Why should I use Sarah Beth Photography?
When you book a session with me, you know you’re getting high quality, creative and fun images, from a true professional who specializes in animal photography.
With over 11 years of experience, lots of patience, and a very calm energy, I’m able to connect with your pets and capture their spirit and personalities in my own unique way. I’ve worked with well over 2,000 dogs and cats in the Minneapolis / St. Paul area, with all different types of personalities and abilities.
I’m not a wedding or family photographer who occasionally includes pets; I am a Pet Photographer.
I’ve never done this before, where do I begin?
First, just send me an email! Tell me a little bit about your pets and what you’re looking for in a session, and I’ll send you all the information you need.
I’m very easy-going, and sessions are really fun, so there’s nothing to be nervous about, I promise :)
Should I do a Studio Session or a Location Session?
That’s up to you, and which style you prefer!
Studio Sessions are all shot on a simple, solid background, and tend to have a cleaner, more formal feeling.
Location Sessions can utilize favorite places or activities, and have a more natural, casual feeling. Some pets just aren’t cut out for a studio session, and would do better in a familiar environment.
A Combo Session will get you one of each, for the best of both worlds.
In order to capture your pet’s personality, he needs to be comfortable enough to let that personality come through. If your pets are nervous in new situations, hate riding in the car, or are completely untrained, a session at your home is probably the better choice. Know your pets and which scenario will be best, to set them up for a successful, enjoyable session.
What kind of products are available?
I want my clients to come away from their session with high-quality, archival products, for displaying their beautiful new images. Over the years, I’ve tried lots of different printing labs and products, and have hand-picked my absolute favorite pieces. I’m proud to offer a variety of albums, gallery canvases, wood mounts and archival prints.
Check out the Investment page to see some examples.
What if I just want the digital files?
While the digital files are great for backing up and viewing your images online, they’re not a finished product.
In my experience, when the only thing that’s taken home from a session is a disk of files, you’re only getting half of the experience. The files may sit in a drawer for years, or get looked at on a computer from time to time, or they may get made into cheap prints that fade within a couple years.
I’d be doing you a disservice to hand off the files and leave you to figure out what to do with them.
The goal of a session with Sarah Beth Photography is not only the creation of beautiful images, but the tactile, visual enjoyment of those images. My archival products will have accurate color, be printed on the highest quality materials, and are meant to last a lifetime.
*You do receive matching Social Media Files with everything you order. High Resolution Digital Files are also available to purchase. See the Investment page for more details.
But what if I don’t know what I want to print?
I know it can be overwhelming to go through dozens of images and make big decisions about your investment, which is why it’s so important that we schedule an ordering session in addition to the photo shoot.
Your ordering session is a collaboration: we’ll go through the images together; crop or edit some differently; and discuss the product options, sizes, and image groupings. We can plan out beautiful art for your walls, or a gorgeous album to page through with friends and family.
Whatever you’re interested in, I’ll help you wade through the choices to find the very best fit for your home and budget, so you’ll soon be able to just sit back and enjoy your new photos!
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’s best if your dog can follow some commands, it’s certainly not required. A solid “sit-stay” is important in the studio, but might not be necessary in your backyard. I’ve worked with many different personalities and behaviors through the years, and even sessions with the more “rambunctious” dogs can result in great images.
Remember: you’re coming to me to capture the true spirit of your pets – not just perfect poses – so relax and let his personality shine!
With that said, it’s still important to have realistic expectations, and know that I can only capture what your pets are willing and able to do.
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.
And while some dogs maybe aren’t show-dog material, you love them just the same, and our photo shoot will capture all the wonderful things that make them unique and beautiful to you.
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 really need is some window light. We can get some great shots in a surprisingly small area, and we’ll likely go outside as well.
And, your location session doesn’t *have* to be in your house; it’s fun if we can shoot at a park, or another place that’s meaningful for you and your pets. Or bring them into the studio instead!
If we’re photographing your cats, I also have a “mini studio” add-on option for in-home sessions!
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. 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 might help, through sponsorships or silent auction donations.
Do you offer commercial or stock photography?
Most definitely! Many of my images are available for stock purchase, and I love shooting commercial assignments. Each situation and image licensing is different, so please contact me to discuss your project.
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!
If you have more questions, don’t hesitate to contact me!
