FAQs
- Why should I hire you? There are lots of pet photographers in Utah.
- My dog doesn’t obey any commands. How are we going to get any photos?
- My dog is old and had some health issues. Will you be able to get good photos of her?
- My dog is really shy and doesn’t like being in strange places. Can you still get photos?
- I don’t trust my dog off leash, but I don’t want leashes in the photos; can you do that?
- How much does this cost?
- I have other questions that aren’t answered here. Help!
Why should I hire you? There are lots of pet photographers in Utah.
If you like the idea of holding a photograph in your hands and seeing beyond the edges of photograph, traveling back in time to revist all the things that were going on when the photograph was taken, then hire me.
If you are a bit unconventional, you enjoy the process for the sake of the experience, or you prefer timeless over the latest fads, I’m the photographer for you.
For me, the photographic process is about ensuring the experience feels free, comfortable, meaningful and real for my pet and people clients. My
photography isn’t about me projecting my vision on to my subjects, it is about truly discovering and serving a story, your story. Whether fast or slow, inside or out, sweet or funny, my job is to see and document you, as you are, in your most shining moments of blissful freedom and connection.
My dog doesn’t obey any commands. How are we going to get any photos?
Four words: very fast shutter speeds. Hahaha! Just kidding. (Sort of. With puppies, a fast shutter speed is a must.)
Seriously though, I have been photographing dogs as a professional for over 10 years. I have a lot of tricks in my bag to get dogs to pay attention, even if they don’t have a perfect ‘sit’ or ‘stay’ (or any concept of ‘sit’ or ‘stay’). This is something we will talk about on the phone, because each dog is different, but I have been photographing dogs and cats for Salt Lake County Animal Services since 2014, and many of those dogs are still working on manners and basic skills. With a little patience, some good snacks, and a little assistance from you, we’ll be able to get good photographs. Again, we’ll talk about this, but don’t worry – very few of the dogs (and none of the cats) I have photographed have been perfectly behaved. My own certainly aren’t!
My dog is old and had some health issues. Will you be able to get good photos of her?
Yes.
If you have specific concerns (sutures from a recent surgery, unstable on her feet, blind, deaf, or other special needs), let me know and we’ll work together to make sure you and your pet are comfortable and we get the best possible photos. There are a lot of ways to hide temporary issues (shaving from surgery, or sutures), and plenty of techniques to make dogs with more permanent health issues comfortable and shown to their best advantage.
I do a lot of work with senior/ill pets and will talk with you when we are planning the session to discuss your pet’s specific needs so we can show them off to their best. We’ll also talk a bit about how to tie your past experiences with your pet to the photo session now.
In the living room
My dog is really shy and doesn’t like being in strange places. Can you still get photos?
Definitely. I always like to photograph pets where they are most comfortable. Some dogs are adventurers and any place new is the most fun for them, but some dogs (and most cats), prefer to be somplace they know.
You don’t have to load your carrier-hating cat (I’ve had one like that, and I know how much “fun” that can be to attempt to get a cat into a carrier when he HATES the carrier and will do everything in his power to NOT get in it) or skittish dog into the car and go to some weird-smelling place that is going to completely freak your dog or cat out. I come to you, wherever you and your dog (or carrier-hating cat) are comfortable. If you want a studio-style set-up, I bring lights and backdrops. If you want to go on a hike, we meet at the trail head with hiking boots, water, and my backpack with my camera equipment.
We’ll talk about this over the phone when we schedule and plan the session, but you want your pet’s personality to shine, and that happens when they are comfortable and happy.
I don’t trust my dog off leash, but I don’t want leashes in the photos; can you do that?
Absolutely! If we are photographing someplace other than a fenced-in yard, or indoors, I will request that we keep some sort of leash on the dogs for their own safety. Nothing ruins a photo shoot faster than the star of the show running off to investigate a skunk! (It has happened, although after the shoot was over!) I have thin leather show leads that are very easy to remove in Photoshop, and ensure that your dog doesn’t wander off. (I use this technique at the animal shelter all the time!) Collar on or collar off is your choice!
How much does this cost?
Custom sessions are $300 with 100% of the session fee going towards your purchase. Clients typically spend between $800 and $3000 on products. For $3000, clients might get a large piece of wall art for over the sofa, smaller wall art pieces as accents or for other rooms of the house, and gift prints for family and friends. For $800, clients might get a custom image box, or a large canvas or metal print and smaller gift prints. When we meet, I will show you the various options for presenting your photos, including sizes, and materials. There is no minimum purchase and payment plans are available. The get an idea of some of the products available, check out my products, and I am always happy to bring samples or discuss other presentation options.
I have other questions that aren’t answered here. Help!
No worries! You can always set up a time to talk with me on the phone. Or, if talking on the phone isn’t your thing, you can text me at 801-712-3200 or email me directly at liz@timepunkpetphotography.com, or contact me using the handy contact form. I look forward to hearing from you in whatever way you like to communicate!
Dogumentary Pet Photography
