Frequently asked questions

Shoots are usually held in open spaces such as local parks, woodlands and even at the coast.  I have several favoured venues based on the type of dog but depending on your own actual location, I will have a look and see what is suitable.  Of course, if you would like to suggest a location of your own choice, I’m more than happy to accommodate that

Shoots will take between one to two hours to complete, of course depending on location, weather and how your dog reacts!  Usually an hour is long enough to capture more than enough photos but there isn’t any real limit on time as the day is about getting what you want.  If that takes a little longer than anticipated, so be it!

In short – yes!  While I want to get images that will show your dog as natural as possible, I’ll need your help to assist setting up shots.  Whether that’s throwing toys or offering treats, or even holding your dog out of shot, your dog knows you and you know your dog so you’ll be fully involved all the way.  It may be worthwhile bringing someone else to help out, even if it’s to hold a lead while you bribe with treats!  Don’t worry if your dog isn’t that obedient to commands as it can take a split-second to get a great image.

There are two things that you really need to consider for the shoot.

1. 1. Firstly, you’ll be involved with helping set up shots.  It might be worthwhile getting some help from family or friends as it can become exhausting and we want the day to be fun for all.  Depending on the weather and what type of shots you want, prepare to get messy and muddy so wear suitable clothing.  It’s not been unknown for me to be in the middle of a pond in wellies!  It’s also ideal that you don’t exhaust your dog pre-shoot too as we really want to capture their natural energy and enthusiasm.  Bring some favourite toys and treats and if you would like to, any props!  If you’re not confident or are unable to take your dog off lead that’s not a problem.  We’ll set up shots to accommodate that and I can also edit images accordingly afterwards.
   2. Secondly, you’ll want to consider how to cherish your memories from the shoot.  I can provide images on a variety of formats including prints (small and large-format), framed prints, canvas and board art, photobooks and digital files.  We’ll discuss all of these pre-shoot so you’ll have plenty of time to think and we can tailor the shoot accordingly.

Of course!  You can even bring family members as, after all, your dog is a part of your family and you are their family too.  If you have anything specific in mind then do let me know.

The shoot is all about capturing the spirit and character of your dog.  You will know best how your dog behaves and reacts and it does benefit me if I meet the dog beforehand.  To capture the ultimate essence of your dog I take a range of images including:

• Portraits – carefully composed and candid shots of head and body shots from a number of locations and distances, often utilising depth of field for maximum impact
• Action – choreographed shots of your dog running, playing and having fun
• Wet-knee – getting on the floor to see the world from your dog’s point of view, utilising a wide-angle lens for effect
• The details – feet, tail and eyes; your dog may have its own unique characteristic that you want to capture

Ah, the great British weather – predictably unpredicatable.  But it doesn’t matter if it’s wet or dry, sunny or cloudy, I have equipment to shoot in all sorts of conditions so do come prepared for whatever may be thrown at us.  Wellies, boots, umbrellas and towels will obviously be required if it’s raining and if it’s hot, plenty of water and shade – dress accordingly!  However, if it’s really raining, then it’s advisable to postpone as getting soaked to the skin isn’t going to be fun for any of us, so a shoot can be rearranged at no extra cost.  I’ll keep an eye on the forecast and it may be that a day either side of a planned shoot may be better than the chosen day itself, so please be flexible where you can.  Every season brings it’s own attraction too so it’s worth considering what kind of shots you’d like – you can’t get a dog jumping through a field of long grass in the winter!

If your dog is nearing the end of it’s time with us, I’ll do everything I can to capture those valuable memories for you. If you want a session to remember your pet by then do let me know as you will receive priority booking. It’s hard to say goodbye so the session will be catered towards celebrating your pet and doing everything that makes them happy. If you would like further information on support available at this time then do contact me.

It really depends on the weather and time of year.  If it’s sunny then either early afternoon or late-evening are ideal times.  The “golden hour” before sunset can make for some amazing and extraordinary shots.  If it’s overcast or cloudy, then mid-morning to afternoon is ideal.  Depending on the forecast, I can also shoot early morning if required.  Shoots can take place on any day in the week so it’s entirely down to you.  Oh, and the weather!

I’ll go through all the shots taken and edit as necessary, producing a selection of the very best images of the day.  These will then be uploaded to your own gallery in the client area of the website.  As it takes some time to carefully process images, please allow a minimum of a week before they appear online.  Keep an eye on my Facebook page as I may release a sneak preview!
Once all images are complete, you’ll then be invited round to view a slideshow over a cup of Yorkshire’s finest and any alterations can of course be made if needed.  We’ll also go through how you would like your images presented including selecting images for a montage or photobook.  I offer a selection of products but if you have anything specific in mind, we can discuss.
Fine art prints start from just £25 for a 9″ x 6″ print on 300gsm+ Hahnemühle paper and from £75 for a 12″ x 12″ canvas print.

As well as my time, talent and dedication, you’ll get an unlimited number of images from the day as well as a personal, password-protected client login on the website plus low-resolution images to share with friends on social media etc.  A full copy of high-resolution images from the day are available to purchase for personal use only

Just give me a call and we can rearrange at a time suitable to you. 

Head over to the Pawtraits booking page here or click the link at the top to enter your details and check availability

Yes I do!  Depending on the animal, equipment, time and shoot cost will vary.  Please contact me for further details