:: The Process ::

Before a Photo Session
Before booking a session, I like to get together with you at a location of your choice so you can look at some printed pieces and we can discuss how a typical photo session works. If possible, I like to meet your pet(s) before a session and this can often be a good time to do this.

If you wish to book a session at that time then we can also discuss potential locations and what sorts of images you might like. Please be sure to read about my photographic style in the section below.

The Photography Shoot
A session with dogs for example typically might consist of one or two outdoor locations with some further photography afterwards taken in or around your home. At first we'll spend some time playing with your pet before taking any photographs. We spend this time so your pet can become comfortable with me and my equipment. The photo session itself will start off by capturing candid images of your pet having a good time playing around and interacting with you and the environment – chasing, running, jumping or whatever your favourite activities together are. Afterwards, we can head to a quieter setting – such as your home, backyard or some other comfortable space. Here I'll photograph things such as your pet simply hanging out and relaxing in their favorite spot, enjoying their favorite chew toy or perhaps getting a few belly rubs. All in all it's just lots of fun, petting and happy play time with plenty of rewards and treats if allowed. The whole process is rather like documenting an event as opposed to a formally posed studio session.

During a session, we are not limited to any particular structure or activities and we'll take breaks as needed to maintain your pet's energy level and comfort. We'll tailor the session to whatever situations work for you and your pet.

Please note that I do photograph pets of all kinds! I’m not limited to dogs and cats...horses, rabbits, guinea pigs, frogs or whoever you call your animal friend is okay.

About My Photographic Style
My pet photographs are created almost exclusively with natural light and supplemented with artificial lighting only where necessary or to create a particular look for an image. While I tend to favour subtlety in my pet images, leaning towards toned monochrome or muted colour, I will occasionally use utilize cross-processed, grainy or infrared film/effects if the situation or photograph is suitable. The various qualities of existing light, different film types, special processing and digital imaging techniques combined with your pet’s own unique look are the tools I use in achieving this goal. This means that while I endeavour to maintain a consistent style and have particular aims in mind when taking the photographs, I don't predetermine exactly how I will “finish” a photograph until I see the initial images. In my work with pets, I seek to impart an interpretive quality to the images over a literal representation – please be sure to view the images in the pet galleries to get a sense of this photographic style.

From the initial images, I will print up for you a set of “proofs," which are essentially previews of the final prints. These proofs represent the basic raw material used to complete the final fine art print. Since my style of image creation often involves extensive work on the photograph after its initial capture, the proofs I provide will have had minor amounts of adjustment to the images to give you a sense of what the finished images will look like. Once a photograph is selected to be made into a fine art print, I will then determine how best to finish it based on lighting, texture, your pet’s expression and the initial feel of the image.

All fine art prints are digitally printed on archival quality watercolor paper with archival pigment ink. For more information please see the pet photography pricing page and be sure to contact me if you have any questions or would like to view some sample prints.

Pricing  :   Back to Main Pet Page  :   Gallery One   :   Gallery Two   :   Gallery Three