Powerful Pet Photography
Powerful Pet Photography
Pets are the equivalent of children to some people. I own a few pets myself, and I love them greatly. It is very common for pet owners to want quality photographs of their pets in various situations. This is even true of hunting dogs that are entered into field trials and it certainly applies to animals that are entered into award-winning shows.
I am R. Dodge Woodson. My background includes about 30 years as a professional photographer. Technically, I am a master photographer for whatever that is worth. I am also in the Hall of Fame of Freelance Photographers and in the Presidential Who’s Who. Throw in my membership to Professional Photographers of America (PPA) and my internationally-known name as a best-selling author and photographer and I must be great. Right? Not necessarily. Everything I have just written about myself is true. I am the author of more than 100 books published by major publishers and if you search for the name of R. Dodge Woodson on any search engine I pop up like flashing holiday lights. Even so, it does not mean I am a good pet photographer.
In reality, I think my pet photography is above average standards. I point out my credentials to show you that a photographer can be well known, very professional, and still be the wrong photographer. I am not a runway photographer. My career has never found me in the position of a war photographer. I have never covered a car race or a parachute jump.
Someone can be an outstanding wedding photographer and a total disaster when it comes to pet photography. I have done pet photography for probably 20 years and I have plenty of experience to share and warnings to give. In fact, I could probably write a book on the subject.
Can you imagine taking a Rottweiler into one of the big-box stores that offer inexpensive portrait photography? It probably wouldn’t go well. Even if you can find a photographer who will let you bring a snake, a rat, a dog from a species with a bad reputation, or a show animal into a studio, the results are not likely to be good.
I know and understand animals. I am a naturalist and wildlife photographer. I can tell when a moose is not happy with me and when I should stay away from a particular animal to avoid stressing it in the wild. This comes through in my location and in-home photography as The Master of Moments ~ Distinctive Photography.
When you are looking for a pet photographer, look at people who enjoy working with animals. Whether you have a chimp or a parakeet, you need a photographer who is both not afraid of your animal and who can relate to your animal.
You want to reduce stress and keep your pet as comfortable and as natural as you can. This is usually done best at your home. A lot of photographers don’t want to leave their studios. When they do, they lose control.
Studio photographers are used to controlling all elements of a photo session in their studios. They can produce outstanding images, but many of the photos come off looking faked. And this is with people. Make it animals, and look out!
When I go to a customer’s home I spend time getting to know the pet and the owner. I take all of the necessary equipment with me for both formal and informal photos. I have mobile backgrounds and stands, portable strobes, softboxes, and so forth. My camera gear is all pro quality with RAW images saved at 21 megapixels and all lenses are Canon® L lenses, the pro line with superior glass and elements. Essentially, I show up at a customer’s house with about $12,000 worth of equipment and decades of experience. I call my services Powerful Pet Photography.
Some photographers, if you can get them to come to you, will show up with a $600, consumer-grade digital camera and one or two consumer-grade lenses. They may, or may not, bring more equipment. These photographers can be cheap, but some of them charge as much as those of us pros who have the real and right equipment to get the job done to give you the quality of prints that you want. Not that you would, but my 21 megapixel RAW images can be enlarged to the point of a billboard without any loss of quality. Compare that to someone carrying a consumer-grade camera. The proof will be in any enlargements that are larger than 11 x 14.
Good pet photography is both enjoyable for a pet owner and can result in much more money for breeders and show animals. If you are breeding dogs, for example, perfect pictures of the dame and sire are essential. Pro photos of puppies can also increase sales. With the right photographer, one who is good with animals, the portraits and candids of your animals can be nearly priceless.
Any show animal benefits from outstanding photos of their performance in shows, the ribbons won and any trophies that are presented. Money is not the only motivation for pet photography.
How much do you love your dog or cat? Life changes and there will come a day when your pet may no longer be with you. Don’t you owe it to yourself to memorialize your pet while you can? Of course you should. Just make sure you find a pro photographer who can give you the results that you and your pets deserve.
About the Author
R. Dodge Woodson is a full-time internationally-known, best-selling professional author and photographer. He is the owner of The Master of Moments ~ Distinctive Photography, in Brunswick, Maine. Woodson is in the Hall of Fame of Freelance Photographers and is listed in the Presidential Who’s Who.
