Photo Session FAQs
What happens on a Tell Tails Photo Session?
It’s a simple process:
Step 1
Let's have a call and chat about:
- what you want out of your session;
- where & when you'd like your photo session;
- the style of image you are looking for;
- perhaps where you'd like your wall art to hang to fit in with your decor and...
most importantly we can talk all about your pet! This last point might take some time...
Step 2
On the day we will meet at our chosen location and some time will be spent getting to know you and your pet. It's important you and they feel comfortable with me. They will be introduced to the camera which looks like a big black eye to them!
Then we will get to work. We say "we", as you will be involved! A wide a variety of images will be taken and you'll be asked to work with your pet to achieve that. You can either be in the photographs or not, that’s your call.
Step 3
Your photos will be edited, and you'll then be sent an online gallery to view before meeting with us again for your final viewing and ordering appointment.
Can I ask you to capture a particular shot?
Yes you can. You know what they say though... “never work with children or animals”! Every effort will be made to obtain the shot you want but we cannot provide a guarantee.
How many photos will be in the gallery?
Roughly it will be around 30 for the main sessions and around 15 for each of the shorter sessions e.g. a mini shoot
What if the weather is bad?
Any weather is ok 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! Multiple pets are welcome, for the same 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?
We appreciate isn’t always possible for your dog to be off the lead (I've got one like that!). We can discuss suitable locations. Those that might be helpful could be:
- a specially designed secure field;
- your home; or
- perhaps that of a friend.
If none of that suits, we can still do a great session on a lead which can be removed in photoshop afterwards.
Where are you based?
Based mainly in Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Pembrokeshire. Travel fees are calculated from Reading for Berks and Oxon, and St David’s for Pembrokeshire. Any travel fees will be confirmed before you book.
How far will you travel?
Most places! We can discuss and agree travel costs in advance.
What do you charge?
Photo sessions start from £149 and include £100 credit for distinctive and individual wall art. Excitingly, our new range of wall art is about to launch. While we finalise the details do ask for more information.
How do you capture the best of my pet?
Only the very best images are presented. It might take 10 or 20 similar shots to get the ultimate photograph. There might be eyes closed, or ears over eyes, tongues in funny places etc. Animals don't stop to think about how they look so that's our job to ensure they always look fantastic! Any pictures that are not good enough to meet our high standards of quality will be deleted.
The good news is, you will have the very best pictures from the shoot.
Do you do studio portraits?
Yes! Action photography is our speciality as it's a bit different to most pet photographers, but studio sessions are also popular. We would usually bring our mobile studio to you so that your pet is in their own space and more relaxed.
Can I buy the digitals?
With every piece of artwork you choose you’ll receive a complimentary digital copy, sized perfectly for social media, your phone, or sharing by email. Those are yours to keep and revisit whenever you like.
Printable files are held here, because creating exceptional artwork is part of the service. The final print is where the magic is completed, and that level of colour accuracy, tonal balance and finish is something Tell Tails carefully controls from start to finish.
For that reason, high-resolution digital files are not offered for self-printing. Professional calibration, colour management and print production make a significant difference to the finished result. Releasing print-ready files would risk compromising the quality of your images. Every piece you display should look its best and exactly as it was intended to look. This does justice to the image we created together.
Who owns the copyright?
Tell Tails Photography retains copyright for all images, except for pre-agreed commercial shoots. This is the industry norm. 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.
Hopefully these FAQs answer many of your questions. We have many pet photography ideas to use with you and your family. If you have further questions don't hesitate to get in touch.
What are you waiting for?
If you need to know anything more about what Tell Tails Photography can offer to you and your pet...let's chat!
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