Frequently Asked Questions
WILL MY DOG BE SUITABLE FOR A PHOTO SESSION?
If your dog is excitable, reactive, nervous, camera-shy, or all that and more, they are still suitable. My years volunteering for rescue groups means I have worked with every obedience level and character trait known to canine-kind! I have never met a dog I couldn’t photograph. If you have a specific concern, we can address it – just drop me a line and tell me about it!
MY DOG DOESN’T EVEN KNOW SIT, CAN YOU STILL PHOTOGRAPH HIM/HER?
I can (see answer above). However, if your dog knows some basic commands – sit, stay, drop – it will be very beneficial. Several of the dogs you see in the gallery didn’t know any of those things though, so don’t let it be a deterrent.
MY DOG CAN’T BE OFF-LEAD, WILL THAT BE AN ISSUE?
Not an issue at all. 90% of the rescues I work with can’t be off-lead either, it doesn’t prevent me from taking great photos. Leashes can be removed in post production.
My puppy isn't fully vaccinated, should I wait?
Please nooooooo! Tiny baby puppies can be photographed at home or in my sterile, disease-free, studio. Don’t wait, the difference between 8wks and 12wks is huge, especially in anything bigger than a toy breed.
WHAT AGE SHOULD MY DOG BE?
They should be today’s age! I photograph dogs young and old, please don’t let their age be a deciding factor. One piece of advice I do have is don’t put it off. Many of my clients tell me that their last dog died unexpectedly and they regret not getting photos done.
DO YOU PHOTOGRAPH OTHER PETS?
I do indeed but I’m best known in canine circles so the majority of my bookings do tend to be for dog sessions.
My cat won't be happy in the studio can you bring the studio to me?
I can’t bring the full scale version of my studio but I can bring a small mobile studio setup to you. Happy cat, happy photographer!
CAN MY WHOLE FAMILY BE IN THE PHOTOS?
Family can absolutely jump in one or two photos, but keep in mind that I am a pet photographer so our session’s main focus will be on your furry family member.
CAN WE DO THE SHOOT AT HOME?
If your home has nice light and a beautiful garden with space to run then I’m definitely open to that idea!
WHAT IF THE WEATHER IS BAD?
On-location Sessions: Light plays a huge part in the photos I take. If there is rain or a lot of cloud cover forecast we’ll need to reschedule. I also don’t shoot in high temperatures or strong winds as, in my experience, your dog won’t be comfortable and that will be reflected in the photos from the shoot. My number one goal is to get the best possible images for you so sessions may need to be rescheduled more than once.
Studio Sessions: These are only rescheduled due to weather if there’s a storm so loud that it will pose a distraction for your pet.
MY DOG IS SICK, CAN YOU FIT IN A LAST MINUTE BOOKING?
Where possible my schedule can absolutely be adjusted to accommodate urgent sessions for pets that are terminally ill.
DO YOU EVER COME TO ANY OTHER CITIES?
With four dogs of my own I very rarely travel anywhere else (for work or pleasure!) but I do offer sessions in Canberra at least once a year. A commitment to invest $2995 in art works is required for travel sessions.
CAN I JUST HAVE THE FILES ON USB?
I don’t believe that I’d be providing the best possible service if I offered “just the files”. My focus is on providing my clients with beautiful high quality artworks for their home that they can cherish forever. I include a complimentary social media file of every artwork you purchase and the high resolution files of all images purchased are included with orders of $3995 or more.
DO YOU OFFER PAYMENT PLANS?
Yes, I do! Your order will go into production once the final payment is made. Don’t want to wait? I also accept credit cards.
DO YOU SELL GIFT VOUCHERS?
Yes, I do. They can be purchased from my online store: https://www.ruthlessphotos.com/product/portrait-session-gift-voucher/