|
|
Pro Pet Slimline Dog GROOMING CURVED Shears Scissors 9″ $45.00 |
|
|
WAHL Pet Pocket Pro Trimmer $33.53 |
|
|
WAHL PRO SERIES PET CLIPPER KIT $68.72 |
|
|
WAHL PRO SERIES PET CLIPPER KIT $68.72 |
|
|
LCD Screen Protector PET Film HTC Touch Pro CDMA $4.42 |
|
|
ZIEIS 60lb Pro Vet Pet Scale 12″x16″ wDuraTop Platform $129.97 |
|
|
NEW Pro RawHide Shoes Puppy Treat Dental Chew Toy Pet Dog supply hot sale $1.99 |
|
|
2 FREE $13.99 Purina Pro Plan Dog/Cat Pet Food Valid @ PETSMART product COUPONS $5.50 |
|
|
2 FREE $13.99 Purina Pro Plan Dog/Cat Pet Food Valid @ PETSMART product COUPONS $5.00 |
|
|
Quality PRO PET RawHide Shoes Puppy Dog Treat Dental Chew Toy For Dog’s Teeth $0.99 |
|
|
PET DOG Grooming DIAMOND SERIES Pro 2 pc Shears Scissor SET THINNING & STRAIGHT $159.99 |
|
|
PET Grooming DIAMOND SERIES Pro 3 pc Shear Scissors SET BLENDING,STRAIGHT&CURVED $239.99 |
|
|
MASTER EQUIPMENT PRO DOG CAT Force GROOMING AIR Pet HAIR Dryer 4hp*NEW $249.99 |
|
|
2 FREE $13.99 Purina Pro Plan Dog/Cat Pet Food Valid @ PETSMART product COUPONS $4.00 |
|
|
2 FREE $13.99 Purina Pro Plan Dog/Cat Pet Food Valid @ PETSMART product COUPONS $3.04 |
|
|
2 FREE $13.99 Purina Pro Plan Dog/Cat Pet Food Valid @ PETSMART product COUPONS $4.25 |
|
|
Pro Vet Otoscope–See and Treat Grass Seeds, Mites and Other Pests from Your Pet $126.23 |
|
|
Pocket Pro Wahl Cat Dog Pet Hair Grooming Clippers Cordless Battery Trimmers $15.79 |
|
|
Pocket Pro Wahl Cat Dog Pet Hair Grooming Clippers Cordless Battery Trimmers $15.79 |
|
|
RESCO Pro-Series Pet Nail Trimmer-Medium/Large $19.89 |
|
|
VOGUE PRO Cordless Nail Drill Pro bits Fits Dremel Kupa Pet Groom $17.99 |
|
|
Andis Cord/Cordless Pro Poweful Pet Dog Animal Clipper Grooming Set Kit $54.71 |
|
|
Wahl Pro Cat Dog Pet Grooming Clipper Clippers Kit NEW $74.95 |
|
|
Andis PRO CAT PET DOG Grooming Clipper Kit -UltraEdge Blade,4 Guide Combs,Case $119.99 |
|
|
Andis Pro Pet Dog Clipper Grooming 10-Piece Kit Set $41.45 |
|
|
2 FREE $13.99 Purina Pro Plan Dog/Cat Pet Food Valid @ PETSMART product COUPONS $3.25 |
|
|
2 FREE $13.99 Purina Pro Plan Dog/Cat Pet Food Valid @ PETSMART product COUPONS $3.25 |
|
|
2 FREE $13.99 Purina Pro Plan Dog/Cat Pet Food Valid @ PETSMART product COUPONS $3.25 |
|
|
Wahl 9590-210 Pro-series Complete Pet Clipper Kit – Corded or Cordless Operation $64.99 |
|
|
Andis Cord/Cordless Pro Poweful Pet Dog Animal Clipper Grooming Groomer Kit NEW $54.99 |
|
|
2 FREE $13.99 Purina Pro Plan Dog/Cat Pet Food Valid @ PETSMART product COUPONS $3.25 |
|
|
2 FREE $13.99 Purina Pro Plan Dog/Cat Pet Food Valid @ PETSMART product COUPONS $0.99 |
|
|
PRO QUALITY Pet Grooming 6 1/2″ Curved SHEARS Scissors $71.99 |
|
|
KuKu Pet Cordless Pro Clipper Kit KP-3000 04030035 $18.54 |
|
|
Wahl 9160-210 Pro Pet Dog Clipper Grooming Kit Set $41.07 |
|
|
Petcor Dog Cat Flea Tick Lice Mosquito Spray 16oz Pro Flea Tick Killer Pet Spray $20.99 |
|
|
2 FREE $13.99 Purina Pro Plan Dog/Cat Pet Food Valid @ PETSMART product COUPONS $0.99 |
|
|
2 FREE $13.99 Purina Pro Plan Dog/Cat Pet Food Valid @ PETSMART product COUPONS $0.99 |
|
|
Andis Nail Pro Grinder Pet 2 Speed # 65880 Clipper New $25.99 |
|
|
Precision Pet Pro Valu Great Crate – One Door: Model 5000 $55.00 |
|
|
Wahl Pet Trim Pro 8-Piece Trimmer Kit NEW $24.99 |
|
|
Wahl Pro-Series Complete Pet Clipper Kit, Cordless $39.99 |
|
|
NEW ~Andis Nail Pro Grinder Pet Clipper 2 Speed # 65880 $24.99 |
|
|
Nylon COUPLER PRO DOG CAR SEAT BELT Pet Cat Safety Adjustable Clip Lead Leash $0.99 |
|
|
Andis Pro Pet Dog Clipper Grooming Kit Set $52.99 |
|
|
Dog Brush NEW Short Hair Medium Tool Grooming Pet Pro Brushes deShedding Groomer $46.98 |
|
|
PET DOG CAT PRO Grooming BATHTUB SUCTION CUP (ONLY) RESTRAINT For Bath $12.99 |
|
|
*NEW* PET DOG CAT PRO CABLE Grooming LOOP RESTRAINT NOOSE 15″ *FREE SHIP $14.99 |
|
|
*NEW PET DOG CAT PRO CABLE Grooming LOOP RESTRAINT NOOSE 19″ *FREE SHIP $15.99 |
|
|
PRO Pet GROOMING SHEAR 8.5″ Straight Shears Scissors $58.49 |
