Why I’m glad I hired a pet photographer for my own photos
Every little girl's dream
I was 4 years old when I got the fairytale gift every little girl dreams of - my grandfather gave me my very own horse.
It was cold and 8 month old Dixie Rose had her fuzzy winter coat and I was wearing my brand new Western duster in bright red. I was wearing my fanciest cowgirl boots and cowgirl hat and had the kind of excitement you only get as a 4 year old horse crazy little girl.
If you know me, you know my horse’s name was Ginger - and here’s a funny story about what happens when you give a 4 year old a horse named Dixie Rose:
Dixie Rose is a beautiful name. It’s a perfect name for a quarter horse cross chestnut mare with a golden mane and tail. It’s a very hard name for a little girl to remember and when your little girl is standing on the porch calling for “Rosie Dick” you realize maybe it’s a good idea to have her choose a new name for her new horse. So, Dixie Rose became Ginger, named after the mare that was Black Beauty’s best friend.
30 Years of Being A Horse Girl
From there began the longest relationship of my life. Over the next more than 30 years Ginger was my best friend. I spent hours and hours in the pasture of my grandparent’s North Carolina farm brushing Ginger, setting out hay, giving treats, and riding the same little path in the pasture 6 million times. I hugged her and laughed with her and cried into the fur on her neck more times than I count.
When I was home in Georgia I took lessons, first western and then hunter jumper and then dressage for fifteen years. Ginger was a trooper as I changed disciplines and tried to teach her to side pass, turn on the forehand, piaffe, etc. She’d try most anything for me - especially if there a peppermint at the end for her.
I dreamed of the day I’d get to have her at my home and not a state away that I could only visit on weekends and summer breaks. And when we bought the farm that would become the Rescue Ranch, I planned a pasture so she could come home to live with me. I was ridiculously excited when we finally bought a horse trailer and went to pick her up. It was that same feeling I remember as a 4 year old little girl.
It had been years since she’d loaded into a trailer and everyone was nervous she wouldn’t get on. She walked right in with me.
At this point, she was retired from being my riding partner, but I was so happy to be able to look out my bedroom window and see her in her new pasture. I loved walking out in the mornings with her breakfast and having her nicker at me to hurry it up. I loved watching her with her two mini donkey pasture buddies that she could boss around.
My grandmother asked me so many times to get her a picture of me with Ginger.
She really wanted a picture of us together to go in her frame. I sent her a picture of just Ginger and promised I’d get one of me too, but I put it off.
I struggle with pictures of me. I don’t love the way I look or my weight or my face or my hair. I reached out to an equine photographer friend, but didn’t actually book anything. I’d get pictures made when I lost 20 pounds.
And then in September of 2019 my grandmother passed away suddenly.
And I hadn’t gotten the pictures done.
My grandmother was my family’s photo keeper. As we went through her things after her death I have FIVE albums of photos of just me through my childhood. Those great big albums that had the clear sheet you put the 4x5’s behind.
And on the wall in her house was one of the frames that has multiple openings for photos and there was the picture I had sent her of just Ginger and then an empty place where the picture I had promised her was supposed to go.
And I still hadn’t had the pictures done.
Then it was 2020 and we were in a pandemic and I put things off again. Instead of losing 20 pounds I gained 10 pounds. We all stayed home. I started to build a studio. And then my grandfather got sick.
We couldn’t visit him in the hospital and so we conferenced with the doctors and then had to make the decision about hospice care. If we did in home hospice then we would all be able to visit and say goodbye. I was able to transform my guest room into a hospital room and he came here.
I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to have him here in my home as he made his final transition back to my grandmother. I know that he wanted to pass at his own home in the country in North Carolina with the pasture out his window, and while we couldn’t give him that I hope that having him at my home in the country in Georgia with a pasture out the window and Ginger in that pasture was a close second choice.
And I still hadn’t had the pictures done.
Again, we went through the paperwork of death. We gathered the photos as you always do and there were so many, thanks to my grandmother’s dedication to printed photos.
And I finally realized it didn’t matter that I wasn’t 30 pounds thinner or that I hadn’t had a haircut now in nearly a year because we were in a global pandemic.
I just needed to get the photos.
