Pet Preparation Guide
For the most stunning images a really clean, well groomed pet is vital.
It also helps if you can have someone with you on the day to assist you to get your pet looking its best. One of you can hold the lead and handle the pet while the other gets the animal’s attention and those all important pricked ears!
I can help you to apply finishing touches at the start of the session, however I may try to keep a little distance once I have my camera in hand so it doesn’t get damaged with for example a dog jumping up on me and landing on the camera!
Grooming
Recommendations
What should I wear if I want to be in the photos with my pet?
- Casual look – for example, jeans with a belt and a nice top
- Formal look – a flattering dress / black tie dress
- Themed look – for example you can dress up in vintage clothing, in seasonal dress or a character from your favourite movie or TV show etc.
Patterns & Prints
Busy prints and patterns generally do not photograph well – it is usually best to stick with plain solid colours.
Neutral and dark solid colours go with most coat colours.
Soft pastel colours can also work well for a pretty look.
Colours
Layers
Use layers – a well cut jacket can be worn and then simply removed for a completely new look.
Footwear
Consider your footwear. Try to chose footwear you can move about. For ease of movement I suggest you avoid high heels unless in studio.
If planning a farm walk please note it can often be wet and mucky in places so I suggest boots you can clean easily afterwards – wellies or hiking boots are most appropriate
Accessories
Think about your accessories – perhaps a nice necklace or bracelet.
Can you fix that in Photoshop?
I am pretty experienced editing in Adobe Photoshop so there are often things I can add in or take out when editing after the session. I can try to remove any little scratches, scars or blemishes on the pet to try to present the animal at its best.
However, if the animal or collar is dirty, untidy or poorly presented I will not perform extensive editing without an additional editing fee. It is very difficult, if not impossible, to make a dirty dog or collar look clean. For best results please follow the preparation guide and present your pet clean, well groomed and tidy.
If you have any special requirements regarding the editing please discuss it with me during the session.
Most portrait sessions take place at Annaharvey Farm, near Tullamore, where I have my photography studio.
Please note it is a busy Equestrian Centre so there are lots of horses, ponies on site with straw and hay throughout. Please contact me in advance if you have concerns relating to allergies to animal hair, grasses or dust etc.
I do sometimes travel to other locations by arrangement so please get in touch if you have somewhere different in mind.
Where will the session take place?
Frequently Asked Questions
Patience and a split second in a good pose is all we need! I am very familiar with fast moving animals and am happy to wait for an animal to relax and settle down.
If you have a very high energy dog do give him some exercise before you arrive for the session so he will settle quicker – just avoid wearing him out completely, especially with pups and young dogs.
My pet won't sit still - can you still photograph her?
Yes, you can divide your one hour session between the two dogs.
I have two dogs - can you photograph them both?
I will always do as much as possible to make every animal feel relaxed and happy during a session. I try to make sessions fun, with lots of rewards and breaks. Having said that, please do let me know in advance if you have any concerns about how your dog may react.
Often it just takes some time and patience to make the dog feel safe and build the trust. Do bring your dog’s favourite treats which can help to get the dog into a suitable position for a photograph.
My dog is very nervous - will you still be able to photograph him?
Yes, I am happy for you and your close family to be in the photo alongside your pet.
Can I be in the photo too?
- Collar & lead
- High value treats e.g. tiny pieces of chicken or cheese
- Favourite toy / ball / frisbee
- Dog poo bags
- Clicker if you use one in training
What should I bring?
D O'Sullivan
"Aisling is a wonderful person and truly a professional in her field. She was instantly able to put myself and Lucy (my horse) at ease and capture some captivating photographs. The process was fun and enjoyable, we had some laughs while also getting some fabulous photos (the odd funny one as well). I will be back as I have another horse and a dog that definitely need a camera on them 🙂 I simply cannot recommend her enough!"
P Tracy
"Aisling is a super talented photographer who gets the best out of the humans as well as the animals on her shoots. Hardest part for me was picking my favourite photographs as I loved them all!"
K Horan
"Aisling Deverell Photography was a referral to me, but right from the very first phone call all I experienced a very professional approach to what I wanted done when it came to capturing pictures of our dog Covey. Aisling has a great love and kindness for animals and this came across in her work during the photography sessions.
The final portrait and coffee table book was produced to the highest of standards and I was well chuffed with the results. I would have no hesitation in recommending Aisling. It was a pleasure to do business with Aisling Deverell Photography."
