Where are you located?
The Brown Dog Studio is based in Eltham, but we’ll travel (almost) anywhere for a photogenic location. My favourite places are in the Dandenongs and around Victoria’s surf coast as well as a few in the north. If you have your own preferences we can chat about it or I’m happy to make a recommendation based on what you’re after.
How long do sessions take?
Most sessions take 1-2 hours from start to finish – this will vary based on the animals concerned and how quickly they embrace their new modelling career. Brown Dog Studio’s approach is to allow every animal to take the time they need to feel settled and comfortable so there is never any rush.
If you’re after a mixture out outdoor and studio photos there may be additional time needed for travel between locations.
What about weather complications (or what happens when Melbourne’s weather inevitably goes rogue)?
Outdoor photo shoots can have amazing results, but they can also pose challenges! In the event that the weather is going to prove more of a challenge than is comfortable for anyone, the session will be postponed to another day with more suitable conditions. Studio sessions can be carried out regardless of weather.
I don’t have a dog or a cat, will you still take photos of my pet?
Definitely! While we mostly work with dogs and the occasional cat, we’d also love to meet any other non-human family members you have – tell us what you’re after and we can make it happen.
I have multiple dogs/cats/tortoises/guinea pigs, is that ok?
More than one pet in the family? No problem!
What about human family members?
Pets have beautiful relationships with their people and seeing that in a photo is amazing! So we love involving non-pet family members in shoots.
My pet is impossible to take photos of, how can you make it happen?
Every pet photographer has a bag of tricks up their sleeve, and with a bit of creativity and a whole lot of patience even the most challenging pets can become modelling superstars.
One of these tricks is a pet photographer’s best kept secret – we Photoshop out leads, treats, toys and people all the time. That dog who looks like they’re sitting so patiently all on their own in a beautiful location? They really had their owner right next to them holding their lead in one hand and a tasty treat or fun toy in the other. All it takes is a bit of digital magic to fix this.
Some pets will happily sit and pose even when their owner doesn’t expect them to, while others won’t sit still for anything regardless of how obedient they normally are. However, with a bit of technical know how and good timing even the wildest of pets is photogenic.
Before the shoot day we’ll ask you questions about your pet to determine what will work best to keep them happy and focused on the camera, every animal is an individual but there’s always something that will get their attention.
I want you to take some photos of my pet(s)! What now?
Get in touch via phone, email or even post. You’re also welcome to fill in a booking enquiry form via the button below.