How does this whole thing work?
It is my goal to make your entire experience with me seamless right from initial inquiry to the delivery of your gallery! To help give you the best possible experience I've laid out 3 simple steps that go over our time together and what you can expect out of your photoshoot.
Step 1 - Inquiry & Planning
Right from your initial inquiry, you will be offered a Questionnaire which goes over details such as your visions for the shoot, your dogs needs as well as other important questions. You will also be sent an in-depth location guide to help you better visualize what type of setting you're dreaming about. Within 24-48 hours of completing your Questionnaire, we will discuss your responses as well as go over the location options to best suit your vision. If you have concerns regarding your pup and their behavior, it is at this time we will address those worries and come up with a perfect plan to capture your pup as comfortably as possible. This is where we organize your perfect shoot and I will be there every step of the way leading up to shoot day.
Step 2 - Day Of The Shoot
I will reach out to you 5-7 days prior to your shoot to finalize all of the details. We will explore our chosen photoshoot location upon arrival and let your dog sniff and get used to the new environment. Our time together is meant to be stress-free and exciting for your pup. I will never make your dog stand somewhere or do something they're uncomfortable with during our session. With my prompt you will play with your dog (throw toys, sticks, call them to you, etc) and position them in certain areas while I capture the moment. Don't worry, I'll guide you through these prompts the entire time! You will ALWAYS receive sneak peek images from your shoot the very same day!
Step 3 - Gallery Delivery
After 4-6 weeks, your private online gallery is ready to go with timeless captures of your best friend! Your digital files are now ready to be viewed for you to select your 10 favorite images. I will always include additional images in your gallery to give you a wide variety of photos to choose your favorites from. There is always the option to purchase additional images as well! If you're interested in printed products (such as canvases, photo albums and more), it is at this time when your gallery is delivered that you can browse the built-in store directly from your finished gallery. Purchasing prints directly through this built-in platform ensures the highest quality and color accuracy, as I work with professional labs that maintain the integrity of my work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my dog need to be well behaved?
Typically the more well behaved your dog is, the smoother and more seamless your shoot will go! I have photographed many dogs with different limits and abilities and always end up with wonderful photos in the end. That being said, it's always great to work on the basics of sit and stay before a photoshoot and to be aware of your dogs limits. If your dog is struggling with certain behaviors, I always do my best to choose the right location to fit your dogs needs (such as low distraction areas, away from other people, etc). And of course we will always discuss this in-depth prior to your shoot!
What type of payment options do you accept?
I accept Paypal, Credit Card and E-Transfer (canadian clients only).
Do you require a retainer?
I do require a 50% non-refundable retainer to hold your selected date. Once we've confirmed a shoot date, you will receive a booking link and it is at that time you can pay the 50% retainer.
When will we receive our photos?
You will receive an online gallery link within 4-6 weeks after your session (sometimes less depending on the season or current sessions I have). The reason for this time-frame is due to the time and love I put into each and every gallery.
What gear do you shoot with?
I shoot with a Nikon z7ii as well as a variety of lenses including the 20mm f/1.8, 35mm f/1.8 and the 85mm f/1.8.
What if my dog can't be off leash?
Believe it or not, the majority of my sessions take place with the dog on leash! With the power of editing software, it is very simple to remove leashes in my images. You truly won't even be able to tell that there was ever a lead in the photo! I work around your dogs boundaries and limitations so being on leash is absolutely no problem at all.
Do you photograph fearful or reactive dogs?
Absolutely! I actually have a reactive dog myself so I definitely understand some of the stress that can come with that. We will always go over your dogs needs in-depth prior to your shoot in order to choose the best setting for them. I also won't typically engage with client dogs when I meet them as to keep the stress and excitability down.
Do you photograph other animals, like cats?
YES! Cats have become increasingly common subjects for me and I have loved every moment of it. Please keep in mind that your cat must have outdoor experience (or at least be comfortable in the outdoors), in order to have a stress-free and successful session. Have a different type of animal? Feel free to reach out and we can discuss further!