Welcome.
Thank you for booking a photoshoot with me. I am so excited to meet you and your dog/s and can't wait to spend some time with them, getting to know them a little and creating some wonderful images for you. I hope that this guide will give you all the information you need and answer any questions you may have, but if there is anything else then please let me know.
Preparing for the session.
A couple of days before the planned shoot, I will contact you to confirm all the details regarding contact numbers, location, parking and of course.....the weather. This is an ideal opportunity to ask any last minute questions you may have.
TOP TIPS
Please take the time to read through this guide as it will give you an insight into what to expect and how I run the session.
Make sure you have everything from the checklist that is necessary ready and packed the day before so that you do not forget anything.
Make sure you have my phone number in your phone.
This is your photoshoot, so please have a think about any particular types of images you would like to try and capture.
Clothing
Please make sure that you dress suitably for the terrain and weather on the day, but at the same time feel comfortable in what you are wearing.
Soft muted tones work best, making sure clothes are clean with no logo's or fluorescent colours and are seasonally appropriate.
I call the ideal outfit something along the lines of 'sensible, seasonal, smart dog walking gear that you don't mind being photographed in'.
There is nothing worse than seeing the final images and thinking, "Oh I wish I hadn't worn that".
I am happy for you to wear sunglasses or transition lenses at the shoot, but for photo's that include you, I will ask you to remove them as I need to be able to see your eyes.
Please ask about any outfits you have in mind if you are unsure.
What to expect.
We thank you for selecting us as your photographers. We have a few recommendations that will help ensure you get the most out of your session.
On the day, I will meet you at the pre-arranged time and place, say hello and meet you dog/s. Then we will discuss our plan for the shoot, and head off. Then it's time to have some fun and relax and let me take care of everything else.
But if I can ask you nicely to:
Please show up promptly at the designated time. Many times, sessions may be scheduled after yours, so arriving late may cut into the time devoted to your session. For most sessions, it is best to arrive 10 minutes early.
Please leave your cameras and phones turned off or muted at the very least. Your session will go much easier without the distraction of other cameras or the need to answer a phone. Remember this is your special time.
There is nothing more distracting for me or the animals if there is one more camera out so please remind your guests that no photos are to be taken during the shoot by anyone other than the photographer.
We reserve the right to ask you to put away cameras and phones.
A little insight into our photoshoot with 'Millie' the Vizsla, 2nd July, 2021.
On The Day Check List
For the dog:
Your dogs Water Bowl and Water that we can take with us.
A Brush
Treats
Lead
Harness
Collar
Long line (if necessary)
For the human:
Another human is always welcome and another pair of hands is always useful.
You will need top bring one person per dog to get the most out of the session.
Wear suitable clothes and footwear for the terrain which can be slightly rough and hilly in places. (See photo's below)
A hat and scarf depending on the weather.
You may be required to walk amongst the bracken / heather as well as on the sandy paths.
NO sandals / flipflops / shorts etc
You are likely to end up in some of the images to a certain degree so please wear clothes that you would be happy to be photographed in.
The best colours to wear are neutral colours that blend in with the scenery for example browns, greens, blacks, whites. Please do not wear anything that stands out, for example Bright Logos, Reds, Yellows, Pinks, Oranges, Fluorescent Colours.
A drink / food
Your Diary so that we can book a date and time to view your images.
My contact number: 07941 458267
Questions.
What do I need to bring?
There is a checklist below, please make sure you read through it and turn up prepared, especially regarding water and a bowl for your dog.
Can I bring someone with me?
Absolutely, another pair of hands is really useful and there are always things that they can help with. If it is a partner then I would encourage them to dress as if they are also going to be in the photo's just in case. You'll regret it if they are there and there are no group photo's to show.
Why Do I Need To Brig Someone If My Dogs Are Controllable Off Lead And Highly Trained?
Yes, you do. I will generally require one handler per dog. It has nothing to do with how well behaved they are, it's a case of not having the other dogs running around when I am working with maybe just one of them, as it is distracting for the dog in question and myself. If I am also working with you and your dog, we need to know that the other dogs are safe. Having extra people there to give them water, keep an eye on them, help if other dogs approach etc. I've seen incredibly well behaved dogs run off after something they see and getting them back almost ended the photoshoot for the client. It also stops the ones not being photographed from getting bored or feeling like they are missing out. It's all about the dogs
Do I need to walk my dog before the shoot?
Honestly no, I am used to dogs that are full of energy and won't sit still, but if they are a little hyped there is no problem in letting them blow off a bit of steam before we start and it gives me time to find out more about your dog, take some test shots and see what kind of things will be possible. It's better than having a dog turn up tired because they have been out on a long walk or running around with other dogs all day.
I have a reactive dog with regard to other dogs and it doesn't like people especially men, can I still book a photoshoot?
Yes, it's absolutely no problem at all. Let me know in advance and we can discuss a photoshoot somewhere quiet, away from people and other animals in a stress free environment - either somewhere new to them so everything is interesting and distracting, or somewhere they feel comfortable and at home. There are also dog parks and areas that you can book for private hire that we can discuss, so that we know your dog will be safe. I am always a distance away from your dog, hardly ever closer than 4 or 5 metres most of the time and I will just work around what your dog is happy doing. I cannot do anything about being a man, but keeping a distance is often enough. I have also had to sit and bribe with treats and just spend time sitting with them for a while until they feel comfortable. There's no rush so we just take out time until we see what will work.
If it doesn't work out and we don't get any images that you like, then I offer my guarantee promise and you can walk away knowing we tried our best and I will refund your booking fee. This has never happened because I will do everything I possibly can to get you the best image you have ever seen of your dog, no matter what it takes.
