The exciting day of your photoshoot is approaching. What are some common things we encourage all clients to consider before preparing for their photoshoot?
CHOOSE THE RIGHT LOCATION
We are absolutely spoilt to have so many dog-friendly natural and urban locations in and around North Vancouver. With so many options, how do you pick the right location? We help you in the process of deciding. After we get to know you in our call, we provide a couple options for you to choose from which are in line with your vision. In studio sessions and at home are definitely options we consider for clients. If there is a location particularly meaningful to you as a family, we are always happy to scout it out as a potential option or suggest something similar. Our most successful shoots have taken place in locations that are scenic are meaningful to you.
TAKING TIME TO ADJUST
Dogs are typically very excited at the beginning of the shoot. This is normal and expected. A new person just appeared with a shiny 'clicky' camera. There are new smells and sounds. It takes some time for dogs to adjust and relax with the sudden transition. Sometimes, a little longer for some dogs than others. There is absolutely no need to rush this part of the session. It is important to give dogs the support and time they need to adjust, so they are happy and relaxed in the photographs. In this way, photography sessions can be a wonderful enrichment exercise for dogs. Most sessions are followed by a giant nap, which we love to hear about.
WEATHER
For our outdoor photoshoots, we shoot almost exclusively at sunrise or sunrise. If it is really overcast or slightly rainy, we typically suggest starting later in the morning for optimal light. Clouds and fog can really add beautiful textures to your photos, so if the forecast does not read 'sunny and clear' don't write it off entirely. We embrace all of the PNW's natural beauty in our photographs. In the summer, our sunrise sessions can be very early, but from experience it is always worth it once you are there. One bonus about starting early is that we normally have the space entirely to ourselves, which helps dogs relax much quicker.
WHAT TO WEAR
Although we do not provide a client closet service, we do advise on colours to avoid in general leading up to your photoshoot. It is most important you feel comfortable in your clothing. Second to that, we will consider the type of setting you have chosen. We normally suggest all clients to coordinate their outfits with one another. Thirdly, we consider the colour of your dog. We really want them to shine in your photographs. Lastly, there are also some materials that are less photogenic as they tend to shine or over-wrinkle (silk, viscose, satin) so depending on the setting chosen for our photoshoot, we may suggest a few materials to avoid.
What should my dog wear? In our style of photography, most sessions are of the dog without clothes or a collar. We are happy to leave meaningful tags and collars in by request.
ENRICHMENT
We routinely recommend clients to bring water, high value treats, a long leash, and your dog's favourite toys. Tell us about your dog's favourite activity. We would love to capture that in our photography session if we can.
Prepare for the unexpected. We encourage you to bring anything that will support your dogs for a successful photoshoot. You are their greatest motivation to stay focused throughout. We will guide you and your family throughout the photoshoot. We often remind clients to empty phones from pockets, to remove hair ties from wrists and to bring a bag to keep these items safe.
A lot of clients assume our photography sessions are off leash, but the opposite is true. Most sessions happen on leash to ensure safety for the dog and to support their focus. Leashes are a really helpful tool in keeping our dogs focused for portraits especially when they are in a new situation. We always have some tricks up our sleeve to support dogs throughout. We work with force free methods and will always check about allergies with you prior to our photoshoot.
ENJOY THE TIME
Dogs will be dogs. That's why we love them and that's what we are there to photograph with you. Soak in every moment and enjoy your photoshoot.
Want to find out more? Contact us through our website with any questions you may have.
