What time will my photography session be?

In photography, there is a thing called Golden Hour. Golden Hour is a very specific time of day which creates an amazing lighting atmosphere for photos. This effect cannot be replicated during any other time of day. Golden Hour occurs just after sunrise, and just before sunset. It is referred to as the magic hour by many people. While appointments may be scheduled during other times of day, and we can make it work, I generally only offer either sunrise or sunset photography sessions unless a different time is absolutely necessary.

Should I wait until Summer to book my photoshoot?

Summer does have more greenery and color. Other than that, there is no reason to wait! Scroll to the bottom of the page to see examples of photos taken in dead areas after all the leaves have fallen. You don’t need a special location or a lush forest to get good photos. Sometimes the best photos can be taken in some of the apparently ugliest places.

What if my dog is not trained?

It is not an issue at all if your dog does not know any commands or never holds still. Your pet may remain on a leash for the entire session, and I will remove the leash in post-processing whenever possible. See below for example photos. For the high-energy, anxious, or squirmy pets, I highly recommend you take them on a long walk prior to our session. I only need a split second of your pet looking good to catch a great photo because my camera can take photos in as quickly as 1/8000 of a second.

How long will my photography session be?

Most shoots will last 1-2 hours, although time is generally of no concern. The session length is influenced by how your pet(s) feel, weather, sunlight availability, how you and I feel, and how many photos you are hoping to get. Overall, your session will be very easy going and won’t feel rushed at all. Please let me know if you have a time restriction on the day of your shoot.

How many images will I have to choose from?

Due to the nature of photography, I cannot guarantee how many photos you will have to choose from at the end of the session, but I will create plenty of options for you. I always ask if there are any other photos you would like me to take prior to ending your session.

How can I prepare for my photography session?

For high-energy or anxious animals, I highly recommend that you take them for a long walk or otherwise exercise them before their shoot. Make sure they have had a chance to cool down afterward so they are not panting too much during the shoot. Relaxed animals will generally look much better in photos. For the best photos possible, consider grooming your pet prior to our appointment. Prior to all sessions, I highly recommend removing eye boogers, out-of-place hairs/dandruff/etc, and ensuring that your dog’s nails are not overgrown. Small details can become very obvious in a photograph. All grooming will be left to the owner’s discretion. Make sure your pet is wearing a collar/harness/etc that is suitable for the photos you want.

What should I wear to my photography session?

Wear whatever you want, as these will be YOUR photos and I am not judging. Be sure to also bring weather-appropriate attire and appropriate footwear for a bit of hiking. Some trails may be a bit muddy. Many mountain areas can be very cold, even on a seemingly hot day. In the past, my clients have worn everything from pajamas to formal dress apparel. It’s simply about the type of memories you want to create. There is no pressure to dress up at all unless you want to! If you plan on wearing multiple outfits, please let me know ahead of time so that we can choose a location with a facility to change in for privacy.

What should I bring to my photography session?

-A jacket, sunblock, bug repellent, or whatever protection from the elements is needed for the weather that day

 -Appropriate footwear (For example, if you want to be in the photo wearing high heels, also bring shoes for hiking or walking long distances and then change into the heels when we are ready for photos.)

-Water for you and your pet(s)

-Your pet’s favorite toys and treats. I will bring 100% freeze dried liver treats for dogs and cats. If you bring toys and treats for your pet, please keep them in a bag or container that will allow them to remain out of sight unless we need them. While these can be of great help, they can also be more distracting than they are helpful sometimes.

-It is also a good idea to bring facial tissues and something to wipe off your dog’s feet, as trails can be muddy sometimes or you may wish to have photos of your dog playing in a river at some locations.

Safety and handling requirements:

You know your pet best, and will be responsible for their safe handling and control. I will provide verbal guidance on how to position your pet. You must disclose any safety issues with your pet’s behavior or health prior to booking a session. Please keep in mind that snakes and other dangers may be present in any natural area, even in the city. Please tell me if you notice any safety hazards, and I will give you the same courtesy. We will work together to ensure a safe and enjoyable session.

What will my photoshoot be like?

As we explore your photoshoot location, I will verbally instruct you on where to go and where to place your pet. I will show you how to hold the leash so that it can be removed during post-processing.  Removing humans and other items from the background is also an option, but may not always be possible in every situation.

In order to get your pet’s attention for the photo, I will use a combination of strange sounds, words that get your dog’s attention, toys, treats, your animal’s trigger words, such as “frisbee,” or “squirrel”, throwing a rock into a bush, simply being patient and waiting for them to glance at me, or anything else we come up with. I will often sit or kneel on the ground to get the best angle for photos. If you have any ideas for what might make a nice photo, feel free to share, because this is all about you.

How are photos edited?

I shoot in a format called RAW. This is equivalent to old film strips that retain more information but must be processed before they look good. Depending on lighting conditions, I often will intentionally under-expose my photos or take photos of several exposures and combine them together to produce one photo that is well lit across the scene. After your photoshoot, you will be able to choose your favorite photos prior to me editing them. I will edit the photos you have chosen. See below for some examples. You may request certain edit styles if you wish, otherwise I will take care of everything for you.