Planning for Your Pet Portrait Session
One-of-a-kind portraits for pets in and around Manhattan, Kansas
Support T. Russel Reitz Shelter
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Pooch Playoffs
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Images You Love
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Support T. Russel Reitz Shelter ~ Pooch Playoffs ~ Images You Love ~
Before Your Session
Consider a groomer a few days before your session to reduce shedding and ensure a clean coat. If you don’t regularly use a groomer, a home bath and thorough brush out are a good idea. Photoshop can’t fix dirty/dusty fur.
Make sure your pup’s nails are trimmed. Long nails can be a distraction in an otherwise beautiful image.
If you have a high-energy dog, playing with them for a bit before leave may help to calm them somewhat.
Wipe their eyes. Some dogs need this more than others, but a quick swipe before you walk out your door (especially if it’s something they don’t like) means we won’t have to address it at the session.
A quick brushing right before you leave is a good idea, too.
Feed them only a small amount, if anything before leaving home! If they show up a little hungry we’ll have a better chance to get the desired responses from treating them.
During Your Session
1) Bring along:
Any treats (especially high value treats) that will be helpful in convincing your dog to sit for the camera, or to move around. We’ll do some of both. I will have some treats on hand we can pull out if needed and if they are approved by you first.
A favorite toy or two. These can elicit some fun reactions and actions.
A brush – especially if long-haired – just to tidy up if needed.
Leash or no leash: If your pet typically wears a harness that covers a lot of their body, please bring a collar as well. A flat, neutral color leash and collar is preferred (especially if you want their collar edited out). I have a show lead that can be used as well.
2) Be on time:
Our schedule allows for about 10-15 minutes for your dog to acclimate to the area. I like to take some time to get to know your dog and let them check out my equipment before we start photographing.
3) Relax:
Your dog feeds off your energy. If you’re nervous or anxious about how your dog is reacting, they will know it. They may not be on their best behavior at first and that’s OK! Almost every dog I’ve worked with calms down eventually if we give them patience and let them adjust. Even for the dogs who have trouble settling, we can still get some fun action portraits.
After Your Session
MAKE YOUR SELECTIONS
Your ordering appointment can be at my studio or in your home and will take place within two weeks of your session. During your appointment you will view your images and Karen will help you select the best of the best. Karen will then guide you to select the artwork that best meets your individual needs and style to complement your home decor.
ORDER PICKUP/DELIVERY
The best part of all of this is when you receive your order! Once it arrives, Karen will contact you about a convenient time for you to pick up at her studio or she can drop off at your home, if you leave in or near Manhattan, Kansas.
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