A portrait of your lovely pet not only will add charm to a space but will also make you smile and trigger a positive hormonal response. Please see our post on why having photos of your pet could be beneficial for your health. We all take professional pictures of our families. Why not honor your beloved pet with a fun photoshoot? If you are planning to display your pets photos, you may want to consider professional pet photos that are high quality and can be more artistic. In this post, I share some tips to help you find the best photographer for you and your pet.
Pet photographer versus a general photographer
Getting a dog or a cat to sit still and look at the camera could be challenging especially if the animal is in a new environment (a studio). It takes patience and unique skills to produce a professional photograph that captures the personality of that pet. Working with a photographer that has experience with animals, loves animals, understands animal behavior and can engage with your pet will make the experience better for you and your pet. If you are looking for a family portrait, ensure the photographer can take great photos of people as well as animals. Look at the photographer’s website and search for their portfolio. That will be indicative of the result you should expect. If the photographer’s portfolio includes fantastic family portraits that include people and animals, there is a good chance you will get an image that can capture the beauty of your family relationship and your pet.
What is your style?
There are different styles of photography. Understanding the various styles or knowing what you are attracted to will help you refine the type of image your photographer will create. Below are some questions that will help you define what you are looking for:
🐾 Do you prefer a candid, casual image or a formal posed photo?
🐾 Would you like the photo to be taken at a studio or at a specific location or at home?
🐾 Are you looking for a bright, vibrant image or black and white?
🐾 Would you like to use props, dress up your pet or are you looking for a natural look?
🐾 What is your goal? – have a portrait that you can display at home, have an image that you can use for a holiday card, or you would like a creative piece of art?
Schedule a pre-session consultation with the photographer
Not all photographers are alike. They have different styles and different personalities. The key is to find the photographer who is excellent at what matters to you. This is your opportunity to discuss your ideas and expectations. Also, an excellent time to learn whether you can work with that particular photographer.
Below are some essential questions to ask.
🐾 How long is the photoshoot session?
🐾 Ask about the creative process and how the actual photoshoot session will take place.
🐾 Will the photographer pick the best images for you to choose?
🐾 Will they offer consultation regarding the printing, size options, and printing format?
🐾 Can they provide a printed photo or will they provide a digital image?
🐾 If you get digital files, what is the resolution of the images and how large can you print them?
🐾 Will you be able to obtain an image or print that you can proudly display at home?
Set a budget
Once you decide your budget, discuss with your photographer what are the options given your budget. The cost, for the most part, will correlate with the time invested, quality of the product and service you receive. Therefore, carefully discuss the process with the photographer.
As a pet owner, I love to capture spontaneous moments with my fluffy loving dogs. Here I share some of our family portraits. Please share your experience with a professional photographer and any tips on choosing the best one in the comments! Please share a photo of your pet!
All photos taken by Robin Arouty
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