Maria Mir
photography
Pet photo sessions are perfect for:
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Welcoming newly adopted pets or celebrating the birth of puppies or kittens
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Saying goodbye to ill or senior pets
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Just having fun
Patience is the key to receiving an animals trust. I will take my time getting to know your pet and making him or her comfortable with my presence and the camera. I am very familiar with interacting with animals and by the end of our session, your pet won't want to stop having a great time being the center of attention.
Setting up your appointment
To reserve your date, a $100 deposit is due at the time of booking and is non-refundable. I also require a signed contract and model release before your session. The remaining balance of your session fee is due on the date of your photoshoot. Sessions can be rescheduled with adequate notice due to inclement weather.
Preparing for your session
Location, location, location! Home is always a great choice, especially for cats, small animals, and shy dogs. An animal is more likely to cooperate when they feel safe and familiar. Parks are a great choice too because they provide a natural setting that allows your dog to express their freedom. Use your best judgement since you know where you and your pets will be most comfortable and safe. Safety first!
Some of my favorite dog friendly outdoor locations include:
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Avalon Park- Stony Brook, NY
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Hempstead Lake State Park- West Hempstead, NY
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West Hills Park- Huntington, NY
To be prepared for your photoshoot, I recommend giving your pet a quick brushing, cleaning their eyes and trimming their nails prior to arriving at location to ensure your pet is looking their best.
A well-exercised pet is a well-behaved pet, so it’s helpful to give high energy dogs the proper exercise before your photoshoot. It’s also a good idea to feed him or her a little less than normal a few hours before the shoot – when a dog is a little hungry, he or she will be more apt to behave well for treats. Please bring small, flavorful treats that you know your dog loves that can be eaten quickly such as boiled sliced carrots as a reward.
I provide fresh water along with a bowl on all outdoor location shoots, pet parents are of course welcome to bring their own bowl and water if desired. As the pet parent, you are encouraged to bring any props you think will be a good addition or would like added in your photos. A fancy collar, outfits, favorite toys and cute accessories such as hair clips, ties, bows etc. are all great items to consider.
Your pet’s safety during this session is my number one priority. You must be present for the entire duration of the session. If you have concerns about your dog being off-leash during the session, please use the leash. If you plan to do so, I recommend a thin retractable leash which will be removed in post production at no extra charge.
Your pet is the star of the shoot but, you are welcome to join in for a few photos! Even if you don’t wish to be included, be mindful of what you wear as you will likely appear (in part) in some of the images.
The remainder of your session fee (minus the $100 deposit) will be due at the start of session where you will be required to sign a basic contract as well as model release for both you and your pet(s).