Getting a puppy is such an exciting time and with everything that happened with the various lockdowns in 2020 and 2021, it seems many of you have taken the plunge into dog ownership. I am jealous!! Puppies are simply the cutest, although a good friend of mine once told me they have to be otherwise we wouldn’t put up with the mischief (This is a polite version of what she actually said!).
It seems like such a long time ago when, after researching many breeds, I finally decided a Vizsla was the right breed and then the joy that followed at actually picking up the little Eva 8 whole years ago. I remember clearly a few sleepless nights, chewed shoes, oh and the time she wasn’t allowed on the sofa (the sofa is now her sofa – not sure how that happened).
We will each have our own little story about how our life was turned upside down (for the better) by our new 4 legged best friend. Whilst I have always been incredibly trigger happy behind a camera I neither had the equipment or skill to photograph to the standard I do today, however looking back to Eva being so tiny was one of the main reasons I have since turned to photography as far more than just a hobby and have made it a mission to refine my skills, so your puppys get the photoshoots they deserve!
Puppy Eva
Meeting Eva for the first time. It was love at 1st nibble on my hair!
Your Puppy!
First off let me tell you one very important thing…..
You are doing far better than you think!
I will often see a puppy and the owner will apologise for them being naughty sometimes before the shoot has even started.
They are not being naughty, they are learning and growing up and that is perfectly ok and normal, so just relax 🙂
One of the most important aspects of my photoshoot is that they must be fun. Fun for you, and fun for your pup, for puppies there are a few locations that I like to use as they fit some very specific criteria which help us to all have a fun and relaxed time. These include;
*Fully enclosed
*Livestock free
*Generally quiet areas where we can avoid other walkers
*Good views (love a good background!)
Yogi the Springer Spaniel puppy
Yogi
Yogi the Springer Spaniel puppy having a fun photoshoot in the snow
What to actually expect on the day of the shoot
On the day itself I will usually be there ready for you, with my camera all set up so when you arrive, my focus can be completely on you and your puppy.
My voice, which through most of my life I have hated, as it is a little on the high pitched side dogs and puppies especially seem to love! So the first few minutes will essentially be puppy cuddles and playtime, with my camera around my neck, using treats too to reinforce that I am a fun person to be around (if you are happy with treats being used, I completely respect different training methods), (It’s a tough job being a puppy photographer! but someone has to do it!!) This allows the puppy to get used to me and my camera and helps to create awesome shots of the puppy looking straight at you through the picture.
We will then go for a little wander, depending on the age of your puppy will depend on how far we go as I understand how important it is for them to not do too much at a young age. They can have a play and a run, I will often get the ‘portrait shots during the split second that they pause as generally at this age it is a little much to expect them to understand sit and stay!
Dog photoshoot:
Your pet photoshoot with Emma, The Pop Up Photographer is booked and you are wondering what happens next?
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Here is some useful information to help the shoot go as smoothly as possible so that you can get the most out of it…….
Relax
Throughout the whole process, it is my job to capture your dogs’ unique personality. If they can’t come off the lead… Not an issue, if they are a million miles an hour and hate sitting still… don’t worry. I am used to working with all types of dogs at every level of training. My aim is to make the whole experience and fun for all those involved, so just relax.
To bring on the day – for the dog…..
Please bring the following;
🐾Lead and collar, safety is very important, and I can remove collars if necessary in post-processing.
🐾Favourite toy if they have one, especially a noisy one to get their attention.
🐾Poo bags – dogs will be dogs
🐾A doggy towel in case of showers and impromptu swimming sessions if we are by the water
🐾Treats – I do not want to upset any tummies so if they are on a special diet please bring some treats along – I will have my own if they are like mine and just eat anything 🙂
🐾Dogs (and owners) to be groomed, clean and presentable, with eyes fully visible.
To bring on the day for You
Whilst a lot of owners initially say don’t want to be in the pictures, when it comes to the shoot, I do like to get a few candid shots and these regularly end up being the absolute favourites….
So with this in mind please dress warm, casual smart with sturdy comfortable footwear and waterproofs, I will check the weather the day before to makes sure it is not forecasted for heavy rain, however, this is England and showers happen so better to be prepared…
Ideas? Amazing!
Always open to trying out new ideas, if there is anything specific you would like me to capture please let me know at the start of the shoot so that I can plan it in.
Questions?
If you have any questions at all before the shoot just get in touch
