Sniffing out the perfect pet photographer for your dog (or cat)

Throughout our lives we engage with all sorts of professionals. We find people we like and trust. A hairdresser, a dentist, a doctor, a settlement agent, an accountant.

Quite often we go to these people based on a recommendation from a friend or colleague, someone else we trust. Sometimes we’ll resort to google. Or see a flyer in the mail, or an ad on facebook.

However you meet, it’s important that you develop an ongoing relationship with a professional that understands and cares about your needs. In this day and age it’s unlikely you’ll only need a photographer once in your life.

But they also need to local (or close enough), they need to suit your budget, they need to speak your language, figuratively or literally. They need to know their stuff, be good at what they do. You need to know they will deliver what they say they will, when they say they will. They need to be available at a time that works for you and your lifestyle.

All of these things apply to choosing a photographer. If you find a photographer you like and trust, you’ll have an ongoing relationship with them as well. And if you’re talking pet photographer, you need to know that the relationship they build with your pet is as important to them as the relationship they have with you.

Choosing a photographer is more like choosing a hairdresser than an accountant though. Style matters. Have you seen their work? Does it speak to you? Is it going to suit your decor? When you hold it in your hands will it give you joy?

Some are going to be happy if you bring them some images saying – this is what I like. In other cases you’ll be going to them because you’ve seen what they can do and you want what’s she’s having.

Are you after something classic, something funky, studio colour pops, lifestyle… Do you want to be in the picture or do you want a photographer who is only about the furry friend. Do you need someone who is especially knowledgeable about a specific breed, or specialises in action shots? Does your photographer understand the dark art of creating perfect prints? Do they offer the products you want – albums, framed wall art, canvas…. My personal bias is that it’s not done unless it’s printed, but if all you want are pics for social, there is someone out there for you too.

The great news is that Perth , Western Australia, has some amazing pet photographers with a vast range of styles so you can have your pick of the litter. If you’re looking for someone to give you pawsome pet portraits I do recommend choosing someone who specialises. You know what they say – don’t work with animals or children – so select someone with the right kind of crazy from the get go.

Oh and then there’s cats… If you want cat pictures – and YOU SHOULD – make sure you check your photographer’s feline friendliness factor.

If Furbag is not your cup of teacup chihuahua then I very likely can suggest someone who is. And if you need an architectural photographer or two, I’ve got names for you too.

Take your time, talk to your prospective photographic partner and see whether you think you think you’ve met your match. Message me or call for a chat about what you need from the photographer in your life.