We all want the best for our pets, including photos!
I often see people asking for pet photographer recommendations, so aside from good experiences from other pet owners, what should you be looking for when choosing a pet photographer that’s a good fit for you?
Keep in mind that all photographers have different styles, ways of working, techniques and processes. What was a great experience for your friend doesn’t mean it will be the same for you with that same photographer.
Here are 7 things you should consider when choosing YOUR pet photographer.
1- Look for a Photographer Specializing in Pets
There are amazing photographers out there, but what do they specialize in?
Your friend Jessica is telling you to contact her photographer who took BEAUTIFUL pictures of her family. She’s right, the photos came out gorgeous, but her photographer is a family photographer. Will Loki’s pictures turn out as amazing? Maybe, maybe not.
See, when you go with an experienced pet photographer, you already have an extensive portfolio to look at. You already know what style they have (warm, golden glows all around; bright and airy; documentary style, etc.), what kind of pets they’ve worked with, and most importantly, how the pets look in the photos.
What I often see with non pet photographers photographing pets:
– The dog is out of focus, because the focus in on the humans.
– The dog’s body language is telling me they’re uncomfortable (ears back, tail sometimes tucked in, no eye contact, stiff).
– Important details often missed: The collar and leash are not edited out, eye boogers still there, tear stains not cleaned off, and so on.
Does that mean the photographer is bad? Not at all. But just like I would be TERRIBLE at photographing newborns, photographing pets comes with its own challenges.
2- Safety & Comfort
Safety comes first – ALWAYS.
What safety measures does the photographer take to ensure your pet’s safety?
For example, I always ask that the dog stays on leash. I also always scout a location days before the session to make sure the area is safe and suitable for a photography session. I set up a pre-session consultation to get to know the parents and the pet(s). Do they have medical issues I should be aware of? Are they afraid of anything? Reactive? Making sure a dog is safe and comfortable during a session will prevent accidents and result in good pictures. Dogs have body languages too!
3- Level of Experience
How experienced is your pet photographer?
There is a LOT that I do now that I didn’t do when I first started, but you learn as you go. That not only includes the photographer’s skills, which are very important as well, but also other aspects like safety and comfort, which I mentioned previously, or the steps that lead to the session.
4- Budget
Ahh, the part that I hear the most.
“I’m looking for a pet photographer with fees that won’t break the bank”.
Everyone has different budgets, very fair. But you also get what you pay for.
Start by determining what your budget is and look for photographers that offer sessions within that budget. Look at their work, read reviews, ask to speak with them to know how they work.
If you’re still willing to risk it after that, go for it!
Personally, I would ask myself who is my dream photographer. Whose photos would I want on my walls? Whose photos would I want to look at for years to come? Who will be able to capture my dog Benji’s soulful eyes, Tofu’s addiction to food and the way she drools when she sees a bread crumb? Jiminy Cricket’s obsession with myself, his mom? Who won’t push them to sit if they don’t want to? Who will make sure Tofu, my nervous Nelly, is comfortable around them? And who won’t accidentally kidnap Jiminy because he will follow anyone home? Joke aside, that’s what I would be looking for. And then I’ll save as much as I can to have my dream session with that photographer.
5- Location & Settings
Are you looking to have an outdoor session in nature, surrounded by trees or by the lake?
Or do you prefer a studio session? Some offer both, some specialize in one or the other. Think about what your pet would be comfortable with and what style you would want yourself as well.
6- Final Products
What’s included in the package? Some pet photographers will offer digitals only, others focus on prints, and some will offer both. If you’re not sure, get in touch with them! I always hold a virtual pre-session consultation to explain the whole process and what’s included in each package. I don’t book a date or send an invoice until I have this discovery call and I’m sure my client and I are a good fit.
7- Reviews and Testimonials
Make sure you read reviews and see what others have to say about their experience. Make an informed decision. A bad review doesn’t necessarily mean the photographer is bad – read the reviews carefully and decide what makes sense. If you go to a seafood restaurant and complain there is no steak, then the problem is on the client’s side. If multiple people left bad reviews about the pasta being saltier than their last breakup, then you should probably avoid that restaurant.
