It's a big decision, but I'm here to help with plenty of recommendations. During our session-planning call we'll discuss the look you're after, any special needs your dog might have (mobility challenges, anxiety, etc) and scheduling constraints on your part (e.g. mornings only). With that in mind, we'll settle on the perfect location for your custom sessions.

  • What if it's raining?

    If the weather is less than ideal, we can definitely reschedule. Your reservation retainer simply transfers over to our new session date - easy peasy!

  • Who can come to the session?

    Everyone who lives in your household (furry or not) is welcome to participate in our session. In the interest of minimising distractions, however, I do ask that only those who will be in the photos come along. If you're interested in holding a session with you dog's best bud or extended family, I'd be happy to put together a custom quote.

  • Do you photograph pets other than dogs?

    Fur, feathers, scales and tails - I photograph them all! While the majority of my clients are of the canine variety, I do photograph the equine and feline from time to time.

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