Photo Session FAQs

What happens on a Tell Tails Photo Session?

It’s a simple process:

  Step 1

Get in touch and tell me about your pet, their needs and what they like.  We can share ideas about locations that might suit and which package you'd like to purchase.  

We agree a location together and discuss what sort of photographs you would like to achieve.  For example, most my work is done in natural light, capturing action shots.  Outdoor portraits are captured along the way and studio sessions are also available.

   Step 2 

We book a date, time and location which works for both of us.  I usually book two dates so that we have a backup in case of bad weather.   I will tell you what you need to bring and do to plan for your session.  Their favourite toy is a good place to start but we can chat about that.

Step 3

On the day I will meet you at our chosen location and spend some time getting to know you and your pet.  It's important you and they feel comfortable with me.  I will also introduce them to the camera which looks like a big black eye to them!  

I will check the type of images you want to achieve during your session and we will get to work.  I say "we", as you will be involved!  I work hard to capture wide a variety of pictures and cover those that you want as far as I can.  I’ll be asking you to work with your pet to achieve that!  You can either be in the photographs or not, that’s your call.

Step 4

Your photos are edited and we meet up again so that I can show you your gallery and you can choose your images for the package you've bought

Can I ask you to capture a particular shot?

Yes you can, however you know what they say… “never work with children or animals”!  I will do my utmost to obtain the shot you want but cannot provide a guarantee.

How many photos will be in the gallery?

Roughly it will be around 30-40 for the main sessions and around 20 for each of the shorter sessions e.g.. a mini shoot

What if the weather is bad?

I’ll photograph in any weather except rain as it’s no good for my camera and it’s really not fun.  We will rearrange until the weather is playing ball. You won’t have to pay any more and we will get the session done.

Is there a best time of year to get the best photos?

There’s no particular time and let’s face it, it can rain as much in July as January in the UK!  It really depends on what you are looking for.  Do you want the beautiful colour of bluebells, or the golden cover of Autumn leaves?  Many people think that a sunny day is a great day for photography, which is not the case.  Don’t worry if at our session the sun doesn’t come out – that’s much better for photography!

Is there a best time of day for a photo session?

Lighting conditions are most often best for photography early in the day or a couple of hours before sunset.  In the middle of the day lighting can be quite harsh because the sun is at its’ highest.  In the summer, the middle of the day can become too hot if we are not under any cover.  We will make a decision together when we book the session. 

Can I bring someone with me to the session?

Yes, of course you can bring along who you like. A whole crowd of people would probably be a little distracting so don’t go too mad. Photographing the whole family together, of course including your pets, is a lovely shot though.

Will you do a photo session at my home or at my stables?

Yes.  We'll agree the best location together.

I have a number of pets, can I still book a shoot?

Yes! I’m very happy to multiple pets for the same package price. The length of the shoots remains the same so the number of shots per pet may be less.

Does it matter if my dog can’t be let off the lead?

I understand that it isn’t always possible for your dog to be off the lead. We can discuss locations that might be helpful where they may be ok to be let off such as a specially designed secure field, your home or perhaps that of a friend. If none of that suits we can still do a lovely session on the lead.

Where are you based?

I work mainly in Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Pembrokeshire and base my travel fees from Reading for Berks and Oxon and St David’s for Pembrokeshire.  I’m happy to give you a calculation when you book 

How far will you travel?

I’ll travel to most areas. If it’s a long distance from my base we would need to talk about travel costs and agree them between us.

Is there a sitting or session fee?  What do you charge?

No, there's no sitting or session fee.  I don't believe in charging a fee and then trying to sell the photographs to you afterwards.  I believe that you should be able to have up front costs so that you can budget and understand what you are getting for your money.

I provide set packages.  You choose which one you want, pay for it and then we get going.  We can design a tailored package for you if you don't see what you want here.

All the packages can be found here: www.telltailsphotography.com/packages 

What happens after the session?

Following the shoot we will arrange for you to visit me to view your photographs.  I do this as I have a specially colour calibrated screen so you can see the images as they will be when they are printed.  

As you will already have bought a package you can choose the images you want for them with no pressure.

You must take loads of photos on my shoot – why can’t I see all of them?

I only provide the very best of my work.  It might take me 5 or 6 similar shots to get the one I want to present to you.  There might be eyes closed, or ears over eyes, tongues in funny places etc.  Any pictures that are not good enough to meet my high standards of quality are deleted.  The good news is, you will have the very best pictures from the shoot.

I want a product that isn't in your packages

There are three packages available to purchase in advance.  Once you have your online gallery there is an online price list for loads of products such as mugs, calendars and framed images for you to buy.  There are literally hundreds of available options so it probably will be available.  If you can't see it let me know and I'll try and source it.

Can I just buy the digitals?

The Premier Tail package is the package for you.  This gives you five downloads and five matching prints.  You can then purchase more if you want to from your online gallery.

Can I have the images on USB stick?

Yes - the Premium Tail package is the one for you then!  This package provides you with a personalised USB stick with box.  

Who owns the copyright?

I retain copyright for all my images, except for pre-agreed commercial shoots.  If you need to purchase the copyright to your images please contact me for further information, otherwise images are sold on a personal use license which you will be asked to confirm when you buy them. 

If you purchase the digital files you will be free to post the low res watermarked files on social media etc and use the higher res files for printing.  It is not permitted to sell them or enter them into any competitions as your own nor to use them for any commercial purpose.

I hope these FAQs answer many of your questions.  I have many pet photography ideas to use with you and your family.  If you have further questions don't hesitate to get in touch.