PhoDOGraphy By Edith LevyChoosing A Location For Your Session
Once you’ve booked you’re photography session you’re most important decision is where you’re going to have your pictures taken. Choosing the location will determine the look and feel of the final product. This is where your photographer comes. I normally scout out possible locations for photo shoots searching for interesting backgrounds, colors and the quality of natural light.
Toronto is such a photogenic city and whether you’re right in the city or in the Greater Toronto Area there are a multitude of areas that are perfect for photographing your pet. Whether it’s at the beach, a favourite park, a funky downtown location or your home, we can choose a location that matches your style and your pets personality.
Timing
The best time of day to shoot outdoors is early morning or late afternoon. The quality of light at these times of the day is soft and beautiful and will enhance the look of the overall image. Timing is also important because depending on the location that you ultimately choose crowds may be an issue. Let’s say, for example, that you want to get your dog frolicking on the beach. Getting out early in the morning will not only give us a better light to work with but we won’t be dealing with any crowds. On the other hand a late afternoon/sunset shoot will provide a beautiful warm glow and by that time any crowds will be thinning out.
The Location
When trying to determine the location itself start with your pets personality. Where are they the most comfortable? If you’ve never taken them to the beach then this might not be the ideal location. Animals are like people and if they’re scared or uncomfortable in their surroundings then we won’t come away with the images that you’ve envisioned. If your four-legger loves to run in the park then this might be the ideal spot.
When booking your session I will always set up a pre-consultation meeting so that I can meet your pet and they can in turn get comfortable with me. One of the things we’ll talk about at this meeting is location. I have many suggestions for locations in and around the city or if you have a preferred location this is the time to discuss it.
Safety First
Your pets safety is of paramount importance and will always come first. When we shoot in wide open spaces or in the city your pet will always be on a leash. Once you’ve selected the final images I remove the leash and clean up any other imperfects in post-processing. Brady was on leash the whole time we were shooting even though he was sitting right next to his Dad.
If you’d like to schedule a session or if you simply have any questions please contact me.
PhoDOGraphy By Edith Levy 
Really good post, Edith.
I was actually in a park today, watching a woman completely “lose it” with her 2 dogs because they would not “stay” while she was trying to photograph them. Sometimes you just gotta go with the flow, and be happy with it.
Thanks Lisa. In a perfect world a dog will “sit” for a picture but that’s not the case. I know mine runs the other way when I take out my camera (I think he’s just tired of me).
Absolutely love the photo of Brady sitting so calmly by his dad… such a sweet capture. Finding outdoor locations has been challenging this spring in Winnipeg. So much dirty melting snow everywhere. Finally most of it is gone and the ground is starting to dry. My first outdoor shoot is this week and I am hoping for cooperating skies. I am excited!! 🙂
Thank you so much. I know the weather has been just as bad here in Toronto and it’s been raining for the last 2 day and we won’t get any relief until Sunday 😦