|
|
Nesco FD-75PR 700-Watt Food Dehydrator $55.99 Generates maximum speed and quality for dehydrating fruits, vegetables, beef jerky and vension jerky. Great for making trail mix, homemade yogurt, apple snacks, banana chips, dried soup mixes, dried tomatoes, dried fruits, herbs and spices. Also makes potpourri and dried flowers. Helps dry food in hours, not days like ordinary food dehydrators. U.S.A. Shape: Round, Watts: 700, Top Mount Fan: Yes, … |
|
|
Thermos Stainless King SK1005MB4 16-Ounce Leak-Proof Travel Mug, Midnight Blue $18.85 16 OZ, Leak Proof Travel Tumbler, Patented Thermos Vacuum Insulation Technology For Maximum Temperature Retention, Hot Or Cold, Unbreakable Stainless Steel Interior & Exterior, Cool To The Touch With Hot Liquids, Sweat Proof With Cold, Fits Most Automobile Cup Holders…. |
|
|
Nesco/American Harvest FD-80 Square-Shaped Dehydrator $59.94 Easy-to-use dehydrator for drying fruit, vegetables, herbs and jerky. Lay out jerky strips with ease. Includes spices and cure packets. U.S.A. Shape: Square, Watts: 700, Top Mount Fan: Yes, Tray included: 4, Adjustable Thermostat: Yes, Handle Type: Bale, Exterior Color: White, Dimensions L x W x H (in.): 14 1/2 x 14 1/2 x 10… |
|
|
All-Glass Aquarium Black 24 Fluorescent Strip Lite $29.45 Replacement light for Versa-Hood or Full Hood, or it can be used wherever extra lighting is needed.Features internally mounted ballast with instant-start circuit that allows you to operate on a timer or switch-controlled outlet…. |
|
|
Instant Ocean Fancy Plant Mat Springeri-Green $8.37 Fancy Plant Mats Plastic Plant FancyPlants are natural-looking aquarium decorations that fish readily swim through for shelter and protection the same way they swim through live plants. They are easily cleaned under running water, and come with multi-position anchoring bases and suction cups. They snap together to fit any tank configuration and can be trimmed easily with a pair of scissors. Easily… |
|
|
Galaxy T5-g 5-button Transmitter $20.79 5-BUTTON TRANSMITTER FOR GALAXY SYSTEMSUPC : 090200000009Estimated Shipping Weight : 1.0… |
|
|
Belkin 6-Outlet Home/Office Surge Protector $3.45 This Belkin Home/Office Series Surge Protector provides premium power protection for small home appliances, and other connected devices. Our decades of research and development have led us to the release of this breakthrough series. We’ve used advanced design elements, top-quality construction, and superior circuitry and components to provide the most complete protection from power surges, spikes,… |
|
|
Dorcy 41-2510 4 LED Carabineer Floating Waterproof Flashlight with Batteries $3.43 The 3AA – 4 LED Carabineer Flashlight features a waterproof design with floatability. This flashlight is constructed with shock absorbing rubber around the head and the body of the light. The rubber design around the body allows for a slip-free comfortable grip, ensuring stability and durability. The 3AA – 4 LED Carabineer Flashlight has a uniquely built-in tail cap carabineer clip and comes compl… |
|
|
Belkin BE112230-08 12-Outlet Home/Office Surge Protector with Telephone and Coaxial Protection $49.99 SAFETY COVERS FOR OUTLETSSLIM DESIGN FOR COMPACT STORAGEORGANIZES CABLES WITH DETACHABLE CORD MANAGEMENT CLIPFLAT-PROFILE PLUG12 OUTLETSTELEPHONE & COAXIAL PROTECTION3780 JOULES8-FT POWER CORDLIFETIME WARRANTY$300000 CONNECTED EQUIPMENT WARRANTYUPC : 722868594322Shipping Dimensions : 14.75in X 6.00in X 2.00inEstimated Shipping Weight : 2.15… |
|
|
Dark Water Rising: Hurricane Katrina Animal Rescues $19.50 As Hurricane Katrina wreaked unprecedented devastation on New Orleans in August 2005, the federal government ordered evacuating residents to leave behind their pets. In response, volunteer rescuers from around the world braved grave dangers to retrieve 10,000 stranded animals, a grandly coordinated gesture of compassion chronicled in this emotional documentary. Soundtrack: English…. |