What if I cannot let him my dog off of the lead?
No problem at all, it is still possible to get amazing images with dogs on a lead either through clever use of angles or in software during the editing process. Just let me know hen we discuss the booking and if you have a long line then I'll suggest bringing it along. If not, then I have one we could use.
What is expected of my dog and what happens if they play up a bit?
Honestly, i'm a little partial to a dog with a naughty or cheeky personality. During the shoot you are in charge and in control of your dog at all times. I will follow your advice on their safety, health and how tired they get and there is never any pressure from me to 'get the shot' as the dogs' welfare is my primary concern at all times. During the photoshoot we'll allow the dog to play, run, sit down and rest. I don't often pose dogs as I prefer to let them just be themselves, but on occasion there are some basic poses we can try or I might ask for them to lie down/sit in front of trees or in the heather/long grass. But if they won't or are not happy to do so then that's ok.
Still worried about how your dog might behave? I love to work with all dogs and well behaved and trained animals are always welcome, but if you do have a dog or horse that is Rescued, Reactive, Disabled, Underlying Health Issues, Anxiety or Separation Issues, Needs To Remain On The Lead, Lacking in Confidence, Would Not Be Able To Undertake An Indoor Studio or Outdoor Enclosed Photoshoot then they are the special ones. They also deserve to have amazing images taken of them and to look their very best in the photo's you have of them.
Do I need any special treats?
I suggest you bring normal treats that you would normally dish out on a walk, but it's also good to have something special with you as well. A real treat like cheese or sausage bits can help them to keep focus if they are easily distracted. Whilst having these with you, I try not to encourage their use until later on in the shoot as once they know you've go them, my job job becomes just a little more difficult. I don't carry treats as I have been doggy-mugged on many ocassions.
Shall I bring toys?
If you dog enjoys playing with toys and has favourite ball then yes , bring it along but we'll treat it in the same way as the treats and hide it for as long as we need to.
Can I suggest things to try?
I will always ask whether there are any types of shots you would like to try as this is your time to have fun as well.
Will I be in the photographs?
Some clients are more happy at the suggestion of being photographed than others which I totally understand. All I ask is that we try some things, you trust that I am not there to make you look uncomfortable and if you are really not happy then you tell me. Thats all fine, It's just that this is a fantastic opportunity for you to have some images of yourself with your dog
What if the weather looks bad?
Generally I only cancel shoots if it is going to be raining. If I know it is definitely going to be wet all day then it is best to cancel, but sometimes with showers you can get amazing skies and something a little different. I am always happy to turn up and if the weather doesn't happen for us, then we re-schedule. This is a discussion we will have a couple of days before when I contact you.
What if I don't like the images I am presented with?
If you are not happy with any of the images presented to you or the shoot does not go to plan then I will happily re-arrange, re-schedule the shoot or refund the booking fee.
After the photoshoot.
After your session, I will get to work on selecting the very best images and then editing those images and getting them up into your gallery. Once they're ready, I'll be in touch with the link to your slideshow.
When you're ready, click the slideshow link, I encourage you to make an event of it! Queue it up on your tv or a large computer screen and gather the whole family around (sound up!)... the first time you see your photos is always the best.
Remember, your slideshow is only available for 24 hours or until you purchase your collection - whichever comes first - but once you've selected and paid for your collection, your gallery (and the slideshow!) will be available for thirty days, pre-loaded with your print credit and set for you to download the number of files that corresponds with your collection.
Downloading your files:
Once you've decided which images you'd like to use for your download credit (no need to choose if you go with collection C), I'd encourage you to do that immediately. The process is simple: select the images and use the down arrow in the upper right corner of your gallery - click on that and the system will walk you through the download process. The images will download as a zip file, which you can double-click on to expand. I suggest you make a second copy of the expanded files, then save the two copies to two different locations - I generally recommend that one copy be saved to an easily accessible drive (either on your computer or on an external hard drive), and that the other get saved to the cloud (Dropbox, Google Drive, etc.). If you have an Amazon account you can store them there for free and have them come up on your tv!
Copyrights (and wrongs):
Once you've got your digital files in hand, you are free to print them as often as you wish - you can use them to make holiday cards, share on your social media pages or personal blog, etc. The only things you can't do are related to the resale of your photos or use for commercial/business purposes or enter them into competition whether print or online. Otherwise, you've got free reign.
Full details of the restrictions regarding digital images were in the contract you signed (check your PDF) and can also be found HERE.
The Online Shop.
Once you hit the 'Play" button on your slideshow, you will have access to it for 24 hours during which time you can watch it as many times as you like and decide which images you really like. During this time you will also be able to choose which collection you would like to purchase. This is nice and easy once you have seen the images and have a feel for how many you are going to want to download and how many you wish to turn into printed products.
To give an idea of the types of products we have in the store and what they cost, please take a look below. Hopefully with all this information you may be able to make the right choice for you. Please remember that each collection has a certain amount of store credit attached to it that you will be able to use.
Please also be aware that you are able to upgrade your collection once int he store to a higher collection, but you are not able to downgrade and all downloads are final as they cannot be returned.
Desk Frames
Print Box
Matted Print Box
Framed Wall Art
Galleries
Digitals
Thank You
Thank you for taking the time to read through all of the above. It's important that you understand the process, how I like to work and what is going to happen before you show up, so that we can all relax, have fun and make the most of the time we have.
Just in case you would like to see what I'm up to:
Contact:
Andrew Winter Photography
76 Orchard Road
Galston
East Ayrshire
Scotland
KA4 8EL
Tel: 07941 458267
