Last month was called “Exciting beginning”, but I feel like it could be the perfect title for this issue. Why? Oh, friends, I have so many news for you!
My adrenaline level jumps every spring. My mood goes crazy happy and it makes my life more productive and full of events. Of course, some events takes more time to get done, so everything we achieve during this nice warm season - it is the result of our hard work during the year. This month I turned 33 and was thinking a lot about myself, life, friends, family. My passion and work - it is one of important parts of my life, but starting this month I’ll take it a bit easier to have more time for my family and friends. My big news - I am getting ready to become a mom and my brain is in transition right now, I will figure out how to be present, keep doing what I love and became a great parent. If you will stay with me, it will be the best gift and will encourage me to follow my dreams.
Ears & Noses and Beyond
I tried hard to relax more and enjoy every day, but if your camera it’s like your third hand, you can’t just ignore it:)) So here are a few sessions I have done… The first photoshoot for 1 year old gorgeous boy Luka and second one - my volunteering project. By the way, if you are a photographer, please help your local rescue or shelter, those pets getting adopted much faster with a good photo story.
Luka Birthday Photoshoot
Seattle Animal Shelter photoshoot with Peanut and Pippin
Also, I did a few sessions for my human only photography (guilty, was cheating on my furry friends) If you curious to check it out, here are a social media pages to follow…
This time I have a short but helpful list of tips that helps to get ready for a shoot with your pet. So, what to do, how to start planning and what you need to ask a photographer to get ready and be sure you will have the best results…
Chose the photographer whose style reflects your preferences. If you want lifestyle photos, not for commercial use, it doesn’t matter if the photographer focused only on pets. But, you need to check if…
…if the photographer you want to book is comfortable working with pets. Ask details about his previous experience. If there is no experience in pet photography at all, I would look for other options.
Try to imagine what kind of photographs you want to have as a final result. Photography is a creative field, but it will help a lot to know ahead what is the must have for you for the money you pay.
Find some reference photos not only on internet, but show the photographer what do you like from his portfolio, it encourages to work better and makes you feel confident that you have choose the right guy.
Set up a meeting or call prior to booked session. If you get to know a person just a bit, it will reduce your stress level during the shoot.
Follow timing and location tips your photographer provided. Lighting and composition are 75% of final success if not 90%, if you decide to change photographer’s plan and go with yours, it will be hard to guarantee the same result.
Plan your outfit and discuss it with your photographer. It’s all about a vibe you want to have on your images, use this moment to make sure you are on the same page.
Exercise your pet before the session! Especially if it’s a dog. Doesn’t matter how good the photographer is with pets, he can’t control the nature, knowing that your pet won’t have some extra energy, will help you to have the best experience!
Those are my basic for the preparation process, I will talk more about how to work with pets during the shoot on my next blog post. And maybe you will hear more tips from other professionals here :-)
Spring always makes us feel refreshed and get ready for new beginnings. That’s why I want to show you two inspiring sessions with the stories behind the scenes. One story about family who recently moved to Seattle and we had a fun photo walk with the couple and their sweetest dogs. The other one about young family who welcomed their little one not so long time ago and wanted to captured the moment for their relatives and friends. So, let’s take a look…
From Seattle with love
Starting new chapter, falling in love with the city vibe - this is the story I wanted to show. It’s good to be home, but what is more important to know - home is where your Family is. Don’t be afraid of moving, being together, supporting each other - those are powerful things that help to feel cosy anywhere
The moment of Life
Hey Pacific Northwest lovers. Meet one energetic family from Seattle! I know, you’ll feel the nature calling through those photos, because this is what I felt meeting them and spending the time while capturing the story
Tips and tricks…
At this part I want to walk you through my preparation and shooting process, so you’ll know me a bit better:-)
As my website says, I started pet photography first with volunteering for WAMAL and then moved to commercial shoots. It was extremely important for me to keep the deep meaning of what I’m doing and I continue working with animal rescue. Speaking of my clients, I love to prepare the best for the shoot, so it won’t be just work, it will be fun for both parties. And I enjoy to photograph not only pets, but people too, because we are all beautiful inside and out and exploring each other makes us wiser.
How the preparation looks like?
