Congratulations on booking your session! I hope you're excited knowing beautiful portraiture of your cherished companion(s) is a short time away.
I have put together this guide full of frequently asked questions to help us do just that. Before we begin, you will need a few quiet moments to read through. I recommend bookmarking this page, or even printing it out to refer back to easily.
As always, I can be reached via Email, Phone, Facebook, and Instagram.
I have put together this guide full of frequently asked questions to help us do just that. Before we begin, you will need a few quiet moments to read through. I recommend bookmarking this page, or even printing it out to refer back to easily.
As always, I can be reached via Email, Phone, Facebook, and Instagram.
Let's get started!
How long will my session last?
I put aside at minimum, an hour block of time for you and your pet (especially if there is more than one animal to be photographed). I prefer to have some extra padding to be sure we get the best images out of our session. Dogs can have 'off' days, it may take longer to get to just the right scenery, a less social animal may need time to get comfortable, etc. I like to have all bases covered and allotting extra time is one way I can help.
It's a good idea to ensure your calendar is clear around our booked time as well, so that you do not feel rushed, as animals are intuitive and will end up feeling the pressure too!
It's a good idea to ensure your calendar is clear around our booked time as well, so that you do not feel rushed, as animals are intuitive and will end up feeling the pressure too!
What will my dog and I need to do?
Not much! :) I try to keep the sessions as relaxed for all parties as possible. It does help if your dog can sit, stay, and even lie down on command. What will usually happen is you will position your dog to face me (treats can be used), holding the leash as straight up as possible and between the ears, stepping aside for the shots. Variations of on-leash and off (or loose leash) will be used in order to create different poses and expressions.
If your dog tends to be timid or slow to warm up, bring them to the location early and let them check it out! If your dog is highly active, you could take them for a walk or run while you do this to burn off some energy, just be aware in hotter temperatures this may cause their tongue to be out in photos. Exercise can even help a more reactive dog to keep a calmer mind during our session. If you have a particularly fearful dog, we will implement distraction and treats/toys, or remain more peaceful and quiet, depending on what your dog responds best to. I will use my zoom lens in order to maintain my distance, blending more into the background while I snap!
You will not need to bring anyone to your session, though an extra hand can be helpful. If younger children are not to be included in the photos, it is a good idea to leave them with a trusted adult. If this is not possible, please ensure they are able to cover ground well or otherwise be transported easily during the session (some places are hiking areas and getting to certain areas can mean walking a distance). Children should have adequate supervision by another adult so that we may focus on your session.
If your dog tends to be timid or slow to warm up, bring them to the location early and let them check it out! If your dog is highly active, you could take them for a walk or run while you do this to burn off some energy, just be aware in hotter temperatures this may cause their tongue to be out in photos. Exercise can even help a more reactive dog to keep a calmer mind during our session. If you have a particularly fearful dog, we will implement distraction and treats/toys, or remain more peaceful and quiet, depending on what your dog responds best to. I will use my zoom lens in order to maintain my distance, blending more into the background while I snap!
You will not need to bring anyone to your session, though an extra hand can be helpful. If younger children are not to be included in the photos, it is a good idea to leave them with a trusted adult. If this is not possible, please ensure they are able to cover ground well or otherwise be transported easily during the session (some places are hiking areas and getting to certain areas can mean walking a distance). Children should have adequate supervision by another adult so that we may focus on your session.
I am paying to have myself or a family member in the photos, what should we wear?
As our photos will be done outside in nature, I find earthy and deep jewel tones work very well. Gold, Maroon, Navy, Hunter Green, Dark Purple, etc. go best with my fine art editing style. Pure whites and blacks are acceptable, though not ideal in large amounts. Consideration should be taken to the colour and markings of the pet. For example, a golden coloured dog could get 'lost' in the image with a gold sweater on their owner, or even worse, clash if the shades aren't similar! Try to create contrast and interest with your colour palette and you will be happy with your photos. You don't need many colours to achieve this, and I can always be reached for advice. When in doubt, bring extra clothing such as something quick and easy to add or remove during the session. This will also help add variety to your resulting images.
