How It Works

What to bring and what to expect on your pet photography shoot

Dog photographer in London

After an initial email or phone or email consultation where I get to know a little about who I'll be photographing, and what you’re hoping for, we'll meet for our shoot, the length of the which will depend on your pet, and of course the weather and light if we are photographing outside.

Outdoor Dog Photoshoot

Choosing the right time of year to book in your shoot:

I suggest booking in Spring or Autumn when the light is golden and the parks are teeming with flowers and colourful foliage. Should you choose to book in summer then I suggest shooting in the early evening when the light is less harsh and the temperature is cooler.

How to prepare:

To make sure that your dog has an enjoyable experience as possible I suggest that you bring their favourite treats, toys, and water. If your dog has long fur then booking in after a groom is a good idea. It’s also worth bringing a brush and a towel with you.

If your dog needs to be on the lead then I can provide a thin long line for the duration of the shoot.

So that you have a wide variety of photos to choose from it is important that they can follow basic commands such as sit and stay/wait. The better trained the dog, the easier that will be to achieve.

During the shoot:

If you are bringing an excitable dog such as a puppy, then I suggest that you let them have a little fun before the shoot. We go at the pace of your dog, so we can stop to take rest and have play breaks in-between shots whenever necessary. Normally the first hour is somewhat chaotic, but things tend to settle down after that.

At-Home Cat Photoshoot

Photoshoots for cats have their own challenges as cats live by their own rules. These shoots tend to take longer. Depending on the temperament of your cat I suggest using something like a calming plug-in a couple of days before and during the days of the shoot to ensure that they are as happy and comfortable as they can be with having a stranger in their home. Having lots of natural light is also incredibly important for indoor photoshoots, as is picking the right backdrop. Photoshoots at home are best arranged for a time of year when there is an abundance of natural light.

Tips for you

If your photo package includes photographs of you as well as your pet, then I suggest avoiding any clothing that has stripes. If you are wearing makeup a great tip is to take a photo of yourself on your phone in natural light to check that everything is properly blended, and that you are happy with the finished look. Don’t forget to check your pockets and pop your phone away to create cleaner lines.

What happens after the shoot?

After the shoot comes the editing process, which normally lasts a couple of days to a week. A selection of 10 high resolution photographs will then be sent to you online via a WeTransfer for you to download. Please note that I can only guarantee the original images for a maximum of a month after the shoot.

Behind the Scenes Photos

 

A quick break and a chance to look through some of the images

My photographer’s assistant for the day

Heston takes instruction

Two sisters. Taking off in two different directions

Miró relaxes in my camera bag

Reward for a job well done

Photographer’s assistant for the day

A little break

My photos in print

A surprise Christmas present

Print for a client

Framed print as a gift certificate package

A quick clean before the next set of shots after a well earned play break

Homemade liver cake works a treat

A quick play break

Dog photographer

Treat?

Setting up for a show in aid of All Dogs Matter

Art show in aid of All Dogs Matter

Mr Darcy sits in front of his portrait

Careful where you put your camera bag down!

The secrets of the trade

Modelling is hard work so there’s always time for a little break