Furry Friends sessions are not your average pet portraits … these are fun, intimate sessions, capturing your dog’s spirit and character using mostly natural light … shot environmentally and in your home. Depending on your pet and the style we decide upon, we can utilize a combination of organic portraiture, simply following your pet as they play and interact, as well as some work with backdrops or props. Above all, the session is about letting your pet be themselves, without posing or over stimulation: no coercion, no stress.
The Standard Session lasts 1 to 2 hours, with the first 10-15 minutes being the meet-and-greet. I want your pet to be comfortable with me, and then to be stress-free with the camera. With some dogs this is a no-brainer. With others, a short conditioning-course of treats is required to warm them up to the sound of the camera’s shutter.
Where will the session take place?
For the Starter Session, we choose the location. This is done based on the season, as well as the breed, size and color of your dog since some locations are better suited to water dogs, big dogs, short dogs, black dogs, white dogs, etc. Cat sessions are done at their homes. Locations are always in the Atlanta region. Some exceptions apply to the above.
For the Standard Session, the location is up to you. Your local park, favorite trail, your dog’s favorite swimming hole, stomping grounds, etc … wherever Rover is most familiar and happy, or whatever locale has particular meaning to you. A “moving” location is always preferred — a location that provides a variety of backdrops: field, river, trees, etc. — plus your backyard plus your home.
Since natural light is always the best, and some dogs can be shy of the camera — much less a bright flash — I prefer to shoot with available lighting. Obviously, outdoors is optimum for light, but indoor shots can be perfectly wonderful when curtains and blinds are opened. If indoors, please be prepared to de-clutter or move some furniture or objects that could prove distracting in the shot. Although a master at post-processing, it requires far less labor to eliminate such distractions at the scene rather than in post-process.
Because natural light is such a critical element to photography, weather and time of day can factor into the shoot as well as the location and even certain rooms in your home. I will work with you to find the best possible location and conditions for the session.
But my dog is a nutcase. She’s wild and unruly and doesn’t know sit-stay … or … My dog is shy … or … My dog bites … will you still come and photograph her?
Absolutely. I not only take photos of dogs, I know dogs. I’ve worked with fear-biters and shy dogs alike … with or without the camera. It may take some extra patience and a little more time, maybe a good walk beforehand, but we’ll get there. As for wild, unruly FiFi, of course, a little obedience certainly helps … but again, these aren’t formal “studio” portraits.
My dog is ill and has little time left. Can you fit him into your shooting schedule?
Absolutely! Seniors and cases of failing-health take priority over all others. Your dog’s memories are my priority.
Please call me to discuss your pet’s unique personality and needs and we’ll set a time to meet. You can reach me at 770-330-5414