After I received a request for a photoshoot I’ll ask just a few details, but if you have time, I prefer to schedule a Q&A meeting. It helps to get to know each other and explain all the wishes better than emails. It takes not more than 45 minutes of your time
Then you’ll get the follow up with next steps. Those usually are: during one week after meeting I’ll email some ideas, tips and reference photos that matching the idea we talked about. This is why better to book your session ahead and have time to prepare the best. I’ll be looking for your feedback to know that we are on the right path
If needed, I always help with shopping for your photoshoot. Any decor, outfits or other details can be handled by me so you don’t need to worry or spend much time. I’ll be in touch to show what will work for the shoot and will wait to get budget approval
We will talk in advance about time to start, but the basic for outdoors is: sunny days - a few hours after sunrise and a few hours before sunset work the best, if it’s shady area (woods, city or indoors) or cloudy forecast - we can pick any time just to make sure it’s not too dark. If it’s rainy and we are shooting outdoor, I still can make it, so it’s up to you if you ready for a nature adventure :-)
The last, but not least - looking for location. If you need any suggestions, I’ll have a few options to choose from and will check them out
Every photoshoot is different and you may need longer planning with additional services like: an assistant/second shooter, a decorator, a florist, a makeup artist or to rent a studio. Those are always in my mind to find the right solution, just let me know if interested
How the photoshoot looks like?
When everything is ready and it’s the day we create memories, I’ll make sure to be on location a bit earlier, don’t hesitate to contact me when you are there
Setting-up settings takes a little time, while we walk, talk and do test shots and it’s necessarily to get the best of the best. During this time you can drink coffee, eat or change your outfit
Main part - time to serious work. I will have some ideas about posing and will assist you with that
Working with pets. It’s the best to do it with assistant (a little addition to budget). Sometimes dogs work better with the owner and you always can help me with that and guide through communication with your pup. I always have treats, accessories and blanket just in case we need them, but sometimes favorite toy works much better. Please, let me know if so
When will you see the photos?
I always want to make sure that all the files are safe, so the first thing when I get back home - I upload all the files
Day of the photoshoot is always emotional, so I try to show you 1-2 photos right away (in 24-48 hours) with the editing you might like
When we discussed the style and you love it, I’m starting to work on the shoot and deliver a proofing gallery in week and a half (time depends on shoot)
Those are the most important parts of preparation and shooting process, let me know if there some questions left and I’ll add more info for you!
It is actually a reason why I am reaching out to you and why I decided to change my life and join pet photography. Now I see I’m not the only one and taking care of our furry friends became a life goal for many people.
The end of 2017 was extremely busy and I didn’t have a chance to meet new pups at Wamal (Washington Alaskan Malamute League). When I got a chance to do it in January, I was happy as a little kid. Miss it so much. With the help of Briand (Wamal volunteer) we did new portraits for four new dogs in 2 hours. The process is more about learning behavior and being patient. The key for the profile pics - show the dogs personality and got them adopted as soon as possible. And if we talk about realistic pictures, there will be always sad and happy moments. I hope, those mals will find their families really soon and will be happy dogs forever and ever.
The other story I have for you is about inspiration. How can one rescued dog inspire his humans to do fun, interesting and healthy business? Believe me, they are as powerful as all those super genius life coaches:) A few months ago I got a letter from one girl living in Los Angeles - Ayako, who was looking for a photographer in Seattle, so she can schedule a photoshoot with her sister Yumiko and her dog Basil, who are living in Northwest. The reason - to work on images that will be a starting point for their family business. When I answered the first time I had no idea it will be so much fun. We did a remarkable photoshoot day in GRLS studio in Tacoma with professional make up form Lada Merk. Now I can’t wait till Ayako and Yumiko will launch their product!
Tips and tricks: How to download images from your gallery
Here is a little guide to downloading images for you to make the process easier. Please remember that high resolution images are large and will take time to download to your computer, phone or tablet, especially if you have slow internet connection. With typical image size over 10Mb, a small photo shoot with 50 images may take 10 minutes or more on a typical home broadband connection. Make sure you download files, not just save them as images.
You always have an option download separate files, or all of them as a zip file. I would suggest to go with second. Remember to download your images during 2-3 weeks after receiving the link, as they might not be there for longer time. And never hesitate to ask me questions, if you need help!
How to download from website:
1. Yay! You got your link via email and it is going to look like this:
2. Please, confirm your email to take a look…
3. The images are here and you are good to push that “Download all” (or click on separate file)
4. Confirm email one more time and…
5. You will see parts of the session, click on them. They will download automatically to your “downloads” folder on a computer. By clicking on zip file the folder will appear.
How to download from dropbox:
1. You will receive the link, open it;) When you see the photos, click on it.
2. Chose the photographs you’d like to download and click this big blue button, you’ll see the downloading process started and can go check the folder, when it’s done.
3. Open downloads and click on zip file to un-zip. Enjoy your photos! Go print some, they are stunning!
News Box or what is in the next month issue…
I have a few photoshoots to show you, one will be an urban photo story and the other one will be classic pacific northwest journey. I’ll be working on projects for Seattle Animal Shelter and there will be some cute critters involved. Also, i donated a mini session for one auction that will take place in March at North Beach Elementary school. If your or your friend’s kids are studying there, you have a chance to get a great deal.
