Dog photography - how does it all work?

How does it all work?

To start with we have a chat and you tell me about your dog and where you’d like to go with them for the photoshoot. The beach at low tide is always a good location for a shoot but your favourite field or a large garden could certainly work too. You can also let me know if there are particular kinds of images you’re looking for from the photoshoot.

We agree a date and time for the shoot and you pay a non-refundable booking deposit of £35.

On the day (weather permitting) we meet as agreed. It’s a good idea for you to bring toys and treats. You’re welcome to bring a family member or friend. In fact, sometimes it can be handy for your dog to run between two of you while I catch the action.

I don’t expect dogs to sit still and pose nicely! In fact, the more they run about madly and behave like real dogs, the better. That’s why I work outside. The most important thing about my photoshoots is that the dogs are safe and enjoy themselves.

You should plan for the photoshoot lasting up to 2 hours.

Please note that I will collect the remaining payment on photoshoot day. It’s cash or card on the day or you can do a bank transfer before the day. Please just ask for my details.

After each photoshoot, I spend a considerable amount of time editing and processing shots to create top quality images. Please allow 2 weeks for this. When your images are ready, I will send you a link for you to download them. If there are any you would like to have printed, either I can arrange this for you or you are welcome to arrange it yourself, if you prefer.

I use a top quality London print house because they produce excellent quality giclée prints, full of vibrancy. I like to have larger prints mounted on display card for rigidity and to make framing easier. Please ask to see a sample if you are interested. If you do decide you would like me to arrange printing, please note that I will take payment at the time you place your order. Prints start from £30.

Price for the photoshoot, professional image processing and editing, and supply of your digital images (excludes printing)

£125 for 1-2 dogs from the same household

£150 for 3-4 dogs from the same household

FAQs

Can you photograph my puppy? Yes, and you don't have to worry about them being trained. That’s one of the advantages of doing my shoots outside. As long as we pick somewhere safe, your puppy can just scamper around and enjoy themselves!

How many photos will I get? You never quite know what will happen on the day so I don't offer a minimum. However, if for any reason the images do not meet my high creative standards, I will offer you another shoot free of charge.

What happens if it’s raining? We will need to rearrange the shoot if it’s raining because as well as it being unpleasant for you, I don’t want to risk damaging my equipment!

What is the best time of day for a photo session? Lighting conditions are often best for photography early on in the day or a couple of hours before sunset. In summer, the middle of the day can be quite harsh, lighting-wise. It partly depends on location though, for example, whether there are trees and shade. The other thing to consider is that when it gets warmer, the middle of the day can be too hot for dogs.

Can my family/friends come to the session? Yes of course, but try to keep numbers to a minimum so your dog doesn’t get distracted by too many people. Two is an ideal number on the shoot because your dog can run between you. If you’re bringing children along, it’s a good idea to have some extra help for them so you can concentrate on your dog.

What locations do you work in? I live in Bexhill-on-Sea and work mainly around there. If a shoot is outside the Bexhill area, I’m nearly always happy to do it but there will be a mileage charge.

Is there a maximum number of dogs for a photoshoot? It depends on how well they stay/play together, I would say 3 or 4 is the maximum.

Can I share and upload the images you send me? You are welcome to share or upload the low resolution watermarked images I send.

Who owns the copyright? I retain copyright for all my images. Please read my full photoshoot TERMS AND CONDITIONS.