FAQs
I don’t think my dog will pose for pictures, is that ok?
That’s ok! All of the dogs you see on my site are dogs just like yours. I’m used to working with shy dogs, naughty dogs, zoomy dogs and big personality pooches! I’ll work out what most interests your dog and use that to our advantage. All dogs can be photographed safely on lead.
Do I need to bring anything with me?
I’ll have snacks and toys, but do bring a favourite snack to be deployed if necessary ; )
Wear footwear that you don’t mind getting a little muddy and wet. The forest can have unexpectedly boggy ground sometimes, but it’s all part of the fun. Please bring a thin lead for your dog, and if they normally wear a harness, maybe think about getting them a collar for this occasion.
It’s worth checking that your dogs collar is in good condition, and clean. Dogs have a way of wearing them out before we notice!
Are your photographs expensive?
The answer to that is honestly no, I have three amazing value package options and your booking retainer is fully deductible from these OR you can choose to go a la carte, again your £99 booking retainer is deductible from your order.
£399 is my minimum order due to the work and love involved in making pictures for you.
If you have a voucher, please check the back to see what it includes.
Grooming
If your dog is a breed that needs regular grooming, timing is essential. When do you think your dog looks best after their groom? Some people love them to be short, others prefer the coat to grow back in for a week or two.
A note about eyes - if you cannot see your dogs eyes, the camera will not be able to see their little peepers either!
My dog cannot be let off his lead. Is that ok?
Great question. It’s no problem at all. In fact sometimes I prefer to keep that connection with your pet. I photograph a lot of sighthounds and almost all of the pictures on my site with greyhounds have been taken with their lead safely attached. I will artwork the lead out of any images that you wish to purchase. It’s my pleasure to do this for you and all part of my service
What is fine art pet photography?
Fine art photographs are those that have been taken in a considered way. For me that is choosing areas of beautiful light (for example I might use the sun behind your dog as a rim light to pick out fur). It’s considering background choice and colours and how the shape of your pet looks on the pictures. In some ways fine art is the opposite of documentary style but often I’ll combine the two - I’ll use the fine art principle - putting your dog in the right environment, but then see what magic happens after that. You don’t have to wait long for that with dogs just being their natural selves outside!
What happens if it rains?
I think our shoot should be enjoyed, not endured! So, if it’s raining on the day of our session, I’ll call you and we’ll agree to slide your appointment to another day.
Other Weather
If the weather is VERY hot, I will call and suggest we postpone. Your dogs’ safety and comfort is very important to me. Also, very occasionally in the winter months, it can be too dark for photography and can sometimes mean postponing.
How far ahead should I book?
Booking for the year typically opens in late December and my diary is bookable for the whole year including weekends, holidays, bank holidays. Weekend dates, bluebells and autumn dates are the first to go but please contact me to enquire if I am still available for the date you have in mind. If your dog is old or poorly and you’d like a session together contact me asap, I WILL find space for you.
How can I pay for my order?
I can accept payment by debit or credit card and bank transfer. Clear Pay is also available. If viewing your images by Zoom payment will be collected via payment link while on the call. For in person viewings a card reader is available.
We’re visiting York on our holidays, can we book a photo shoot for our dog?
Absolutely, I’d love that! People come from all over the country for my sessions and I offer a special service for folks on holiday with their dog. We’ll schedule a morning photoshoot and an afternoon viewing OR a virtual viewing party for when you are home using my great comparison software. Your wall art and albums can be shipped directly to your home, ready for pride of place and wonderful memories of Yorkshire. As a York native, I’ll be happy to share lots of lovely dog friendly places for you to visit while you’re here.
Where will our shoot take place?
Your photoshoot experience will take place in a beautiful York park or one of several amazing woodland areas I know in the York area. For Historic York photoshoots we meet by The Minster right in the heart of York at 9am.
Creative art work
Through the year I offer a handful of mini shoot days for sessions that involve creative art work such as falling snow or falling leaves. Sign up for my newsletter for details of my next special day.
“Anyone who doesn’t know what soap tastes like never washed a dog”
— Franklin P Jones