Pet Photography: What questions should you ask a dog photographer?
JANUARY 5, 2023
5 Essential Questions to Ask a Pet Photographer
It is so important that you research the professional you are hiring for your dog's photoshoot. If you don't research and ask questions of the photographer, you won't know that you're on the same wavelength regarding expectations. All good pet photographers should ask YOU the dog owner questions but making sure you have some questions to ask yourself can help to further reassure yourself that you've made the right choice. I've set out below the 5 best questions I have been asked as a professional dog photographer working in the Harrogate area of North Yorkshire but they are applicable to all dog photoshoots no matter the location! I've also included a bonus question that is better of left unsaid as it should be evident from their online presence.
What is your experience level with photographing dogs?
Why is this important? Because photography is a specialist skill that requires developing and honing over many years. Photographing dogs is not the same as doing family portraits in a studio. Whilst it is possible to have a couple of specialist areas one works in as a photographer, you want to be assured that your pooch isn't going to be the photographer's first attempt at pet photography. Why? Because you increase your odds at receiving high quality imagery with an experienced dog photographer.
Do you have experience working with dogs of different breeds?
The temprament and behaviours of a German Shepherd differ to that of a West Highland Terrier. Of course, you are unlikely to meet a dog photographer who has worked with every dog breed known to man but experience working with a range of dogs is important to ensure the photographer you hire is able to build a good rapport with your dog.
How do you handle difficult or uncooperative dogs?
You don't want to hire a photographer who has a meltdown mid-photoshoot because they're only used to photographing perfect poodles in front of pristine white sheets and a full studio light set up. Dogs are, at the end of the day, simply dogs. They can be uncooperative and difficult. Sometimes they don't want to play ball or pose in front of a beautiful woodland setting as the sun rises. Hiring a dog photographer with strategies to cope with difficult moments can ensure your dog has a stress free and enjoyable photoshoot.
Do you have any recommendations for preparing a dog for a photoshoot?
Why fret before your dog photoshoot worrying about what you need to take with you to the photoshoot? Ask your dog photographer whether they have any recommendations and if you're wanting to bring a couple of props or garments it is definitely worth mentioning this ahead of time!
What are your fees and what is included?
Click through half a dozen dog photographer's websites and you will find some are very transparent about their fees and others are, to put it plainly, as clear as dog muck! Don't let yourself be wooed by the photos alone. Make sure you ask exactly what the fee for the photoshoot is and whether image files are included in that price. Some dog photographers offer a complex and difficult to understand system of "tiers" whereby you can have photos for social media in one tier, but not another, or only watermarked images, not high-resolution files to print yourself. Be super clear on what you are getting and you might find the simple, transparent approach of a dog photographer in North Yorkshire to be what you want.
One question you almost certainly don't need to ask is "Do you have a portfolio of dog photography images?" Any dog photographer in the 21st century will have either a website or a social media presence where you can check out their recent work. If you're looking for a dog photographer in the Leeds or Harrogate areas of West and North Yorkshire, you're welcome to check out my portfolio of dog photography here.
One question you almost certainly don't need to ask is "Do you have a portfolio of dog photography images?" Any dog photographer in the 21st century will have either a website or a social media presence where you can check out their recent work.
If you're looking for a dog photographer in the Leeds or Harrogate areas of West and North Yorkshire, you're welcome to check out my portfolio of dog photography here.