What to expect from your photoshoot and how much do you charge?
A 2 hour event photoshoot shoot is £300, with each additional hour charged at £150, this is for the photo shoot only and does not include digital images.
A 2 hour outdoor photo shoot with your dog is £149.00 which covers my travelling expenses and time only, it does not include any digital images.
A booking form will secure our agreement together with a 50% non-refundable booking fee. The balance is to be made upon completion of the photo shoot and editing process. Only once a final payment has been made with the digital images be released. My preferred method of payment is by BACS but I will accept cash if that is easier for you.
In the event of an unexpected event or an emergency situation and you can’t make the photoshoot then we can arrange to reschedule.
The following applies to dog photoshoots only:
Initial telephone consultation
It is important that we have a telephone conversation, to get to know each other and your dog, to discuss what you are hoping to achieve from our photo session. Obviously this is not set in stone, and on the day we can further discuss the type of images you are hoping to achieve.
My style of photography
I take an informal approach to my dog photography, which I prefer to be in the open air, rather than an indoor studio setting. I have photographed dogs indoors using studio flash lighting, but in my experience it places unnecessary stress on your dog. I much prefer shooting outdoors where your dog can run free and be happy. If you are looking for a static studio portrait of your dog, I’m probably not the right fit for you.
It’s all about the quality
My aim is to create photographs that you will be proud to display on your walls, to enjoy for years to come. I am not a faceless corporate photographer, I am an independent photographer who has been photographing dogs for the last 10 years. I care deeply about the quality of the work I produce. And I will only ever show my clients my best work. If I am not happy with an image I will not show it to you.
Choosing the location
I am fairly flexible when it comes to choosing a location for the photo shoot, and it makes sense to choose somewhere that your dog knows and feels comfortable.
It is also important that the location is safe, and away from traffic and ideally free of distractions such as people with young children. This could be your local park or a beach location at low-tide, or a garden if it is large enough. To get the best from the photo shoot, it makes sense if there is space for your dog to run and have fun.
What is the best Time of day for a photo shoot?
The best time of day is often determined by the weather, time of year and the travelling distance from my home in Bexhill. The best light tends to be early in the morning or later in the afternoon, so avoiding harsh midday is always a good idea. Basically, the closer you live to Bexhill will determine how early or late the photoshoot can be.
Length of the photoshoot
I usually find that 1 hour is long enough to capture the images I need. During the shoot I instinctively know when I have ‘got the shot’ but I will always keep trying for that decisive moment. Obviously, it is preferable if your dog is enjoying themselves, and throwing a ball is always a good way to get the action started. It is also a good idea to have a favourite toy and treats on hand to reward good behaviour.
What about the weather on the day?
Obviously the weather can play a big part on the day, where the biggest issue will be poor lighting. I use professional Nikon equipment, which is weather sealed, so I can work in any weather conditions. All dogs are different, and some (including our miniature schnauzer) do not enjoy getting wet. I am happy to undertake the shoot in light rain, but torrential downpours and thunder storms are probably best avoided. If in doubt, we can always postpone the shoot for another day.
Viewing your images
Once the shoot is over I will review the images on my laptop in my Campervan, and highlight what I consider to be the best images from the shoot. If possible I would suggest that you go and have a coffee for half an hour, to allow me the chance to select the best images for you to view. I can then share the selected images with you via e-mail, for your further consideration. Once you are happy with the images you have chosen, you can decide how you would like to see them displayed in your home. I will have a selection of samples with me on the day, but it is possible to chose from a wide range of products and styles to suit your taste.
How much will my wall art cost?
The cost of the wall art depends on the size and type of products that you choose. I will have a range of sample products on the day of the shoot for you to consider. I only use award winning photo labs to produce the finest quality wall art. There is little point in going to all of the trouble of having a professional photo shoot, only to accept a sub standard product. However, as with all things in life, quality does come at a price, so expect to budget accordingly. That being, said you could order a simple 10 x 8 image printed on aluminium for around £60. A 30 x 20 gallery wall block will cost around £115.00.
My dog is getting older and is not full of energy
It is important to remember that dogs age much quicker than we do. I love all dogs regardless of how old they are, and the photo shoot can be tailored to suit your dogs health and welfare. It is also a nice touch for the dog's owner to be included in part of the shoot, and to capture that special bond that you have with your best four legged friend.
We often do not realise our dogs are ageing, as we do not really celebrate their birthdays in the same way as we do. It is therefore important not to wait too long before capturing happy memories with your dog. During the last lockdown we sadly lost Eddie our miniature schnauzer, who was only 5 year old. As devastating as this was, I still have a lovely photograph of him in our hallway, which I look at every time I pass by him.
What is the point in having a professional photo-shoot, when I can use my phone instead?
Trust me you cannot take a decent action photograph of your dog with your camera phone. It will be blurry and look terrible if you enlarge it beyond around a 6 x 4 print. The lens on your phone is tiny, whilst mine is huge (and heavy) and in photography, size really does matter! I only use professional quality Nikon equipment, which can take up to 10 images a second, and produces pin sharp images. The quality of my samples really speak for themselves.
I’m a bit shy, can I share the photo shoot with a friend?
Yes I realise that you may be a bit shy and intimidated by meeting a photographer for the first time, so why not bring a friend and their dog along to keep you company? I’m just a normal guy with a wife and children and a dog, who loves taking pictures of dogs. I will try my best to put you at ease so that you enjoy the experience.
Do you have a website or are you on Social media?
My Facebook pages are: https://www.facebook.com/djphotography.co.uk and @barksintheparks My Instagram is D J P Event Photography