The Pet Portrait Process
By booking a pet portrait session, you’re buying more than just a few pictures. You’re creating memories that you can display forever.
First things first, I would encourage you to read the FAQ below and take a look at my portfolio if you haven’t already.
From there, the steps are as follows:
Initial Consultation
Schedule a call and/or an in-person “meet and greet” to go over further questions and decide on a time and location.
In-person consultations can be beneficial for nervous and shy dogs so that they can meet me beforehand and be introduced to the camera.
Scheduling the Portrait session
After our consultation, we will schedule the session and I will send over the contract and invoice for the session fee. If the weather forecast is bleak when we get closer to our session date, we can decide on a rain date as a back-up.
Portrait Day!
Attend the session! We will go over specifics once the session is scheduled, but the experience will revolve around your pets and making sure they’re enjoying the experience as much as possible - the day is all about them!
This includes letting them decompress after the car ride, getting them used to the camera if necessary, and letting them sniff and explore their surroundings. We’ll have plenty of picture opportunities while they’re having fun and mix in posed portraits incorporating the scenery and their favorite humans!
Gallery Delivery and Flexible Collections
After we have our photography session, I will deliver the gallery with Pic-Time, a wonderful gallery app. In your gallery, you’ll see a slideshow of all the images and then you’ll be able to choose your flexible collection, all of which include a set number of digital high-resolution files and print credit you can use in the online print shop.
Once your print order is submitted, it is sent off to a professional photo lab and then shipped directly to you!
This process is designed to give you more time and flexibility to decide on the artwork you want, without rigid pre-defined product packages or the pressure of an in-person sales session. I want you to have the space to make decisions on products you truly want. And, of course, I will always be readily available to answer any questions you may have along the way.
What are flexible Collections?
A lot of photographers sell photos with standard, rigid packages - traditionally at an in-person sales session - and it can involve a bit of back and forth to get the artwork you want within a budget that you’re comfortable with. Flexible collections are a different approach, one meant to take the pressure off of you so you can take your time making a decision.
Flexible collections are split into three tiers and each of them offer a set amount of high-resolution digital files and print credit that can be used in your online gallery store. And every image print purchased includes the high resolution file at no extra cost. Flexible collections start at $300.
The Adventure Session
Adventure sessions are the standard session. The planning process will include choosing a location that matches your dog’s personality, temperament, and physical ability.
I have a selection of locations that I’m familiar with - many of which are in and around the Springfield, Wilbraham, and Granby area (but I certainly go outside of these areas too!). This is a collaborative process, so I will be more than happy to hear your ideas!
If you would like family to be a part of a pet portrait session, be sure to let me know so we can make it the best experience for everyone – dogs and children especially!
Sessions vary by length, but generally you should plan for about 90 minutes.
The Senior Pup Session
Senior Pup sessions are available for dogs over 9 years old or diagnosed with a terminal illness.
The goal of this session is to capture the unique bond between you and your best friend. We’ll go at the dog’s pace and prioritize their comfort. If your dog is up for going to a park or trail, we can absolutely do that, otherwise we can do the session in your home and/or backyard.
I have a soft spot for older pups, so these sessions are offered at a reduced rate.
Special Sessions
Special Sessions are a limited time only offering and most special sessions are announced a 3-4 weeks in advance. Some sessions are weather dependent and have shorter notice. Some may even be themed to match the season or upcoming holiday. Stay tuned for announcements.
These sessions will be relatively short but you will still have the option to purchase modified flexible collections or à la carte products & files.
If you want to be the first to know about special session opportunities, sign up for my mailing list and follow me on social media.
FAQs
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Yes! All sessions will be done on-leash unless your dog has underwent recall training and we are in an area with few other dogs. This is for safety reasons, and the leash will be removed with the magic of editing. Some locations require dogs to be on-leash at all times, so we will always comply with these regulations.
Wearing a harness to the session is ok. We can take it off at the location for photos and put it back on as necessary.
In addition, we won’t use retractable leashes. They can be a safety liability and may make it harder to control the dog when needed. I have long lines as an alternative.
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Not at all! As a pet care professional, I fully understand that not all dogs warm up to strangers right away or may be a bit nervous of the camera. We can schedule a free meet and greet before the session to give your dog the chance to meet me and I can help get them used to the camera.
Some of my pet care clients who were nervous of my camera now happily sit in front of it because they know there are treats involved when I bring it out!
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Yes! I would love to capture photos of the people in your household with your dog. The dog will be the main focus, as always 🙂
An additional session fee my apply, depending on the extra amount of people involved.
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Yes, though there will be additional charges for the session fee. Families and friends from different households will be given the opportunity to purchase their own flexible collections.
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It depends on a couple factors, including your location and where you think your dog will be the most comfortable. If your dog is reactive, we will choose a quieter location.
For example, Fountain Park in Wilbraham or Dufresne Park in Granby have nice walking trails and a field that are great for pictures but commonly has off-leash dogs. Trails like Mount Marcy or Rice Preserve are often quieter.
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You can expect your gallery to be delivered in 3-4 weeks. The timetable for artwork deliveries once ordered will depend on the photo lab.
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This depends on the collection you purchase. All collections include a select amount of high-resolution digital files and all print purchases include the accompanying high-resolution photo. The option to buy more files and prints are also available.
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Your gallery will be delivered with Pic-Time, a professional gallery software that will also include the storefront to purchase prints and utilize your print credit. Specific details and instructions will arrive via email.
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Yes! I am willing to travel throughout Massachusetts, Southern Vermont, and Connecticut! Depending on the travel distance, there may be an additional travel fee added onto the session fee.
I am most familiar with parks and trails around Hampden County, so I am open to recommendations for shooting locations near you. If you’re unsure if I’m willing to travel, feel free to send me a message anyway.
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Absolutely! This is something we can discuss further, as cats can be uncooperative at times (especially with strangers). And I haven’t had any opportunities to photograph anything that wasn’t canine or feline, so I’m very interested in expanding my horizons.
Let’s Create Memories
Interested in capturing portraits of your pets? Fill out some info and I will be in touch shortly! I’m looking forward to hearing from you and learning more about your furry family!
