Why I Send a Questionnaire About Your Pet Before the Photoshoot
When you book a pet photography session with me, one of the first things I do is send you a quick questionnaire about your furry friend. You might wonder why this is necessary—after all, shouldn’t I just show up and capture beautiful images? While spontaneity can be part of the magic, the truth is understanding your pet ahead of time helps me create the best experience for both of you. Here’s why this questionnaire is a crucial step in the process:
Gimli and Legolas at home in Victoria
1. Understanding Your Pet’s Personality
Just like people, every pet is unique. By learning about your pet’s temperament in advance, I can tailor the session to get the most out of our time together. If your dog is nervous around new people, I’ll take a slow and gentle approach. I won’t be trying to talk them into something they’re not comfortable with because I’ll know ahead of time what works well for them and what doesn’t. If they’re full of energy, we can plan for plenty of playtime and a few action shots!
This advance knowledge makes the whole process run smoother, quicker and everyone has more fun. You can sit back and relax and not have to worry about explaining things to me.
2. Planning for Special Needs or Preferences
Does your pet have any special needs, medical conditions, or sensitivities? Maybe they’re deaf, have arthritis, or are reactive to certain sounds. Knowing these details helps me adjust my techniques, choices, and pacing so your pet stays happy and comfortable throughout the session.
Knowing certain details can make or break the session. For example, this winter I did shoot where there were two dogs in the household who were friends but would never touch. This allowed me to set them up in the shot to make sure they both featured prominently but never got too close to one another!
3. The Quality of the Artwork
When your pet is comfortable, this means more genuine expressions and joyful moments captured on camera. In addition, when I know as much as I can about your pet, I can come up with some creative elements that are unique to your pet. I can also make sure to capture behaviors or looks that are special to you. Some pets love playing with toys, while others couldn’t care less. Maybe your dog has a favorite blanket or your cat adores a specific perch. Your answers help me prepare the right props and setups to ensure we highlight your pet’s true personality in the photos.
Summing it up
Ultimately, the questionnaire helps me make your pet’s session unique to them. No two pets are the same, and their photoshoot should reflect that! By gathering information in advance, I can craft a session that tells your pet’s story in a way that feels authentic and meaningful.
So, when you receive that questionnaire before your photoshoot, know that it’s more than just a form—it’s the first step in creating stunning, heartfelt images that showcase your pet’s true essence. The more I know, the better I can capture their personality and the love you share.
Ready to book a session? Let’s create some unforgettable memories together!