As far as style of clothing, longer sleeves and tops look most flattering to the female figure in photographs. Men look most masculine in button-down shirts and solid colours, and long pants. Footwear for both genders is best as a closed-toe style and neutral colour. Loafers, calf or ankle boots are excellent options. I recommend to bring a pair of hiking boots or other comfortable shoes to get to and from our photo locations, as painful feet or twisted ankles isn't the experience we're going for! :) Depending on the season, footwear can get muddy as well.
DO AVOID logos/text, and brimmed hats in your photos. Shirts with text or logos can be worn backwards to the plain side, in a pinch. Use caution with patterns and textures, especially stripes which direct and distract the eye. 'When in doubt, leave it out' is probably a good rule to go by here. Cellphones, wallets, sunglasses, and keys should be removed from pockets.
As far as style of clothing, longer sleeves and tops look most flattering to the female figure in photographs. Men look most masculine in button-down shirts and solid colours, and long pants. Footwear for both genders is best as a closed-toe style and neutral colour. Loafers, calf or ankle boots are excellent options. I recommend to bring a pair of hiking boots or other comfortable shoes to get to and from our photo locations, as painful feet or twisted ankles isn't the experience we're going for! :) Depending on the season, footwear can get muddy as well.
DO AVOID logos/text, and brimmed hats in your photos. Shirts with text or logos can be worn backwards to the plain side, in a pinch. Use caution with patterns and textures, especially stripes which direct and distract the eye. 'When in doubt, leave it out' is probably a good rule to go by here. Cellphones, wallets, sunglasses, and keys should be removed from pockets.
What should I bring to my session?
Here's some things that I recommend to bring along with you. TIP: Bringing a small backpack to carry all of you and your pet's essentials comfortably while we walk is a great idea!
For your pet:
For yourself:
For your pet:
- Treats they enjoy most (bring more than you think you'll need, but I will also have some on hand)
- A special toy or two they respond best to
- Pet-safe tick and flea repellant
- A rag to absorb drool/foam (most useful in warmer weather)
- A simple flat collar or chain. A harness is fine for walking the pet from location to location, but a collar will be used to attach the leash for the actual photo-taking, with harness removed (harness removal is not included in my usual edit workload - additional fee would apply)
- A leash. Most of our photos will be done with the dog on leash, edited out. I carry a lunge line with me in case the leash is too short or we want to keep your pet safe while still getting some movement shots.
- Water and a portable bowl (the collapsable silicone type with carabiner clip to attach to your bag are perfect for this!) would be appreciated by your dog in warmer weather.
For yourself:
- oil blotting tissues/makeup touchups, chapstick, hairbrush (if you will be in the photos)
- bug/tick spray (we will often be in wooded or tall grassy areas, I recommend PiActive deet-free spray)
- session payment (or eTransfer can be sent to lifecaptured@photographer.net)
When and how will I view and select my images?
You will see me taking a lot of photos during our time together. Once I transfer our session to my software, I will narrow them down significantly as I go through my selection process, keeping only those which will communicate ideal composition, clarity, and emotion. I will then edit and upload low resolution, watermarked image samples for viewing in a private online gallery. This process can take anywhere from 3-4 weeks due to the detailed, artistic nature of the editing style I perform. This is dependent as well on the amount of images that have resulted from our session. You will be notified throughout the process as well as once your gallery is ready for viewing. It is from there that you will make your selections, as well as decide on which product package you would like to have. The process is simple, quick, and exciting!
Will you provide unedited images?
It is my policy that no unedited images be given to a client for any reason. I release only finished products in line with the style of work I represent. My usual editing work is included in my package fees.
What if I need to rebook my session?
Sometimes, due to unforeseen circumstances such as weather or illness, a session will need to be rescheduled. If this happens, we will rebook for a date convenient to both parties at the time of cancellation. Session retainers are non-refundable but will apply to your next session. Of course I do appreciate as much notice as possible when contacting me to rebook, as I will do the same for you!
The best way to contact me on your session day is to text or call, as I don't always see my emails right away. Please keep my number with you for our communications - (905)598-2485
The best way to contact me on your session day is to text or call, as I don't always see my emails right away. Please keep my number with you for our communications - (905)598-2485
I hope this guide is helpful, and if at any time you think of anything not listed here, please don't hesitate to reach out to me. I look forward to meeting with you and your lucky pet!