The pictures were important for the memories, for capturing the relationship, for having something to look back on - not for what I looked like.
So, I finally scheduled my session with Charlotte Detienne Photography for photos of me with Ginger. We had our session in September of 2020.
I was so nervous I panicked and cut my own hair the night before. I worried about what I would wear and if you’d see the little lines that have started appearing around my eyes (and on my neck…. Who knew the aging lines on my neck would be so obvious). I nearly called to postpone, but I am so glad I didn’t.
Ginger was her normal opinionated mare self throughout our session.
She refused to snuggle with me unless I had treats in my hand.
She didn’t want to stand still.
She rubbed sloberry horse cookies all over me.
And it was perfect.
When I met with Charlotte a few weeks after our session I loved the images. She managed to capture everything I wanted. The photos show our relationship developed over the last 30 years. I had a hard time narrowing down my favorites to have printed in a beautiful image box.
In November of 2020 Ginger was diagnosed with Cushing's disease after she developed an abscessed tooth that brought us into the equine vet. Because of her age and the Cushing’s diagnosis, removing the tooth with dental surgery wasn’t an option. Luckily, with antibiotics her tooth seemed to heal very well, but she was losing weight steadily. She began daily medication for her Cushing’s disease.
On December 4th 2020 when I went out to take her breakfast she didn’t come across the pasture nickering at me to hurry up. Instead she was standing on the side of the pasture with her head down. I knew the moment I walked up to her that the infection was back and it was worse.
I called the vet to let her know we were on the way, and I begged Ginger to load into the trailer. She refused to step inside. I knew that she was ready to say goodbye, and she wanted to do it at home. Our vet came out that evening and helped her say goodbye and I cried into the fur on her neck one more time.
It’s been four months and I’ve been putting off writing this post because it’s hard to believe that after 30 years she’s really gone. When I look at the pictures Charlotte created for us, I don’t see the flaws I usually see in the mirror.
I see the incredible relationship that I was lucky enough to be a part of for so long. I see the horse crazy little girl and the lesson taking child and the teenager who dreamed of having her own farm and the woman who now lives on that farm and the horse that was there through it all.
And I am so glad I finally had the pictures done.
What to read next:
What to Wear - A Guide for Photos with Your Dog
Getting dressed every morning can be hard enough when you aren’t planning to be in front of a camera, wrangle your dog, and look your best doing it all at the same time.
So I totally get why choosing what to wear for your dog’s photo session can trigger even the most fashion-forward among us to fling everything we own to the floor and declare that “we have absolutely nothing to wear!”
Now, before you start panic buying on Amazon — let’s talk broad strokes about what works best for photos.
Comfy & Confident
Choose Your Photo Shoot Clothes that are Comfy & Confident First
What does that mean? It means don’t worry about trying to become someone completely new just for photos.
If you’re a t-shirt and jeans kind of person - you can elevate your jeans and T’s, but maybe don’t switch to a lycra mini dress and stilettos for the photo.
Take a look at your favorite items in your closet - if they fit great, make you feel good, and aren’t too worn consider wearing those. Or, maybe buy something new that still has that same feel.
“My fashion philosophy is, if you’re not covered in dog hair, your life is empty”
Match Your Clothes to the Location & the Season
Think about the conditions at the location where we’ll be photographing you & your dog.
You’ll want to be warm enough (or cool enough - Georgia summers anyone?!), have pain-free feet, and look comfortable in the environment.
Be sure to check my location guide for details on how much walking, hiking, hill climbing, or paved paths are involved at your chosen spot!
Plan for kneeling, leaning down, & sitting to be closer to dog height throughout the session, so make sure your clothes don’t have any wardrobe malfunctions when you’re moving around.
Think Texture & Movement!
Textures give depth and visual interest to your clothing and contrasts beautifully with the textures of fur. Lace, corduroy, denim, flocking, knits, and woven material all add to the style of your clothes.
Pick fabrics that move and flow with you. Ones that blow in the wind, filter the late afternoon sun, and glow in the morning light. Natural fibres like linen, cotton, or wool are all great options.
Avoid stiff garments any anything that has a tendency to get tucked in weird spots and need lots of adjusting to look right.
