I can't tell you the number of requests I've had from people who have asked me to create albums from their photos of a pet that has passed away. Or messages from people who had intended to get a photo session done with their dog and had put it off until it was too late. I also hear from a lot of people who wish they had captured the all-to-brief puppy stage while they had had the chance.
I get it. It's not like anyone wakes up in the morning and thinks: "Gotta get some pro shots of the dog today!" Many people still don't even realize that dog photography is a thing. If you are reading this, then you clearly do. As a pet photographer, I know my photo sessions don't come with the same urgency as newborn photography, grad photos or wedding portraits. Those are once-in-a-lifetime events that absolutely need to be captured at a certain time - so you can hold onto and relive those moments forever. With pet photography, its either not even considered or put off as not requiring immediate attention. But when you really think about it, getting portraits of your fur babies comes with its own urgency. We don't like to dwell on it, but our pets are with us for a limited time. When you think about it - it couldn’t be more urgent. This really is a matter of life and death.
People think: "I've got 10,000 dog photos on my phone! I'm good." But what if we lose our phone? Are they backed up? Are they somewhere on a hard drive, rarely to be seen? Do we even have a handful of print-worthy photos - ones that we could hang on the wall as a portrait or print in a tribute album, to honour our loyal friend and proudly show others - something that would last forever? Maybe - or perhaps not.
Your pet has become your best friend, a loyal and trusted companion. They are always there for you - often when others are not or fall short. Repaying them with the fun experience and results from a professional pet photography session is not frivolous. Make a plan to capture their essence and character and enjoy the results forever. I’ve had people crying on the phone with regret that they hadn't taken the opportunity to come for a photo session before it was too late. Please, don't let that be you. Instead, what I'd love to hear is you being all excited about gifting yourself a dog photography or cat photography session rather than mournfully calling me with remorse.
I hate to even write this. It feels a bit like arm-twisting or coercion - not to mention a bit grim. That's not my intention believe me. But also believe me that from experience I've seen and heard the regret and sadness too often - and it's not necessary. To your pet, you are everything - and they are so special to you. Whether it's Dog's Life Studio Pet Photography or another service, take the time to celebrate your pet with a photo session. I've never seen anyone ever regret that.