FAQ

Not a problem at all! While it’s helpful if your dog knows a few commands, it’s definitely not a must. Dogs are naturally curious, playful, sometimes stubborn, and full of personality—just as they should be. I approach every session with patience (and a few tricks up my sleeve) to help get their attention. I believe dogs are perfect just the way they are, and it’s their unique personalities that I love to capture in photos.

Your dog’s safety is always my top priority. If we're shooting in a park, forest, or any area with distractions, I actually recommend keeping your dog on a leash—and in many cases, I encourage it! Unless you’re completely confident in your dog’s recall, it’s best to play it safe.

A special long line can used to get those fun, action-packed shots while still keeping your dog secure. And don’t worry—any leashes (and even humans, if needed!) will be expertly edited out of your final images at no extra cost.

Yes—there are a few simple things that can help make your dog’s session a success!

TREATS:

Please bring your dog’s favorite treats—something they’re already familiar with. We want to avoid any tummy upsets by introducing new foods right before the session. Their usual kibble works great too and can be used as a reward without overdoing it on rich treats.

TOYS:

If your dog has a favorite toy, especially one that makes noise and grabs their attention, feel free to bring it along! Just keep it on the smaller side—we want to use it to capture their focus, not to start a full play session. If you're unsure whether it's suitable, bring it anyway and I’ll decide on the day whether it’ll help.

COLLAR VS HARNESS:

If it’s safe and your dog is comfortable, a collar is preferred over a harness. Collars tend to look better in photos and are easier to edit out if needed. But don’t worry—whatever your dog needs to feel secure is totally fine.

Morning is usually ideal as the soft morning light is beautiful and suits my photography style. It’s also cooler, which helps keep your dog comfortable and less likely to overheat or pant excessively during the shoot.

Late afternoon is also a great option, especially with the warm, golden light leading up to sunset. Either time gives us the flattering natural light we need for stunning images.

Absolutely! I’d love to photograph all of your pets. The Classic Package (“Moony”) includes up to two pets. If you’d like to bring three or more pets, there’s a small additional fee of R150 per extra pet to cover the extra time and post-processing involved.

Yes, I do! Gift certificates are a wonderful and thoughtful gift for any pet lover. They’re available for both packages as well as an Oil Portrait Painting commission.

Yes, absolutely. We’ll chat about any behavioral challenges during our pre-session consultation so I can tailor the session to your dog’s needs. The most important thing is that your dog feels safe and at ease. I’m patient and experienced with a variety of temperaments, and I’ll take the time needed to help your dog get comfortable with both me and the camera.

Your dog will get plenty of movement during our session, so a walk beforehand usually isn’t necessary. That said, for high-energy breeds, a short walk before the shoot can help take the edge off and make them a little more focused. We can discuss what’s best for your dog ahead of time.

Absolutely! While the spotlight is on your pet, I love capturing the beautiful connection between pets and their people. The bond you share is what makes your story unique—and that’s exactly what I aim to photograph.

We’ll focus mostly on your pet during the session, but I always encourage owners to step in for a few special shots. You don’t need to do anything fancy—just be yourself, and I’ll guide you through the moments naturally.

When it comes to choosing your outfit, think timeless and understated—something that lets your pet shine. Avoid bright colors, bold stripes, or large logos, as they can distract from the natural beauty of your pet and the surroundings. These elements can also date your photos over time.

Neutral tones tend to work best—they complement your pet and help keep the focus where it belongs. If you’ll be in a few shots, feel free to treat yourself to hair and makeup on the day of the session, especially if it helps you feel more confident and relaxed in front of the camera.

About a week before your session, I’ll reach out to discuss the perfect location for your photoshoot. You can choose between a beach shoot, where your pet can enjoy the sand and waves, or a forest-style shoot, offering a beautiful, natural backdrop. We’ll work together to pick the best spot for both you and your pet.

The photoshoot typically lasts about an hour. However, if your pet needs more time to get comfortable, we can extend the session. Some dogs are more relaxed and we can capture stunning images in less time, but rest assured, I’ll never rush and will stay as long as it takes to get the beautiful shots we’re after.

Before the session, clients are required to sign a Photography Services Agreement. This document outlines our mutual responsibilities and includes a model release, which allows me to use the images for portfolio and promotional purposes. A tailored agreement for your specific session will be provided for you to sign in advance.

Yes, I would love to create a painting for you! If you do not have a high quality close-up photo of your pet, and you are locally situated, then I will take a few photos to use as reference. The cost of this mini-shoot will be included in personalised quote. Pricing will depend on the size of the painting and your choice of either a canvas board, or a stretch canvas. I am also very happy to assist with the framing process to ensure that the art is beautifully completed and ready to hang in your home. Let's chat about your options!