Services Overview

Thank you for your interest in a custom photography session from Happy Tails Pet Photography! We%u2019re so glad you found us! Now that you have, please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the session details, as outlined below.

The Pre-Session Consultation

Upon receipt of your initial telephone call or inquiry submitted through the contact form, I will ask you to complete a written questionnaire to help me prepare for your session and learn more about your pet. I will then set up a date and time for us to meet for a pre-session consultation. Whether you have no idea what you want out of your creative photo session or already have poses in mind, I%u2019m here for you%u2026to listen to your ideas and desires and offer suggestions that are sure to capture the true essence of your pet in an unique and beautiful way --- through a combination of playful, candid moments and varied posed shots. Your inspiration may come from the sample albums I make available for advance viewing, through our on-line gallery section, pictures you see in a magazine or thinking about what your pet really means to you, but either way, I will take many photographs and later present you with a variety of proofs from which you may choose your final prints and products.

The Portrait Session

I specialize in outdoor and on-location photographic sessions, and offer our beautifully treed property for that picturesque, country setting! With the abundance of evergreens, poplar, oaks and tall grasses, lush gardens, large rocks, pathways and pond, it makes for the ideal outdoor backdrop year round! Photo sessions can also take place in the comfort of your own home, yard, barn, at a show or favourite location such as a nearby park, colourful flower garden, cabin on the lake, windswept beach at sunset, historic farm site, snow-laden field, old country road or among the decorative lampposts and cobblestone sidewalks in the heart of Winnipeg%u2019s Exchange District --- the possibilities are endless. I can help you decide. We can even move to various inspiring locations throughout your session. I usually make a point of exploring your chosen location in advance of your session date, and this may include a home visit. Keep in mind that often pets do better in a location that is familiar to them. Also think about safety: how much control do you have over your dog, for example, in an unconfined area, can he be off leash, will he ignore distractions? Either way, I take the time to get to know you and your pet beforehand, and my unending amount of patience, experience and skills in working with animals goes a long way in helping to make your pet comfortable and in getting their attention. And while a perfectly trained, obedient dog is a joy to work with, I realize that is not always the case. For a high-energy pet, a good walk or romp in the park can help exhaust some of that pent-up energy before we start. With cats I never try to force a pose, but rather, follow your cat about her daily activities and encourage play --- only after she is at ease with my being there. I also include the owner in the portrait session if you desire to be photographed or participate, as you know your pet best! Don%u2019t forget to bring along favourite toys and treats to keep him motivated, although I always have plenty on hand. I will happily include your props and pet%u2019s favourite things in the photos as well.

What To Wear

Should you and other family members decide to be photographed alongside your pet, I suggest you choose a more classic clothing style and wear bold colours such as black, khaki, beige, burgundy, blue and purple. Colours in medium shades work well in outdoor environments. Not only do you want to coordinate what you are wearing with each other (i.e. same tonal range), but it should compliment your pet as well. Simple is the rule. It is best to avoid busy patterns such as plaids, checks and stripes, trendy clothing choices, shirts with logos and heavy jewellery, as these tend to distract from the subject%u2019s face and will date your photographs. Try the layered look: jeans paired with vests and jackets always look good; they add texture and interest. Throw in a scarf for a splash of colour! Above all, choose clothing that is comfortable and fitting for you!

The Best Time To Shoot

I prefer to work with available natural light wherever possible and midday lighting, when the sun is high and bright, is whiter and tends to look rather harsh. Not to say you still can%u2019t have a great photo session at any time of day, but I feel the best time to shoot is 2 to 3 hours after sunrise and 2 to 3 hours before sunset. A cloudy day is also good for photographing images outdoors especially with people in it; eliminated are harsh, unflattering shadows and squinty eyes and there is no need to worry about positioning my subject in accordance with the location of the sun. I do have portable lighting that I bring along to all indoor photo shoots in case you want a formal look and feel to your images, but simply positioning your pet in front of a window and de-cluttered background with the blinds and curtains drawn can prove to be just as wonderful!

Ordering Session

Approximately 3 weeks after your session, your images will be available for preview for a limited time in a password-protected online gallery suitable for sharing with family and friends. I will then contact you to schedule an ordering session --- either in-home or over the telephone, during which time we%u2019ll go over the prints from your session together and I%u2019ll answer any questions you may have. To help ensure the ordering process is enjoyable and stress-free, I am more than happy to offer advice and guide you through the selection process.

