- Will you come to my home or meet me at a park for a photo session?
At this time, we are only taking in-studio photo session appointments. However, we know of some uber-talented pet photographers in the area that specialize in on-location photos. So, give us a call and we will hook you up with one of them.
- What should I expect from an “in-studio” session?
Our home-based studio provides a very private and casual atmosphere where you and your dog can feel relaxed and at home. Your dog can roam around my fenced in back yard upon arrival to release some energy and get comfortable with the surroundings before his/her big photo shoot. Once you and your dog enter the studio area, we will give the dog some treats and play with them a bit while taking some test shots to get them used to the camera and the lights. We use very quiet studio lights that should not startle your dog.
At this time, we only offer the option of a white or black background. We prefer to use white backgrounds for several reasons. The human eye is naturally drawn to the busiest part of a photo. By isolating the dog with a white background, he/she is sure to be the main point of interest. This also allows us to put your dog onto some pretty neat photo products such as clothing, coffee mugs, calendars, greeting cards, calendars, etc.
We will take about 75-100 photos during the session. We will select the top 10-15 photos from the session to edit and display on a private viewing gallery for you. You will also receive instructions on how to purchase prints and other photo products online at that time.
- How long does the photo session take?
Most sessions last about a half an hour. Trust me, this is plenty of time. Your dogs will lose their patience very quickly. The very best photos will be taken during the first 5 minutes while we still have their attention.
- What is included in the sitting fee?
The sitting fee covers our time with you and your dog(s) during the session, several hours of professional editing of your photos after the sessions to make them look perfect and your own private photo gallery located on our website. Prints and photo products are extra.
- Can I get in on the fun and get some photos taken with my dog?
Yes, you are welcome to be in some of the photos but an additional $25.00 per person editing fee applies because photos with people in them are processed completely differently that photos with just dogs are. This takes additional time that we unfortunately need to charge for.
- What if I don’t like the way my photos turned out?
If you are not able to pick at least 5 photos from your session that you are completely satisfied with, you are free to reschedule another photo session at no additional charge.
- Why are the prices for prints higher than I would pay at the drug store?
The prints that are offered to you will be printed on professional grade, archival photographic paper that will wear and show much longer than the average photo paper that is used at your local photo processing center.
- Can I get a digital copy of the images?
When a photographer gives away a digital copy of a photo, they are giving up all rights to the image and all future earnings on the work that they put into creating it. Therefore, digital negatives come at a high price to the client. With that said, I also realize that we do live in the digital age and people love to share photos via e-mail and social networking site. Low resolution digital files (suitable for the web but not for prints) with a Dog’s Life’s copyright notice are available for $10.00 each. You will receive free low resolution files of all photos that you order prints of. High resolution photos with no visible copyright notices are available for $100.00 each (discounts apply for multiple file purchases).
- How do you get the dogs to sit still, sit together or all look at the camera at the same time?
We don’t. We are photographers, not Dog Whisperers. We will entice them with treats and grab their attention with squeekers and toys but may need your help in getting them to sit and stay. Don’t be offended if we are firm with your dog. We must establish a role as the pack leader. If we are photographing multiple dogs and the dogs won’t sit together peacefully and stay for the camera, we can usually merge photos of them together in Photoshop after the fact. There is a $20.00 fee for each photo that is merged with another.
- Should I bring anything to the session?
We have everything that we will need here but if there are any specific props or costumes that you want to use, feel free to bring them. If your dog has a favorite toy that will help us to keep their attention, bring that with you, too.
- Do you photograph cats?
Nothing personal against cats, but we prefer to stick with dogs for now. Cats have absolutely no interest in posing for the camera.Trust me, we’ve tried it… it’s not gonna work.
- What hours are you available?
Most weekdays after 3:00 pm and most weekends.
- Where are you located?
We are located on 40th St and Indian School Rd. in Phoenix. Since this is a home-based business, the address and directions will be sent to you when you book your photo session.
