9 Questions Your Pet Photographer Wants You to Ask Before You Hire Them
Your furry companions hold a special place in your heart, and when it comes to capturing their essence through the lens, you want nothing but the best.
But with so many pet photographers out there, how do you know which one is the right fit for you and your beloved pet? Fear not, for we've compiled the top ten questions you should ask your pet photographer before making that all-important decision.
So, grab a treat, snuggle up with your pet, and let's embark on this journey together to find the perfect photographer who will capture the magic of your bond in every frame.
Do you specialize in pets only?
You want to be sure that your soul dog, cat or horse is in the best hands and will be comfortable during the session.
Listen for:
Their experience working with animals and knowledge of body-language
Confidence in being able to capture the connection you share with them
Endless patience and pockets full of treats/toys to keep your pets engaged
I’m concerned about X, Y, and Z; how do you handle that?
Much like families with babies, you’ve likely got concerns or reservations about how well your dog will do during their session and if it’s a good fit for them.
Listen for:
Genuine interest and concern, with a want to alleviate your concerns
Examples of how they’ve addressed similar concerns in the past
Red flags like avoiding the concern or giving broad, uncertain answers
What is your process, or how are you different than other photographers?
No two photographers are alike, and you want to be sure you’ve found the perfect fit for your dog and your family.
Listen for:
Their why, what motivates them and drives their artistic expression
Their style, what sorts of photos do they take and how are they edited
An explanation of the process and what to expect
How to book with them
An open discussion about pricing
Can I or my family join in?
Including family members adds an extra layer of magic to your portraits, but not all pet photographers are comfortable including humans in their sessions.
Listen for:
Their comfort level in photographing people (and children if you have any)
Knowledge on working with children safely around animals
Any additional charges for including people
Where do most clients hold their sessions?
Location can make a huge impact to the final result of your images, as well as in how comfortable your dog is during the session.
Listen for:
Guidance on finding the perfect location for what you’re looking for and your dog’s needs
Examples of locations that past clients have loved
Potential travel fees or additional fees for things like permits, rental fees, etc.
Expert knowledge on whether pets are allowed at the offered locations
How they respect Leave No Trace and respect the environment during the session
What if it rains or my dog falls ill on my session day?
It’s Washington. Rain is a very real concern, and illness can strike at any time. Knowing how this is handled with your photographer can be important in the decision making process.
Listen for:
When they will reach out about rescheduling for weather (day before, day of, etc)
What the policy is for rescheduling due to illness
Any fees associated with rescheduling
Availability in case a last minute rainbow session is unexpectedly needed
What types of products do you offer?
Photographers definitely will vary on the way they serve their clients along with what they offer to them. Whether it’s digital files only or a whole list of product options, you’ll want to know your options.
Listen for:
What is included, and not included, with your session fee/retainer
Why they offer the options they do
An idea of how many images you’ll be able to choose from
Any guarantees for the products they offer
How do most clients enjoy their images after their session?
While it’s nice to have options, sometimes it can be overwhelming and hard to decide on how you’d like to enjoy your images.
Listen for:
Questions to understand your specific needs
Reassurance that they’ll guide you in selecting the best fit, style and size
The ability to show you digital mockups so you know you’re ordering the best size and images
What is the average amount that clients invest following their session?
Investing in magical memories is an experience beyond mere prices. When it comes to photography, every person is going to have a different way of charging and differing prices from one to the next, so it’s important you understand the investment potential with each one.
Listen for:
The value they provide before, during and after your session
A range you can expect to spend, perhaps with an average investment
Any minimum purchase requirements, credits, etc
Red flags like avoiding talking about prices, confusing pricing or bait-and-switch tactics
Availability of payment plans and their terms and conditions.
As you embark on your quest to find the perfect pet photographer, remember that your intuition and the connection you feel with them are just as important as the answers to your questions. Trust your instincts, ask the right questions, and don't hesitate to seek clarification on any aspect that's important to you.
After all, the portraits you'll cherish for years to come are more than just images—they're reflections of the love and bond you share with your furry companion. So, may your journey be filled with joy, discovery, and endless moments of magic, captured one frame at a time.
Happy hunting, fur-iends, and may your portraits be as vibrant and full of life as the companions who inspire them!