Satisfaction Guarantee

My goal is to consistently design portrait collections and albums that my clients can be proud of. I am dedicated to preserving memories through the creation of beautiful pieces of photographic art --- art that keeps your beloved pet close at heart, brings you joy now and comfort for years to come, but above all, I want you to be satisfied. In fact, all of our products and services are backed by a %u201CSatisfaction Guarantee%u201D. If, for any reason you are not absolutely delighted with any or all of your images, I will take action to rectify the issue or re-do your session at no cost. You and your pet deserve nothing less.

Day and weekend sessions are available. I look forward to meeting you and your pet!

Available Services

My love for dogs and all of God%u2019s creatures shines through in all that I do here at Happy Tails Pet Photography! Aside from lifestyle pet, dog, cat, horse and animal portrait photography, we also offer the following special programs, services and products:

New Pet Session

You just welcomed a new puppy or kitten into your heart and home and wish they would stay small for just a while longer. We will capture a precious moment, an expression --- the beauty --- of your pet at various stages of growth and development during the first 2 years (when you first take your pet home, then at 6 months and when full grown). The entire collection will be displayed in a stunning collage wall display --- truly a wonderful keepsake of the pet that graces your home and fills your heart for you to cherish for a lifetime.

Commemorative Session%u2122

He%u2019s your dog%u2026your best friend and devoted family member who, since puppyhood, blessed you with immeasurable joy and happiness. Together you accomplished great things, helped each other through life%u2019s ups and downs, and made beautiful memories. Even though some of these memories seem like only yesterday, your four-legged companion has gone from being a spry senior citizen to old dog far too soon. Or medically the veterinarian tells you there is not much more they can do. Letting go is one of the most difficult decisions you%u2019ll have to make; yet your dog tells you it is time. I%u2019ve been in this position a few times now and understand exactly what you are going through and just how special a bond you share. Let us help commemorate that special animal companion with whom you share your life through a custom photography session in the comfort of your own home. These special sessions take priority over all others and we always make time for them. Note: this service applies to all pets%u2026big and small.

Service / Working Animal Session

This session is for service/assistance animals such as Guide Dogs, Mobility Dogs, Hearing/Seizure/Medical Alert Dogs and Autism Service Dogs that have been trained to provide assistance or perform tasks that benefit an individual with disabilities. Also government, military and law enforcement working dogs and horses, including: Detector Dogs, Military Working Dogs, Police Dogs/Horses and Search and Rescue Dogs.

Four Seasons Session

There is something truly spectacular about every season, and this session is geared towards the pet owner who wants to capture their pet in the various landscapes throughout the four seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter. Many clients choose our %u201CFour Seasons Session%u201D when considering one of our premium albums in which to showcase their memories.

Pet Love Session

Soft fur. Kissable noses. Sugar-brown eyes that melt the heart. Happy tails. We will capture your furry friend%u2019s playful side and at rest, as well as all the lovable parts: eyes, paws, tail, ears and nose. You will then be presented with a beautifully framed mini-collection of 9 photos from your session --- a great way to capture all of the wonderful features you love so much!

Pet Breeder Program

For dog, cat and horse breeders looking to showcase their stud dogs, toms, stallions and breeding stock, promote their kennel, cattery or stable, or advertise their puppies, kittens and foals via the world wide web or magazine with attractive photographs that bring out the best in their rising stars or champion animals, consider enrolling in our Pet Breeder Program. Pay for one session fee at full price and receive a discount on subsequent session fees. We will come to your location to photograph your babies and the parents, if desired. We realize that first impressions are everything, and that advertisement or website is the connection between you --- the breeder%u2019s --- kennel/cattery/stable and your potential clients (after all, a good picture is worth a thousand words!). While there are many photographers out there, only a small number have worked with dog and other pet-related businesses. As hobby breeders of purebred Labrador Retrievers, we have many years experience photographing dogs and puppies, and are available at many Manitoba Specialty and all-breed shows in and around the Province.

Pet Portrait Parties

Fun, fun, fun! A super way to combine good times and great portraits is by hosting a get together with friends, family/club members or neighbours and their pets as well! The ideal way to celebrate that special occasion such as your pet's birthday, welcome pet, your dog's graduation from puppy kindergarden or obedience school, show win or competition, or simply just because! A maximum of 4 participants can be included in the %u201Cparty%u201D, with each being entitled to their own 30-minute photo session with the photographer at an economical rate (no charge for the host). Includes exciting host rewards!