Session Guide

Welcome to the Wyoming Pet Photography Family!

We are so excited to capture the bond between you and your pets! Your pets are definitely members of the family and with that it is so important to have professional pictures taken to commemorate the love for them.

This session guide will hopefully answer any questions you may have in regards to your upcoming pet photography experience! If you have any questions that are not answered in the guide, please do not hesitate to contact me here or at 307-421-6263.

The Consultation

First things first: If you haven’t already done so, it’s time to schedule our session consultation. This is where we customize your experience to create the magical results that you’re after! We’ll finalize all the details of the session - where we’re shooting, meeting times, and which products you’re most interested in creating. I often conduct this consultation over the phone, but we can meet in person at a local coffee shop if you prefer.

This is a critical step, as your session is tailored to create art that fits perfectly into your home and lifestyle. No need to make final purchasing decisions at this meeting, but having an idea of how you might display your images will influence how I shoot the session. For instance, if you’re considering hanging artwork on a narrow stretch of wall, I’ll be sure to create some images in a portrait (vertical) orientation.

Please don’t worry if you don’t yet know what you’d like to do with your images - that’s what I’m here for! We’ll work together to ensure that you’re delighted with the final results.

Following your session consultation, you will receive a questionnaire and our model release/contract in your email that will both need to be completed before your session.

The Session

Yippee! It’s time to play! The session is strictly a stress-free time. Your furry family will set the pace, and we’ll take plenty of breaks as we explore the area. Don’t be concerned if your dog doesn’t want to sit, or if he’s more interested in the sights and smells than the camera. I promise that even if it feels like your pets aren’t listening, or if we need to set up a certain shot multiple times, it’s totally fine. I expect it! Your job is to relax and trust that we’re creating incredible images - because we are!

The Viewing and Ordering Appointment

About a week after our session, we’ll meet at a local coffee shop or in your home to view all of the images, choose your favorites, eat some snacks (an important part of the process), and finalize your order together. Your files will then move into production, where they’ll be transformed into gorgeous custom artwork that you’ll love for a lifetime.

Once your stunning new artwork arrives, I’ll contact you to setup a day and time to deliver it to you! Most items take up to six weeks to arrive, but a few of the more unique items may take up to twelve weeks. I promise that the wait will be worthwhile.

FAQ’s

  • We’ll try our best to hold the session at our agreed-upon date and time. However, sometimes Mother Nature has other plans! If the weather doesn’t cooperate, we’ll definitely reschedule. And if either you our your pet is feeling unwell, please let me know as soon as you’re able to so that we can plan for another date.

  • Yes! Most of the dogs that I photograph stay on leash throughout the entire session for their safety. I can even capture action shots using a special long line, all while keeping your pup safe and sound. Thanks to the magic of Photoshop, the leash can be removed from almost all the images we show.

  • I can’t guarantee that I’ll be able to remove a harness or gentle leader from your final images, especially large harnesses that cover the majority of your dog’s chest. If your dog usually walks in a harness or gentle leader, I recommend using it to walk to the session and between shooting locations, but swapping it for a regular flat collar while I photograph.

  • We will discuss possible session locations during our consultation. Don’t worry! I have plenty of location options and will help you choose the perfect spot, keeping in mind both the look you’d like to create and your dog’s comfort level.

  • No problem. We’ll choose a quiet location that doesn’t see much foot traffic or dog traffic. If you’re committed to having an entirely private session, there are locations available as well.

  • Our Signature Session is the perfect option if you want to be included in your dog’s pictures! We always encourage owners to jump in some photos.

  • I’m sure dog has a sizable fan club, but we want to keep things simple for our session! Please leave the extra pets and humans at home to ensure a calm setting without distractions. The only exception is if you have a legitimate pack and need an extra set of hands to help manage the hounds!

What to Wear

While the session is focused primarily on your pet, your clothing is important too! Choose an outfit that’s authentically “you” and tat you feel comfortable, stylish and confident wearing. Here’s a quick guide to point you in the right direction:

Yes, please!

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Yes to layers: Layers add visual interest, and are a great choice no matter the temperature. Ladies, think scarves, belts, jackets, jewelry and cardigans. For the fellas, layering a long-sleeve shirt over a tee or thermal will add some dimension to your look.

Yes to textures: Textures like denim or a knit sweater photography beautifully. Patterns can work well in moderation, but don’t overdo it. Less is more when it comes to patterns.

Yes to color: Don’t feel compelled to stick solely with neutrals. While everyone should be working from a unified color palette, feel free to add a splash of color!

Please, NO.

Things to avoid: gym clothes, low-cut tops, super-short bottoms, baggy or very loose-fitting clothing.

Watch these colors: Be aware that bright white, deep black, or neon-like colors (e.g. hot pink, magenta, bright green) usually don’t photograph well.

Don’t throw shade! Brimmed hats can create strong shadows on faces, and that’s a big no-no. Transition glasses can also be problematic, as they turn into sunglasses outside.

Preparing for the Session

If possible, please arrive to the session location about 15 minutes early so that your dog has time to explore his new surroundings. We also recommend some light exercise beforehand to burn some energy before the session.

I always carry a stash of treats, but if your dog is picky or has dietary restrictions, please bring something special that she loves! Tiny pieces work best (think dime-sized pieces for large dogs, pea-sized pieces for small dogs).

If your dog has any favorite toys, please bring them with you. We want things that will grab his attention!

Consider your pet’s "outfit” and bring a clean, regular flat collar for her portraits, along with a basic 6’ lead. If you need a harness for walking, she can always change into the flat collar once we arrive at each shooting location. (Remember, I can’t guarantee that I’ll be able to remove harnesses or gentle leaders from your dog’s final images)

Planning a trip to the groomer? Visit at least a few days before our session. New haircuts tend to look better after the first few days, plus it is overwhelming for most pups to go straight from the groomer to a portrait session.

Please make sure that your dog’s have flea and tick prevention, especially during the warmer summer months.

Don’t forget to bring water for everyone in your pack.

Last but not least, bring a bag for carrying all of the stuff!