The Pet Photography Experience
On a moody, overcast, Sunday afternoon in October at Stanford University, I met up with the most adorable couple, Sobe and Shefali, and their spunky 4 month-old Longhaired Miniature Dachshund puppy, Bondi (pronounced Bond-eye). He’s lovingly named after the beautiful, white, sandy Bondi Beach in Australia.
The chosen location for their custom Angie Rose Photography Handcrafted Signature Session was at Stanford University, Shefali’s alma mater. As you’ll see, this session was so fun and resulted in beautiful photos for Sobe and Shefali to treasure furever.
I thought their session would be perfect for me to describe what my pet photography process looks like.
The Pet Photography Process
1. Phone Consult // Getting to Know You & Your Pet
2. Pre-Planning // Preparing for the Session
3. Session Day // Capturing Your Pet
4. Image Delivery // Displaying your Family Portrait Artwork
1. Phone Consult // Getting to Know You & Your Pet
Before we met in person we took time to do some planning with a couple of phone chats, emails, and Shefali took time to show me inspiration photos that helped describe their style and types of images they gravitated to.
This helped make sure I understood the feeling they wished to capture to celebrate their new, furry family member in his adorable puppy glory. Sobe and Shefali requested a very candid vibe to most of the photos with variations of the family interacting; nothing too posed. (Yay, because that’s the way I love to do my sessions!)
Additionally, from our planning and conversations, I learned that Bondi was very treat motivated and would need to be on a leash the whole session (safety is a priority). No problem.
We could strategically position or hide the leash during the session or there’s nothing a little post-editing can’t take care of. It’s so helpful to know all of these details ahead of time.
2. Pre-Planning // Preparing for the Session
We did meet up at the Stanford University campus a week prior to the session so we could see each other in person. And I could see how Bondi reacted to my camera up close to his sweet, whiskery face.
Later, we all walked around and talked about ideas and thoughts for their upcoming session while admiring the stunning Stanford University grounds and the Richardsonian Romanesque architecture (I was curious, so I looked this up) nearby The Oval.
So, at this point, with all the pre-planning and information, it’s time for me to get all my artsy, fun ideas swirling in my head for the session ahead.
I do prepare a list of shots and poses to direct that I want to photograph. However, with any type of pet photography, it’s really up to the pet and how they are feeling the day of the session that determines the photos we attempt.
I am always checking body language and certain signs that signal we might need to try something different or just take a break.
Did you know that lip licking and yawning could be a sign of stress (depending on the situation)? Therefore, I am never in a rush. It’s a goal for me to keep everyone, including the pets, calm and happy.
3. Session Day // Capturing Your Pet
This Stanford session was such a wonderful collaboration. We all had a fun afternoon and got lots of candid, relaxed, personality-filled photos that captured Bondi’s puppy spirit and the beautiful love of this adoring family.
Above all, when Sobe and Shefali look at these treasured photos now or in 20 years, my hope is that the warm memories of Bondi’s special day warm their hearts!
4. Image Delivery // Family Portrait Artwork
When I tell you that editing the images from this session was a real treat for me, I am not kidding! Furthermore, I was able to easily edit out Bondi’s leash and any other accessories and distractions that we didn’t need in the shot.
Approximately two weeks after the session, we connected via Zoom to view the gallery of beautiful photos! They chose their favorites and we discussed the products to beautifully display these beloved portraits. Finally, please know that for all my amazing clients I take care of everything from there!
Capturing Your Furry Friends Through Lifestyle Photography
Pets are part of our families and I love that I’m able to capture your entire family for you. Most importantly, I’ve carefully refined my Handcrafted Signature Session so that you enjoy a smooth and stress-free experience that results in beautiful memories captured in portraits. In conclusion, if you want to get in touch, send me a message here.
“You can look at a picture for a week and never think of it again. You can also look at a picture for a second and think of it all your life.”
Joan Miro
