Studio
Your pet portrait journey starts with booking the Studio.
I have a secure pet friendly purpose built studio in Fareham, equipped with the latest professional equipment.
Each studio session lasts for one hour, during which time we will capture a series of photographs using a range of lighting options, backdrops and suitable props.
What is included in the session fee?
The studio is available for a fixed fee of £100 which includes exclusive use of the studio for one hour, all professional camera, lighting, backdrops and props and of course the photographer that will lead the session with you and your pet.
The aim of the session in the studio is to record a portfolio of images that capture the essence of your pet. We aim to have a minimum of 20 -30 quality images for your portfolio, although the actual number of images taken will likely far exceed this.
The studio session is just part of the experience. It is important to me that you and your pet are prepared when arriving at the studio, so I get best use of your time with us.
The fee includes the following:
- After your booking is confirmed, we will have a short call or Zoom meeting, where I will provide some information on what to expect at the Studio
- On the day of your booking, we will spend one hour in the Studio with your Pet (up to two from same household).
- After the Studio session, I will prepare the image portfolio for your review. I will be in contact with you to arrange a Zoom call or I can send you a link to my online gallery of the results
- You can select one image from the portfolio to be printed in 8" x 10" format, unframed and including the same image in a Facebook / Instagram ready format
Of course, if you would like alternative formats, framed options or more images printed, then we can fully discuss and price those requirements during our presentation of your pet portrait portfolio.
What to expect at the studio session
Your pet portrait session will begin with me getting to know your pet, initially I will ignore him/her and observe behaviours and look out for any stress signs. The studio can be a scary place for animals so I always go at your pets pace. Rewarding only when they are comfortable and calm, taking as many breaks as needed. This is to ensure we go at your pets pace ensuring a calm but fun experience.
I expect to get your pet ready for photography after about 10 minutes of introduction and settling. Some animals are more excitable than others. If you think that your pet might have a more excitable nature, then please get in touch to discuss in advance of making a booking.
We respectfully request that children are not brought to the studio.
Reviews
We took our parent’s Sausage dog for a session and it was amazing. Denise was very welcoming and understood that Winston was sometimes stressed with new people so she just allowed him to sniff and relax in his own time and she stayed in the background until he was settled. She also encouraged us to take some of his own toys so his scent was in the studio too.
The session was at Winston’s peace and we didn’t feel rushed. The environment was calm. Denise made us feel so at home. The session was amazing and we got some amazing shots for a gift. Her skills are outstanding. I would definitely recommend Denise , she is truly a natural and a beautiful human. Thanks you for a fantastic session and some perfect shots and we will be back in the future.
Claire North
I booked in to see Denise with my three Miniature Dachshunds to get some promotion shots for an event that I am running in August. Denise was very professional from the start with informing me where my dogs could go and what was okay for them to do in the studio, she made me feel at ease straight away.
Normally one of my dogs who is very reactive is quite wary of strangers, but Denise followed my instructions with just saying hello gently and she was absolutely fine with Denise. Denise has a very calm way with animals and not long after we were in the studio all three of my dogs were begging her for a cuddle!!! One of my dog's Esme has been through a lot in her short life with lots of surgery and I have to say that I was quite emotional when I saw the pictures that she sent me of her. Denise had managed to capture everything about Esme's personality in her pictures, how strong she is and her tenacious spirit.
I would 100% recommend Denise to have your pets photographed she is amazing, thankyou so much!
Harriet Anne-Alice Music
Denise was wonderful at our photoshoot with my cat Layla, she was so patient with Layla when she was feeling worried in the studio and did everything she could to accommodate what she needed. She spent time getting to know her and letting her explore before taking any photos and she had some great ideas to help Layla feel comfortable like treats and catnip bubbles. The photos are beautiful and we will definitely be back!
Kerry Jones
Frequently asked questions
What is a face-to-face presentation?
This will be the first time you will get to see the photographs that have been taken on the day of your session. Come back to my studio, enjoy a beverage on the sofa whilst I show you what I have captured. This is also the time to choose which images you would like to purchase and to sample the various products, framing and paper options available.
What can I do with the images after the session?
My passion is printing what I have captured so I will always encourage you to let me handle the printing process but equally I can provide digital files if required.
