The Candid Canine ~ FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions

Listed below are a few questions that I get asked from time to time. If your question is not listed, you may contact me to discuss some other options that might be available.

Do you have any pets of your own?

I certainly do! I have grown up with dogs, and I now have a German Short-haired Pointer named Apollo (you may have noticed him mugging for the camera on the Portfolio page. I adopted him from the Buddy Dog Humane Society www.buddydoghs.com located in Sudbury, MA, and he is truly the most loving, magnificent dog I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. When he’s not zipping around at Mach 1 in the local park or posing for my camera, you can find him stretched out in a patch of sun, surrounded by his favorite toys. Listed below are a few questions that I get asked from time to time. If your question is not listed, you may contact me to discuss some other options that might be available.

What are your rates?

My rates include both package and “a la carte” pricing. Please see the Rates page.

How long does the session take? Where are the photos taken?

Photo sessions usually last between 1-2 hours, depending upon the attention span of your pet. It is always my goal to keep your pet happy and entertained, and I do not allow the photo session to continue if your pet is tired or uncomfortable in any way.

Why don’t you use a studio for your photo sessions?

I have found that a relaxed pet makes a good subject and a happy pet makes a great subject! Pets are always happiest when they’re in a familiar environment - whether that's your backyard, a local park, or even their favorite spot in the sun. An unfamiliar studio doesn’t necessarily provide the best atmosphere to allow me to capture your pet at its most-relaxed, nor does it provide us with enough room to run around and play, which is why it’s best to come to a location of your pet’s choosing.

What is a typical photo session shoot like?

A typical session will always begin by letting your pets get to know me and my equipment, so that they’re more comfortable in front of the camera once we begin taking photos. I like to engage in some playtime with your pet, just so that they know I’m there to have fun with them, and they have nothing to worry about. After this initial introduction, we’ll go ahead and start taking photos. These photos can be of your pet running, jumping, playing with their favorite toy or even relaxing in their favorite spot, getting a belly-rub. It’s important to keep in mind that the majority of photos that will be taken will be candid shots, as your pet is having fun, rather than trying to formally pose them for each and every shot. The whole process is rather like documenting a special family event as opposed to a rigid studio session.

During a session, I am open to whatever input and suggestions my clients may have. We are not limited to any particular structure or activities and we'll specialize each session to whatever situations and locations work best for you and your pet.

Can I be in the photos too?

Absolutely! I always encourage clients to include themselves in the photos, and find that more often than not, clients who didn’t want to be in front of the camera at the beginning of the session find themselves there by the end.

What is the process after the photos have been taken?

I will get the proofs/contact sheets from your photo shoot to you within approximately one week. You choose the images that you'd like and return the proofs/contact sheets, along with your order form, to me. I will then make your prints and get them back to you within three weeks.

Are the photos color or black & white?

Unless a specific request is made, photos are taken in both color and black and white.