If you have more questions, don’t hesitate to contact me. Above all, I want your session to be a super fun, memorable experience, and for you to walk away with products and images that you are excited about!
I’ve never done this before, where do I begin?
First, just send me an email! Let me know what you’re looking for and together we’ll build your perfect session. Do you love the look of the studio work? Do you want to capture the fun things you do together throughout the day? Do you love downtown or have a favorite park? Let me know any questions or concerns you might have, because I want both you and your pets to be relaxed and happy. I’m very easy-going, and sessions are really fun, so there’s nothing to be nervous about, promise :)
Why should I use Sarah Beth Photography?
My clients want something unique and beautiful to hang on their wall as any other piece of art. They want high-end products that aren’t available to the average consumer. They want to remember their loved ones through meaningful images, rather than snapshots.
I have a very calm energy, lots of patience, and years of experience. I capture the spirit and personality of your pets in a way that no one else can. My style is uniquely me, and my clients want and appreciate the quality of a Sarah Beth original. Pets are my specialty and my passion…. I’m not a wedding or family photographer who also shoots pets, I am a Pet Photographer.
My dog is black, will you be able to get any good photos?
It’s all about lighting, and whether we’re in my studio, at your home or outside, I find and use the best light to highlight your black dog’s (and any color dog’s!) fur. You might be very surprised at how good your black dog can look in photos!
My dog doesn’t know how to sit, is that a problem?
While it is helpful if your dog knows some commands, it’s not required. I’ve had all kinds of behaviors come through the studio, and we always get some great images. Please don’t get angry with your dog if he’s not listening or not sitting. Don’t force him into a sit or lay-down, or he’ll think he did something wrong and look sad in the photos. I want this to be a fun experience for both of you, and if the humans are stressed, the dog will definitely be stressed too. And, honestly, I want your dog to be himself! You’re coming to me to capture the true spirit of your pets, not stale poses.
My dog is not photogenic.
NOT true! I firmly believe that everyone, animal or human, can look beautiful in a photograph. It all has to do with lighting and angles and knowing what to look for to get those amazing shots.
My house is really small, I don’t think it will look good in photos.
That’s ok! If you want the session to take place in your home, all I need is a window. We can get some great shots in a surprisingly small area, and we’ll probably go outside as well. And, your location session doesn’t *have* to be in your house, either. We can go virtually anywhere! Think about some favorite places of yours, in the city, in a park, at a dog-friendly coffee shop, at a friend’s home. If you can’t think of anything, I’m happy to suggest some places that would make for a fun session.
What does the session fee cover?
The session fee covers many things on top of the actual session. There is time involved in prepping for the shoot, travel (if needed), uploading and archiving the files, professionally editing your images, as well as my talent and experience. It helps pay for the equipment and supplies I need to continue providing high-quality service and images, as well as business insurance, utilities, and much more!
What do prints cost?
I encourage you to really think about why you’re getting professional photos done, and how you want to display them. Do you want a big piece of art for your home? Do you want to put together a grouping for a “gallery” feel? Would you prefer to have a beautiful album to leaf through your favorite images? There are lots of options, and it’s really fun to work together and design what’s right for your space and your budget!
If you’re thinking about booking a session, please contact me for a full price list. I don’t require a minimum order, but if you’re only interested in a couple of 5×7′s, I’m probably not the photographer for you.
Can I get a CD of the images?
The digital files are a wonderful add-on that you can share with friends and family. We offer a variety of individual files or collections, for web use or print, and file collections come complimentary when certain price points are met. The printable files are great if you have a favorite that you’d like to get multiple prints or use to create your own greeting cards. *Note that our professional labs are color-matched to our monitors, and we can only speak to the quality of products that are purchased through us.
BUT… all too often, if clients only have a cd of image files, they don’t get around to doing anything with them. The images sit, unseen, sometimes forever. I want you to have beautiful, tangible products that you’re excited to show to your family and friends. It’s so exciting to open up a package with your finished, custom piece of art; to hang it or set it out and be able to enjoy it every day!
How can I pay you?
We can accept any credit or debit cards, checks, cash or Paypal. Session fees are due at the time of the session. Products can be paid in full upon ordering, or payment plans are available as well.
What should I bring to my session?
My style is very simple and clean, and all I really need is you and your pet….. BUT! Please feel free to bring anything and everything that you want in your photos! Does your dog have a great jacket and sunglasses? Bring them! Does your cat wear a necktie? Bring it! Does he have a favorite toy or bed that you’d just love some photos with? Bring them! I have Zuke’s treats on hand, along with tennis balls and squeakers, and a bowl of fresh water. You can certainly bring your own treats, but I ask that they be soft, not crunchy (less mess!)
What should I do during the session?
You are essentially going to be my assistant! No one knows your dog better than you. He (hopefully!) listens to you, likes you and trusts you. I like to work with the pets myself, initially, to get them used to me and give them an idea of what’s going on. Then I’ll hand the reins (treats) over to you to show me what he’s got! I’ll help you get him in positions that look good, suggest ideas, and ask a lot of questions. Sessions can be a lot of work, but are always a lot of fun!
My organization is having a fundraiser/holiday event, will you photograph it?
I’m a huge supporter of many organizations and fundraisers, but I do not generally photograph events. And holiday themed parties or other mini-sessions (while fun!) do not fit with my photographic style or busy schedule. Please do contact me about other ways I could help, through sponsorships or silent auction donations.
I’m looking for commercial or stock photography, what are your prices?
Many of my images are available for stock purchase, and I love shooting commercial assignments! Each situation and image license is different, so please contact me to discuss your project.
TIPS FOR A FABULOUS SESSION:
Help your pets look their best for their photo shoot! Get a grooming, a bath, a brushing, a nail trim. Bring them to doggie daycare or take them for a long walk beforehand. A calm, clean pup is generally easier to work with than a super excited, muddy one :)
Please use squeakers sparingly. A continuous noise won’t get your dog to do much, but a single, well-timed squeak can turn into a killer image!
I have Zuke’s all natural treats on-hand for dogs. If you bring your own treats from home, please only bring small, soft treats. Crunchy ones are too messy, and big ones can take a bit too long to eat. If needed, I’ll break out the “big guns” (turkey or cheese) for the more challenging pups!
If you’d like to be in the images with your pets, think about your color choices and patterns. Most colors are fine, but I don’t recommend wearing white or bright red. Long sleeves are nice and don’t create a visual break like short sleeves can. These are images you’ll be looking at for a long time, so dress up a bit, accessorize, get comfortable and wear a smile!
Know the capabilities and limitations of your pets. If you’re looking for a nice group shot where they’re all sitting nicely together, but they actually don’t like to be touching or can’t do a sit/stay, that group shot probably isn’t going to happen!
If you have any other questions, just let me know! Email is the best way to reach me: info@sarahbethphotography.com
