Are you considering a professional pet photo session and wondering how to choose the right photographer for your family and your pet? 

If you are planning to display your pet’s photos as wall art or in an album, I highly recommend that you consider a professional pet photographer who can provide images that are high quality and can be more artistic. It is important to do a bit of research before hiring a photographer to ensure you are happy with your photo session and images that you receive.

Here are some tips to help you find the best photographer for you and your pet.

1. Specialist Pet Photographer versus a Catch-all Photographer

Getting a dog to sit or stand and look at the camera can be challenging. It takes patience and unique skills to produce a professional photograph that captures the personality of that dog. 

Choose a photographer who specializes in pets, who has experience with animals and understands animal behaviour. They know how to engage with your pet and capture his or her unique spirit and personality! When doing your research ask about their experience with pets and their knowledge of pet behaviour.

Let’s face it - just because someone is a great wedding or baby photographer, doesn’t make them a good pet photographer. The wedding or landscape photographer you are considering, may want to add pets to their portfolio but they don’t necessarily have the skills and experience required to work with animals. Photographers who specialize in pets are able to anticipate your dog’s behaviour and have all the tricks to elicit  great facial expressions. They are also ready to capture great candid and natural shots of your dog in action - running, jumping, just being themselves, doing what dogs love to do. Does your wedding, baby or landscape photographer do that ?

2. Pets and the people who love them

If would like your family to be included in the photos you need to ensure that the photographer takes great photos of people with their pets. You can usually assess that by checking the photographer’s website and browsing their portfolio or gallery. If their portfolio includes wonderful family and pet photos, photos that you love, then you know that the photographer will most certainly capture your family and your loving relationship with your pet. As a dog photographer in Toronto, I see all the time how delighted clients are to see the bond between themselves and their dog captured in a special moment! Please feel free to head on over to my portfolio.

3. What style of photography are you attracted to?

Ask yourself these questions to determine if the photographers you are considering offer  your preferred style of photography:

• Do you prefer candid, casual images or formal posed portraits?

• Do you want some great shots of your dog in action?

• Do you like studio portraits or outdoor photos taken in in natural locations?

• Browse through some pet photos and then decide if you like photos with lovely soft, dreamy backgrounds or bright photos with high contrast.

• What are you hoping to do with your images? Perhaps you are considering a beautiful Coffee Table Book or Album that you will have as a keepsake for many generations.  Do you want a piece of art to display on your walls? Are you hoping to use these images for holiday cards? These questions will help you to decide if the photographer’s portfolio is right for your goal.

4. On location vs. Studio photography

When thinking about your questions listed above, think too about your dog’s or cat’s personality! If your pet is shy or nervous when away from home or in areas where they are unfamiliar, then a studio session may be out of the question!  Even the best pet photographers can’t make a stressed or uncomfortable pet look like they're enjoying themselves.

In general, in find that pets are happiest and relaxed when they are in familiar surroundings and dogs usually love to be outdoors. That is why I so enjoy doing my sessions outdoors in one of our lovely natural settings in Toronto or South Florida. So consider hiring an on-location, lifestyle photographer that will come to your home or favourite location and where he or she will be able to make memorable photographs that capture your pet’s unique personality and the loving bond between you.

5. Is your pet photographer someone who you feel comfortable working with?

You are going to be spending an hour or more with your photographer at the session, and then work with them after the photo session when ordering your photo products. Make sure you like their personality and style and that you gel with them right from the start.

This is something that you should assess in your free consultation. While discussing your ideas and expectations, and asking questions about the pet photo shoot, you will learn whether you would like to work with that particular photographer.

6. Does your photographer really love pets?

Not all photographers are actually pet lovers! The wedding or landscape photographer you choose may want to add pets to their portfolio but professional pet photographers are animal lovers too. They want to make sure that your pet has an enjoyable adventure or photo session, and that the images they provide are ones you can be proud to display in your homes.

Please contact me for a free consultation so we can chat about your your dog and family photography session in the Toronto area. You can find out more about me to see if you think I’m the right fit!

Also click below to find out more about what your pet photography experience will be like.

Here is more on dog photography from talented photographer in Australia, Jo Lyons Photography, the down-to-earth dog-loving photographer for cherished dogs of the Great Lakes NSW