Create A Color Story
I’m not saying we should live in a sad beige world, but neutrals are always a great idea - especially when we’re all trying to complement the star of this photo shoot — your dog!
Earthy tones and neutrals go with pretty much every dog’s fur and every location.
Choose a palette of 3-4 colors. Start with a couple neutrals: cream, white, black, gray, tan, khaki and then add 1-2 other colors found in the environment: navy, hunter green, mustard, blush, rose, sky blue. Jewel tones are beautiful for fall and winter while pastels are great for spring and summer.
By choosing one or two colors that blend nicely together, and having the rest in neturals, the whole family will photograph beautifully together.
Good Color Palettes
Good Color Palettes
A Few DON’Ts - you don’t want to be the SAME color as your dog or they’ll disappear and you don’t want to wear ALL black if you have a white dog or ALL white with a black dog as the contrast is too sharp.
Color Tone Counts
Pick separates that are equally dark or equally light. If you’re wearing a light colored top, choose light colored bottoms. If you choose a dark top, choose dark bottoms. This monochromatic value is universally flattering making everyone look a little taller and a littler leaner.
Prints & Patterns - A Cautionary Tale
Mixing & matching patterns & prints is a tricky task, and it’s super difficult to do well. It can also compete with the pattern of your dog’s fur.
Avoid large scale bold patterns and prints all together as they draw the eye in the photo.
Subtle smaller patterns work best. Classic patterns are usually best - swiss dots, polka dots, plaid, flannels, and florals are great options - and work really well when the colors aren’t high contrast.
BEWARE - Some fine details and small prints can even create a moiré pattern in the image which is a large-scale interference pattern on the image that can’t be edited out!
ABOUT LOGOs: Clothing with words or big, bold logos on it is distracting. Since Adidas isn’t paying for your photos, skip the big brand names on your clothes.
However, if the logo or phrase is in theme with the shoot, & fits your personality, I’m all for it.
Add Layers When Possible
Add layers to create textures create more visually interesting photographs. Jewelry, scarves, jackets, cardigans, vests, & sweaters are easy ways to quickly change up your look and elevate your style.
Shoes
You can’t have come this far, painstakingly planning your outfit, only to stop at your ankles. Especially since your shoes will show in A LOT of the images since they are close to your dog!
If you wear heels like a pro, I definitely won’t tell you not to do that! But remember, we’ll be walking around on some possibly uneven terrain, traversing hills, wandering through grass, and stomping through dirt — all of which I wouldn’t want to do in my louboutins. (Unless we’re planning a glam session, in which case bring those red bottom shoes!)
Select the right shoes based on the location. Being barefoot makes sense on the beach and at home, and boots are beautiful in the woods.
Leather is great for boots, and know that sandals are better than flip-flops.
Shoes are great place to add some personality too! Cool Converse sneakers, lace up boots that have been worn to perfection, bold color, a striking pattern can all be perfect to jazz up the classic knee down photo with your dog!
Make Up & Hair
The goal of photo ready make-up is to look like you on your best day. So do whatever you need to do to feel confident and beautiful. Some clients wear no make-up at all, others take a little more time with their usual routine, and some call in a pro for a perfectly polished look. Most dog photo sessions are casual affairs so a “no make-up makeup look” works best.
For hair… my preference is down and little lived in. Messy buns are where it’s at for real life — I totally get it! With your hair down, you get movement and texture and interest. Bring the scrunchie for the walk back to the car.
A quick note about your nails: Hands tell such a story about who you are and the relationship with your dog. Photos of hands running through fur make beautiful detail images for your album. But, sometimes photographs magnify bright nail polish, chipped manicures, and dirty fingernails. And once you see it, you can’t un-see it. Consider treating yourself to a subtle manicure or make sure your nails are neat and tidy before the shoot.
Lastly - Consider Your Home Decor
This is a real pro tip that can take your images from pictures to art in your home.
For example, If you wear bright red formal wear for the session, but your home is casual and beachy - the wall art will look out of place. But a navy and neutral color palette would be perfectly at home.
Choose clothing colors that will coordinate in your home and styles that compliment your decor tastes.
5 Things To Prepare Before Your Dog’s Photo Shoot
What do you need for your dog's photo shoot?
