Here is a list of some of the more common questions I get asked.
Can you photograph all my pets?
Yes! No favourites here! Happy to meet you in a area your dog loves to walk and then head back to your home to photograph your cat/chickens/rabbits/goat etc.
How long does a sitting take?
It depends on each animal but usually between 40-60 minutes. If I am photographing lots of different animals it may take a little longer. Pets let you know when they are “over” having their photo taken. If at any point I think your pet is becoming stressed during the shoot then we will finish the session.
Where do you take the photos?
It depends on the animal. If you have a cat, we take the photos in your garden or home. If you have a dog we can meet in a location your dog likes to visit and is a dog friendly area ( i.e. dogs are allowed to be in the area ) It’s better to go somewhere your dog knows or they will spend the time wanting to investigate the new surrounds. It’s also better to go to an area that has less dogs visiting in general or, at a time when there will be less dogs.
My dog can’t be off lead - can we still get good photos?
Yes! I can often Photoshop out the lead from any images you want to order. There are some tricks to this while we are shooting and I will discuss this further with you. Also if you have a long lead we can even get running shots on lead without your legs being in the photo - or you having to sprint to keep up with your pup!
A photograph is not worth the risk of taking your dog off lead in an area where they can run away and come to harm or harm others.
I’ve got a puppy who hasn’t been fully vaccinated yet - can we still do the shoot?
Yes! We will have to do the sitting in your garden though.
My cat is timid - can you still photograph them?
Yes! If your cat is a bit timid but doesn’t run off at the first sign of visitors then I can still get awesome photos of your cat.
If kitty runs for cover and hides under the house or your bed when guests arrive - and wont come out after a few minutes, then you will need to work on building your cats confidence before I can photograph them. I am a bit of a “cat whisperer”, but a cat that has been locked inside a room so they can’t get away or have been dragged out from under a bed just look terrified in images. You don’t want your cat traumatized for a photo!
My dog has a few “issues”
I often photograph dogs that are other dog aggressive or have confidence issues. As a dog owner it’s your job to know what situations your dog is comfortable or not comfortable in. I can work with these limitations by having the sitting at your home, in a quite location with few other dogs around and/or keeping your dog on a lead.
The safety of you, your dog, other dogs and people in the area is incredibly important.
If your dog is people aggressive then I will not photograph them.
What happens if it rains?
We can postpone to another date.
What do I need to bring on a dog session?
A good lead, some water for your pup, poo bags and any toys or treats that your pet loves.
What do I get with the shoot?
My pet sitting fee is $55 - this covers my time and travel on the day.
Once I have processed the images I will send you a “view only” gallery where you can select images you would like to order.
My pricelist can be found here.
Who can come on the shoot?
Your immediate family can come on the shoot, or just yourself. Remember the more people there are the more distracting for your pet. My pet sessions are all about the pet - however I do offer a family photo right at the end.
Can I or my friend take our own photos during the session?
No. It is incredibly distracting for the pet and myself to have someone else trying to get the animal’s attention. Your main focus is to be in control of your pet and to make sure they are safe at all times.