The Unseen Side of Pet Photography: Personal Projects vs. Client Work

Have you ever wondered how personal photography projects differ from client-based sessions?

Both are deeply rewarding in their own way, but each comes with a unique set of goals, requirements, and artistic freedoms.

Today, let’s dig into the nuances that separate these two types of photo sessions.

The Vision: Customized vs. Controlled

When it comes to client sessions, every single one is a custom job. Tailoring the session to fit your needs is my jam.

Whether it's the vibe, the decor, or the types of poses you love, it's all about you.

The aim is to capture a broad gallery of images that will not only make your heart swell but also pair well with the walls in your home. From action shots to close-ups, to cuddly poses, it's a variety you can't resist.

In contrast, a personal project often has a more singular vision. The end goal is usually one carefully crafted image.

Unlike client sessions where the focus is on your preferences and the pets you adore, personal projects are all about what I want to capture.

While I might snag some other great shots along the way, they're more of a bonus than the main event.

The Images: Popularity vs. Artistic Satisfaction

Clients frequently ask what my favorite shots from a session are. And honestly, it's rarely the same ones they pick!

Many people adore the bright, upbeat shots with their dogs staring adoringly into the camera or the cute cuddly family moments.

And I get it—those photos are absolutely adorable and I love them, too!

However, from an artistic standpoint, my heart often leans towards the darker, moodier photos. There's something captivating about an image where the dog isn't making direct eye contact, where it's just them in their natural environment, devoid of human interaction.

Those are the shots that make my artistic soul sing.

The Requirements: Open Invitation vs. Casting Call

While I'm always thrilled to photograph any dog, cat, ferret—you name it—for a client session, personal projects are a whole other ball game.

These sessions often seek specific traits, be it a breed, a color, or even a particular skill set like agility. And let's not forget, basic training is an absolute must.

We're talking about more than just sitting and staying; the dogs in these projects sometimes need to be able to follow more complex or specific commands for the envisioned shot to come to life.

Things like laying with their head down, high jumps that perhaps a senior isn’t comfortable with, going into water, confidence for jumping up onto things, etc.

The Creative Expression: Boundaries vs. Boundless Imagination

Ah, the creative process—where all the magic truly happens!

When it comes to editing, client images usually stay within the realm of natural realism, albeit tinged with my own signature style.

Personal projects are my creative playground. Here, I get to manipulate colors, remove or add elements, and even dabble in a bit of cosmic creativity with stars, birds, or planets. The sky is literally and figuratively the limit.

There's no client to consult, no second-guessing whether an added element will be a hit or miss. It's all up to my own artistic instinct.

And the best part? Sometimes, the vision evolves right in the middle of editing!

A sudden spark of inspiration can change the entire look and feel of the image. I have complete freedom to follow those whims, and that kind of creative license is an artist's dream come true.

So there you have it—the primary differences between client work and personal projects in my pet photography.

Both avenues provide a fulfilling creative outlet, but they satisfy different artistic cravings.

Next time you see an image from one of my personal projects, you'll understand the unique journey that led to its creation.