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Happy Wednesday everyone! Today I thought I'd take a moment to talk a little more in-depth about 3 questions I get asked pretty regularly as a Pet Photographer.
1. The one I hear the most? I would love to have great images of my fur-kid but my dog is a little (insert adjective here; hyper, shy, crazy, nervous, can't sit, can't stay) so he will never cooperate for a session.
If you've had these thoughts and let them deter you from inquiring about a session, this FAQ is just for you! Can I let you in on a little secret first though? The majority of dogs I photograph are actually on a leash! Approximately 98.9% of the pups that grace these pages are your everyday companions. They may or may not listen to sit or stay, and that is totally normal!
While it totally depends on a combination of the dog's skills and the location, 100% of the time, the safety of my clients is the number one priority during any session. The only time dogs are off-leash in a session are: if it's a secluded and well fenced off area where the pups can run safely and if the pup has extremely good recall off-leash. While I'm sure if you've peeked at my portfolio you'd think that was every pup, I assure you it is not and is rarely the case.
Depending on the location of your session, different tricks can be utilized to keep your pup safe and still ensure getting those beautiful portraits! We can use a leash or even use a long lead line during your session to capture some action shots while still ensuring they are safe and sound. Magically, when I go into my digital darkroom, all leashes will be magically removed in Photoshop from any ordered image at no additional charge.
Please know, that no matter your pup's skills, or lack of skills, that I’ve got a bag of tricks up my sleeve to get great images while working with dogs on a leash or off-leash. I understand that dogs, like humans, have their own unique quirks, and there are often many factors contributing to their behavior and level of training.
Rest assured, I’ve worked with all kinds of dogs at all levels of obedience. From amazing trick dogs to shelter pups who can barely sit and a number in between. Before your session begins, during the Meet + Treat, we will discuss your pet's abilities, your questions, and concerns and create a plan to work best with you and your fur-kid to help you BOTH feel relaxed and confident on your session day. During your session, we will work with your pup and take as long as your pup needs in order to get the shots we're hoping for. Patience and calm is the key as well as stopping to take the time to relax and be in the moment and work with the amazing pup's skills that they have. There is no rush to get it right in the first five minutes I promise!
So, please, if you've been delaying getting a session due to your pup's skills or lack of them, don’t let your dog’s behavior hold you back from booking a session. Give me a bark and let's talk about how we can work WITH your pup to rock their session!
Now, onward to common FAQ #2!
2. What if I just want the digital files?
This one I added in because I hear it quite often. Please know that while the digital files are great for backing up and viewing your images online, they’re not a finished product. In my experience, when the only thing that’s taken home from a session is a disk of files, you’re only getting a small piece of the Paws + Tails Pet Photography experience.
Let's be honest. Most of the time, files will simply end up sitting in a drawer for years or get looked at on a computer from time to time...or worse, the images on the cd or drive are lost when the electronics they are stored on eventually crash. Sadly, something that happens rather often.
To me, I’d be doing you a disservice to hand off the files on a drive and leave you to figure out what to do with them. The goal of a session with Paws + Tails Pet Photography is not only the creation of beautiful images but the tactile, visual enjoyment of those images. My archival-quality Candian crafted products will have accurate color, be printed on the highest quality materials, and are meant to be enjoyed for a lifetime. During your Meet + Treat Session, we discuss ideas of what type of artwork you're looking for to match your home (as it can make a difference in how I shoot your session). During your Reveal session we will not only check out your beautiful images, but I will help walk you through the decision making process for the artwork you'd like to order. I'll have samples and swatches ready and we can go over any printing, cropping, sizing questions and more, that you might have.
Please note that you do, however, receive matching Social Media Files that are not printable, but great to share with family and friends via social media or email with every piece of artwork you order.
And last but not least... #3
3. What if it rains?
We all know how unpredictable the weather can be living in our beautiful rain forest country! As an outdoor on-location photographer, my style of work is hugely dependent on good light and dry conditions. It doesn't have to be super bright and sunny, just not downpouring.
Due to that, if the weather is unfavorable or could make things unsafe, on the day of your session, which is common during certain times of the year more than others, then we will work on rescheduling your session to another day that suits you and that the weather is more favorable for the best outcomes. Please know if you're doing a session in Winter/late fall or early spring, rescheduling is very possible due to the weather. Late spring, full summer or early fall are all less likely to have to be rescheduled.
That said, I do photograph year-round. If you have a snow-loving dog, I have your back! Pup loves to splash in muddy puddles, I have you covered there too! I'm here to capture YOUR fur-kids true self and passions!
If you have any questions about sessions - be sure to give me a bark! I can't wait to meet you and your fur-kids and capture some extra special memories!