10 Tips for Photographing Fabulous Fuzzy Faces 1. Do your homework. Know what treats are the dog’s favorites. Know if Fido is friendly, timid, or aggressive (in which case you might want to double check your insurance policy!). Find out what the dog’s commands are. What signals or words are used to make him sit? Lie down? What other tricks can he do? Action shots are fun! 2. Educate your client – I mean the owner, not the dog! This pertains to people shoots, too. Make sure that they know what to expect and what you want their role to be. Unless I know that the dog is well trained and will listen extremely well to the owner, (I looooove photographing service dogs for this reason) I prefer to be in charge. When too many people jump in the mix and try to get the attention of the animal, the animal gets confused and overwhelmed and then tunes out, just like kids. 3. Safety first – for you AND Fido! When you first meet Fuzzy, do so politely and gently. Let the dog warm up to you if it is timid. Approach him WITHOUT your camera first. Some dogs can completely […]
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Why a Camera Won’t Make You a Pro Photographer
Why a Camera Won’t Make You a Pro Photographer I’m so excited to tell you a bit about CRAFT. But before I can tell you about CRAFT, you need to know a little bit about me, and why I am qualified to be your dream business mentor: I was an Instructor with the Institute in Photographic Studies for 5 years. I wrote for Digital Photography School for 6 years. I’ve worked with artists and photographers for 8 years now. And I have helped photographers create businesses of their dreams for another 6 years. I have also been a successful Wedding and Portrait Photographer for 8 years. This industry has been my life. It’s people are my family. I am for photographers everywhere. I am for YOU. In fact, I’ll let you in on a secret: YOU are the reason why I created CRAFT Business Bootcamp. Year after year I see incredibly talented photographers who aren’t being paid for their art. Year after year I hear stories of photographers who get taken advantage of because they don’t have a firm grasp on the business side. Time and again I see 8 out of 10 photographers walk away from the opportunity […]
11 Tips to Incorporate Pets into your Engagement or Wedding Session
11 Tips to Incorporate Pets into your Engagement Session Do your want to incorporate your dog or pets into your Engagement Session, next Portrait Session, or Wedding? 1-Bring a third person or trainer to the appointment or event. Engagement sessions are usually 1 to 2 hours, multiple locations, and involve a few outfit changes. It is not practical to expect a pet to endure all of that. When booking your session, bring a friend or relative that can take the animal with them once you are done with the portraits you want with your pet. Be prepared to change outfits after pet pictures. 2- Plan very carefully for your pet if you are incorporating them into your big day. Weddings take all day. If they are not part of the ceremony, it might be best to have them arranged to be there just for the group and couple pictures. Again, you will need to have someone, not in the wedding party, who is dedicated to taking care of them for you. You will have way too much going on and will not have the adequate time think and care for your pet that day. 3- Preparing your pet for the session. […]
8 Tips to Photograph Pets on the Move
8 Tips to Photograph Pets on the Move Sit, Ubu, Sit…..and other things we wish our dogs did on command I’ve been a photographer for over 7 years, and a dog owner for longer than that. I have no children, so a lot of times, when I want to practice a new technique or play with a new piece of equipment, my poor fur-babies get to be in the hot seat. It’s pretty comical now, because my 5 year old Australian Shepherd, Jasper, can be all cuddled up by me being sweet, and the minute I hold the iPhone up to snap a quick pic, he’s jumps down and hides. My dogs know a few commands, and can typically be bribed with some yummy morsel – at least long enough to snap a few shots – but not every dog I’ve shot is so easily lulled to stillness by a hovering handful of Pup-eroni. However, shooting dogs has become one of my very favorite things! So while all pet photographers hope for a dog with the training of a K9 police dog or Lassie, sometimes we get a dog more along the likes of Odie. 🙂 Here are a few […]
8 Pet Photoshoot Tips
Dog portraits and pet photography isn’t always easy but with these pet photoshoot tips you’ll have beautiful poses and portraits. A lot of people don’t know that there is really a niche for a pet photography business just for those four-legged loved ones. Do you enjoy capturing pets? These amazing creatures have such fun personalities allowing you to capture some funny pet portraits. Plus their capture the qualities that make photographing them important. What can help to make this important job easier? Here’s some pet photography tips and advice on the best camera for dog photography! Pet Photoshoot 1. Pet Photography Business: As a business owner, you always want to look your best. BUT wearing your nice clothes for pet portraits isn’t always a great idea. You obviously want to look presentable but you also need to be in clothes that can be slobbered on. You will probably get animal hair and grass on them also. Wear tennis shoes or something comfortable and easy to get around in. 2. Professional Pet Photography – Be professional in your business. Make sure your clients are taken care of. Have a small bowl and bottle of water for the dogs. You can use […]
Be the loudest Photographer and make the most noise
Step out and make some noise. Be the loudest photographer and make the most noise… Be the loudest. Maybe not quite obnoxious. But be loud and known. Hey photographer friend, before you start reading can I ask you a couple of questions. These questions aren’t meant to trap you…there is no right or wrong…just put your thinking cap on for a minute. When was the life changing moment that you wanted to step into the world and be a photographer? Did you make it happen or were you scared? Maybe you did make it happen but you’re still scared to this day. When someone asks you “so what do you do, where do you work?” do you cringe to say ” I’M A PHOTOGRAPHER”. Can I strip my mask off for a minute? Can I be real with you here on this blog? “I am a Photographer and I’m here to say I’d like to make a lot of noise in this already noisy photography world.” Yet I must face the facts… I am a nobody. I’m ok with that… I am a nothing photographer. That’s fine by me… are you with me here? I’ve […]