There are a few different stages to working with Marie Wulfram Photography as your pet's photographer, from the moment you reach out to inquire to the final delivery of artworks and products. This series will walk you through what each step looks like and what you can expect along the way.

Part 1: The Design Consultation
Part 2: The Session
Part 3: The Ordering Appointment
Part 4: The Hand Delivery

In the first of this four part series, learn more about the first step in the adventure of working with Marie Wulfram Photography.

The Consult

Marie Wulfram Photography is all about creating gorgeous images that truly show the beauty and bond between Washington pets and their people. Every pet-person connection is so uniquely their own and that's why the first step in our journey together will begin with a design consultation.

If you've never worked with a professional photographer, or you've only dealt with "shoot-and-burn" models, you may never have heard of having a consultation before booking your photo session.

Your design consultation is critical in determining if I'm the right photographer for you and your pet.

This is the time where we get to know each other, see if we vibe well, set expectations for each other and also provides you the opportunity to ask questions or voice any concerns you may have about booking a session for your pet.

Common questions include:

Does my pet have to be off leash? (Nope!)
What if my pet doesn't listen? (Totally okay!)
My dog is leash/dog aggressive, can you still photograph them? (Absolutely!)

Rest assured, the consultation is the best chance to be able to work through all these common questions and more so you can feel confident in your decision to hire me as your photographer.

The Design

Your consultation is also a design appointment in that we'll work through what you're imagining for your final keepsakes. Every family is unique not only in their personalities but also in what they're looking for from their session.

Some have a specific vision for one phenomenal photo that will end up as a grand statement piece above the fireplace while others prefer to capture as many images as possible and create an album to capture every little detail of their fur-babies from the little specks on their ears down to the spot on their tail, every head tilt and every slobbery smile.

The design consultation is how we bring your vision to life, or how we create the vision for what you'll cherish most.

This includes:

Deciding on the perfect location for your session.
Finding the best time of year and picking a date.
Addressing any wardrobe concerns and what to wear.

How is the consultation held?

A phone/zoom call is the fastest and easiest way to have the consultation.

Many clients enjoy being able to have this conversation over text or email, but this does also mean it may take several days and someone else may book the timeframe you’re interested in.

In-person consultations are also a great option, especially for the pets who may be fearful or aggressive.

Note: If your pet is defensive of the home, we can meet at a local park instead.

What happens after the consultation?

If we decide that we’re a good fit for each other, I’ll send over the e-paperwork for you to complete. This includes the invoice for your session fee as well as the client agreement for review and signature.

Completing these items locks you in for working with me and holds your date.

From there, you're officially part of the Marie Wulfram Photography pack and on the path to an expertly-crafted session just for you and your pets.

You'll receive access to a password protected client portal to keep track of all documents and emails, get help with preparing for your session, wall art gallery inspiration and so much more leading up to your session date.

You won't have to worry about walking this journey alone as I'll be there with you every step of the way.

Part two of this four part series will dive into what you can expect on the day of your session and how much fun your pets are going to have. Simple. Easy. Fun.

Head over to Part 2 here.

Itching to discuss a photo session with your dog?

Schedule your complimentary consultation to chat about what your special evening could look like!

Your Pet Photography Experience: Part 1 - Consultation