Have you ever had that dream where you show up to school naked?
Lets avoid that feeling of being completely unprepared by making sure you’ve got everything you need before you show up for your session… fully clothed please.
This blog is your guide to what you need for your dog prior to your dog photography session.
1. A Simple 6 Foot Leash
It may be dog photography’s worst kept secret, but in case you didn’t know, 99% of the dogs on my website were wearing a leash at their photoshoot!
You simply cannot be a professional dog photographer without becoming an expert at leash removal in Photoshop.
Not only does the leash keep your dog safe, the leash is also an invaluable tool in helping your dog understand where we’d like them to sit or stand since we can’t simply tell them to stand right in this sun spot and look to your left.
There are a few things to consider about your leash to make removal in post production as simple as possible.
Bring a solid color 6 foot leash - Black, Neutral Colored Biothane, or Leather Leashes work best. Show leads are also a GREAT option if your dog is used to wearing one.
Help watch out for leashes wrapped around legs & paws.
2. A Photogenic Collar
While leashes are removed from your final selections, your dog’s collar will most likely remain in their portrait, so it’s worth a few minutes to think about which collar will best suit your dog’s photos.
For a timeless look, a simple leather (or faux leather) collar in a neutral or fur matching color will keep your dog’s face as the star of the image.
Since it’s a special occasion, you could also consider a collar with a little extra glam factor. I love the designs from Paco Collars (handmade in California & available locally at Highland Pet Supply in Atlanta).
Or, if leather or bedazzled doesn’t suit your dog, try something solid color or with a fun pattern can be a great choice. The Foggy Dog makes gorgeous collars in beautiful patterns and even luxe velvet.
This might be a good time to purchase a new collar if you find that your dog’s current collar looks worn or tattered.
PS. If you really love a naked look - consider using a show lead (a very thin rolled leather leash) that is narrow enough to be fully removed in post processing.
3. Leave the Mr. T Tags Off
Since our dogs don’t have pockets, they need to wear their ID tag, and rabies tag, and microchip registration tag, and city license tag.
And suddenly that beautiful collar you choose is dominated by neon plastic dangling tags designed to draw attention. Those tags are great for if your dog were to get lost, but maybe aren’t so great for a portrait hanging on your wall.
Just for your session, I recommend removing all tags unless they are particularly beautiful or sentimental.
(If you’re looking for a beautiful & personality filled tag, check out Fetching Tags, a local Atlanta based company that hand makes the best tag I have ever purchased for any dog.)
4. Harnesses Are Great for Walking - Not Photographs
Wow! Who knew dogs had so many accessories to consider!
Before we wrap up talking about your dog’s wardrobe, I do want to mention harnesses.
I completely get the appeal of walking with a harness. My own dogs all wear harnesses on our walks. Your dog’s harness distributes the pressure from the leash, offers better control, and protects their throat.
They also block a big part of the chest, typically come in bright bold colors, and don’t exactly elevate your dog’s picture to the level of photographic art we’re going for here.
I 100% support wearing a harness for walking and even traveling between photo locations when necessary, but be prepared to switch to the collar & leash only for your actual portraits. Harnesses cannot be removed in post production.
5. Now to the Good Stuff - Treats & Rewards for your Dog’s Photo Session
When it comes to your dog’s photo shoot, it’s time to bring out the good stuff. We’re going to be asking for a lot of their time & attention and we want your dog to be excited to work for the camera.
You know your dog best, so bring the high value rewards. This is time for special occasion treats.
Some ideas include:
Boiled Chicken Breast
Leftover Steak
Cheese
Peanut Butter
Hot Dogs
Cream Cheese
Be sure to bring options so we can keep things exciting. You never know when our supermodel will need some variety.
There you have it, 5 thing your dog needs to be prepared for their photoshoot! And since your dog doesn’t have opposable thumbs, I’ve created a packing checklist for you.
Click here to download the FREE Packing List for Your Dog’s Photo Shoot!
How to Choose the Best Pet Photographer in Atlanta for You & Your Pets
When it comes to photographing your dog - you know you want to find an expert.
