What to expect
Before your session
Before your session, we will connect to choose a date and time, and discuss expectations for our session. This includes learning about your dog’s personality, discussing the poses or activities you’d like, along with helpful pre-session training tips. You will also choose from a selection of possible locations for our session. This meeting can be done in person, via Zoom, or by phone.
Preparing for your session
Before your session, it’s a good idea to plan how you would like your dog to look on camera. I recommend getting your dog groomed or brushing them out prior to your session. You want them to look their best! If you have any bandanas, special collars, toys, costumes, or other accessories that you would like your dog to wear during your session, don’t forget to bring those.
During your session
You may feel a lot of pressure to get your dog to behave and pose perfectly, but if you are stressed your dogs may pick up on that. Relax and let them do their thing, that’s how I can get their personality to shine through on camera!
For dogs who are shy or nervous, we will spend a few minutes chatting while they get used to me and my camera. For energetic excited dogs, playing with them makes for excellent photos!
After your session
After your session, we will select a time to meet and pick your favorite images from your gallery. It typically takes 2-3 weeks to edit all photos from your session. I will have a sample of display options available to help you choose what would look best in your home.
In the meantime between our session and the big reveal, keep an eye out on my Facebook page for some sneak peeks! You can visit my page at Pixpup Photography.
The typical turnaround time for selected display options is 3 – 4 weeks. For your convenience, I will deliver these to you in person. If you decide at a later date that you would like to order any additional display pieces, let me know at any time! I will keep all images from your session easily accessible in my archives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I can’t trust my dog off leash?
Many of my photos are actually taken on leash! Thanks to the magic of editing, I can edit out leashes and collars to give the illusion of off leash freedom while keeping your pooch from being able to scurry off during our session.
What if the weather is bad on the day of our session?
If it looks like the weather will be bad, we can reschedule at no cost. That being said, overcast weather tends to be the best to photograph in! Whether it is bright and sunny or soft and overcast, anything that isn’t a wild downpour will turn out beautifully.
In my experience the best time for photography tends to be within the two hour window before sunset. I prefer to book sessions in this window if possible, but beautiful images can happen at any time of day that fits your scheduling needs.
What gear/software do you use?
I shoot with a Canon R6 body, and a collection of prime and zoom lenses.
I edit my photos in Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop.
My dog isn’t always the best behaved, what if I can’t get him to listen?
As a both trainer and a photographer, I’ve worked with dogs of all levels of obedience. Whether your dog is a teacher’s pet, the class clown, or anywhere in between, let me work my magic. I’ve got plenty of tricks up my sleeve to help get some great shots! If no force on earth can get your dog to sit and look perfectly at the camera, no sweat. Often times the candid shots end up being the favorites, as they show the dog just being themselves.
Most importantly in our sessions though, I want you and your dog to have FUN! Pictures of unhappy dogs and memories of session stress definitely don’t make for ideal wall art. If we need to take a break mid-session to just go for a walk and de-stress, that totally works.
Relax. Breathe. Smile. Your dog will thank you.
Do you take pictures of people too?
I primarily specialize in pet photography, but if you would like to be in the photos then by all means, join in! I love showing the bond between pets and their people, especially through candid pictures.