Please be aware that not all print companies or home printers will print the same image that you see on your computer screen and can cause huge disappointment if not handled correctly.
What if my pet has to stay on lead?
No problem at all, I can take out leads when I retouch your images.
Where does the session take place?
I have my own dedicated studio in Fareham with free parking right outside the studio, the address will be provided upon booking as it is an invite only studio to avoid disturbances during sessions.
Can I get involved during the session?
Yes absolutely, you know your pet and how to ask them to move and “pose” for the photographer.
There is no pressure on you at all though, we all remain calm and happy and even if we allow your pet to have a snooze on the rug this all helps to capture that moment in time we are looking for.
How many dogs can I bring to my session?
I can photograph up to two dogs from the same household but I prefer to photograph one at a time
Can I bring my cat in for a session?
Yes please! As long as you feel your cat will handle being in an unfamiliar environment without becoming stressed or frightened I see no problem.
I have species appropriate treats, fresh water and a clean litter tray you can use to place your cats own litter in just incase "nature calls”
What happens after the session?
I will take a look at what we have captured and put together the best images for you to view at your viewing session at the studio or via a video zoom call.
Don’t worry, I never delete any that I think you may like but I do make sure all the images are in focus and of a high standard for you to view.
This process will take approximately 1 week
When you have selected your images I will then work on them to make sure they are perfect, this is where I take out stray hairs over eyes, eye bogies, perfect the composition of the image and colour correct. Images taken straight out of a professional camera still need working on and this is where I differ from the average pet photographer.
Do you need me to do anything before the session?
Some owners like to have their dogs groomed beforehand, but a quick brush may be all that is needed. If you have a high energy dog then a walk beforehand would be benificial to make sure they are calmer in the studio.
Do you photograph any other animals?
Yes, I am confident with all species as long as they are not dangerous, venomous or on the list of banned animals to keep as pets in the UK.
I have temporary holding tanks for small creatures and a heated enclosure for any pets that require a top up of warmth such as bearded dragons or African pigmy hedgehogs.
I need to re arrange my appointment?
Give me a call, I can help you. 07850 497721
How much can I expect to invest in artwork?
Typically customers will spend from £75 to £1,500 on prints, albums or framed artwork on top of their session fee.
How do I know my pet will enjoy being photographed in the studio?
My honest answer is I don’t know how your pet will react to my setup until they are here. I do take my sessions and introductions seriously and I will end a session if I feel your pet is becoming stressed or fearful. It’s uncommon, but can happen and I do my best to work with your pet to avoid this happening.
If this does happen I will re schedule your session to try again once more.
My dog is big, is that a problem?
As long as your dog is not aggressive I see no problem, I'm used to big dogs.
Do you print the photographs/artwork yourself?
I do not print on home printers. I use a professional print lab that will ensure the colours in my artwork are printed correctly on quality papers and inks.
I firmly believe that my artwork should be displayed in print form for everyone to enjoy for years to come.
I would like a particular size print in a frame that matches my living room, can you do that?
Yes, custom sizes are easily achieved. I will give my honest opinion on the best size for the space, colour and decor of your home. I want you to be happy with your purchases.
My dog always has a dusty face complete with eye junk, can you photoshop that out?
Each image we select will always go through a retouching process. Dust, twigs, bits of treats, eye bogies and way ward hairs all get removed.
Why do you charge a session fee separate when Joe or Marge down the road offers it for free?
Simply put, I do not do gimmicks to entice or trap my clients. Running a dedicated photography studio costs a huge amount of time and money and the session fee is put in place to cover my time and studio expense.
I’ve seen you advertise a “model call” where the session is free and you receive a complimentary 8x10 print, how can I be included?
Model calls are for my own personal projects that might require a particular animal that I want to photograph or to be used on a commercial job such as advertising pet food or clothing. These sessions can be longer than 1 hour but I follow the same animal safety procedures and professionalism as my normal studio sessions.
If you have an un usual pet that you think I could use in my Portfolio or future projects please do let me know via my contact page and I will add you to my model call list.
What is the biggest pet I can bring into the studio?
If you have a Falabella Horse, a Golden Guernsey goat or a Great Dane. I'd love to have them in my studio. :)