Choosing the right pet photographer for you can seem like an impossible task. After all you want someone that loves slobbery kisses and doesn't mind a little fur, and someone that will deliver beautiful images while keeping you & your dog comfortable throughout the session. You’ll want to take some time to get to know the artist behind the Google listing.
5 Things to Consider When Choosing a Pet Photographer
1. A Pet Photographer's Experience
For me, experience is the first priority. Pet photography is a specialty genre for a reason.
Of course you’d hire a wedding photographer to photograph your wedding. You’d search for someone who had photographed a lot of wedding before - someone who isn’t surprised about anything that might happen. It’s a once in a lifetime event and you want it to be perfect.
Choosing your dog photographer is very similar.
A pet photographer is working with animals - and not just any animal - this is the furry love of your life we're talking about, and having someone that understands working with animals, posing animals, & posing you with your dog is very important.
Here are some questions you might ask potential photographers:
How long as the pet photographer been working with dogs, cats, horses, etc?
Do they do any continuing education in dog or equine photography?
What about animal training or behavior classes as ongoing education?
Do they enter their work in peer reviewed competition?
Do they belong to any professional organizations?
I’m incredibly proud to talk about my 10+ years working with animals, and my life-long love of horses & dogs. Ongoing education in building my craft is incredibly important and I set aside a budget each year for classes and workshops to improve my camera skills. My dogs and I routinely take classes together at Canine Country Academy in a variety of dog sports and I attend lectures on animal behavior and training. Each year I commit to submitting my work to peer reviewed image competitions to push my creatively and test my skills. And I’ve been a member of the Professional Photographers of America (the USA’s premiere organization for professional photography of all genres), Hair of the Dog, & Unleashed (two pet specific professional organizations).
While experience isn’t everything when choose the right pet photographer for you, I think it should be among your top considerations.
2. Pet Photography Style
The dog photographer’s style will have a big impact on your final images.
Do you like studio images or on location or maybe lifestyle documentary images taken in your home or a combination of them all?
Does the pet photographer you’re considering showcase that style?
If you like studio style images, do you like classic portraits or bright colorful backgrounds? Lots of props? No props?
Do you prefer urban locations or park like settings for on location images?
Or is what you’re looking for really a session in your home capturing the ones you love in the place you love them most?
And once you’ve thought about all that, don’t forget things like editing styles. Some pet photographers photograph dark & moody, or light & airy, or true color.
Be sure to check out their portfolio, blog, and social media for examples of recent pet photography work.
My own work leans to outdoor on location images with a mix of portraits and candid images in a classic true to to color style. I describe my work as dogs on their best days featuring warm, rich colors in natural environments. While I do offer both urban and more natural park like settings, I only offer studio work when I am doing my Pet Portrait Events.
3. The Process of a Pet Photography Session
Your pet photographer should explain the process of working with them.
Some will send you questionnaires or have a consultation before the session to talk about what you want while other pet photographers will just meet you at the time & location selected and start taking photos.
Some pet photographer’s will design a reveal for you to show you your images and help you select the images and artwork for your finished artwork while others will load your images onto an online gallery for you to download.
Neither is right or wrong, but you should consider which will fit your needs best. If you love DIY and printing your own photos, someone offer an all inclusive “shoot & share” model might be a great fit. If you prefer a more custom done for your service, a full service photographer will be a better fit.
4. The Final Product
While we’re talking about process, the finished product is important criteria to consider. This is a completely personal choice.
For me, I love offering a complete done for you custom service where we talk about your dog before the session, create a plan to capture the images that are most important to you, and then I help you choose how to take those digital pixels to real artwork to hold in your hands and display on your walls in addition to digital files.
Presenting my clients with a tangible beautiful art piece is a big part of WHY I’m a pet photographer.
But, maybe you want your images delivered on a disc or gallery online without any physical art, and there are pet photographers that offer that too.
5. Your Pet Photography Budget
As long as the pet photographer is running a legal business and properly insured, there is a pet photographer for most every budget.
Don’t take risks with someone operating under the table without liability insurance or a legal business entity… your pet’s safety is too important.
Pricing for pet photography will vary based on many factors - experience, processes, final artwork, vendors, location, and more all play a part.
Just remember, the price a pet photographer charges usually lines up with the value & experience they deliver.