Not just anyone can be a pet photographer. Why do my clients have such an awesome experience at their photo shoot?
Well, it’s pretty simple really. Let me list them here.
Started my career in Customer Service and was trained by one of the best in the industry at the time.
Spent 11 years as a General Inspector (Dog control Officer) with a very large South Australian Metropolitan Council.
Studied a Cert IV in Companion Animal Services with the Delta Society Australia for almost 2 years in dog behaviour in 2006.
Ran my own very successful dog training business in Adelaide for 9 years. I never advertised. I always booked out in advance, I ran 10 classes per week and did multiple in-home private consultations per week.
So, in a nut-shell, my whole career has been people and pets. My super power is my ability to ensure people are happy and comfortable with me before the shoot. I ensure people feel at home, like they have known me for years and they supported from the start.
I am passionate about my pre-shoot consult process, where I meet the pawrents and the pets, and help them feel comfortable with me BEFORE I put a camera in anyone’s face. I help clients through any questions or fears they may have of the shoot and I run through the process so everyone knows what to expect on the day and what to bring.
We choose the right location for the dog’s physical abilities and personality.
I know how to connect with dogs.
There is a reason dogs love me. I understand them. I understand tiny signs of stress or discomfort that many people will miss or overlook. I am not “all up in their grill” from the moment we meet. I give dogs time and space to work me out. I allow them to understand I am a reliable source of yummy snacks and to understand I will not put unnecessary social pressure upon them.
Your dog will experience loads of positive associations with me and of course, I provide breaks and opportunities for the dogs to play, sniff and relax throughout the shoot.
My ability to ensure the shoot is calm, relaxed and fun for all truly is what sets me apart from other photographers. Not only is pet photography one of those genres that takes many years to master your artistic craft, (I will always be learning new things) it is one that ABSOLUTELY relies on the photographer knowing and understanding animal behaviour. Without both the skills of photographing pets in a natural light setting in an outdoors environment AND the ability to read animal’s sometimes subtle nuances, you don’t stand a chance at getting stunning shots. Then adding people/children to the mix adds another more complex layer on top!
I coach pawrents in getting their animals into position without man-handling them. Sometimes I get the animals in position, then go back to shoot! We can take most of the images on-leash and to be honest, most of my shoots are done entirely on lead! I can work my magic in photoshop in post production to remove legs/people and leashes in most instances.
I can also work with dogs who have special needs if given time before hand. This includes dogs who are reactive towards people or dogs!
What about Horses I hear you say?
Well, luckily I have had experience with horses since age 8. My pony was untrained and very wild as a child. This was a challenge for Dad and I to work a bond and trust, but we got there. I will always put the safety of the animals at the shoot, my clients and myself above getting any shot. Because everyone wants a fun, enjoyable and safe experience.
What other animals do you photograph?
Well, I am super comfortable with Cats, ferrets, livestock pets, lizards & bunnies.
I am not great with snakes, they make me super nervous, but if I can use my extra long lens and if I don’t have to handle them - I’ll give it a crack.
The End Result?
The end result is stunning wall art or folio box images for your home that makes you smile each time you walk by.
