Thinking about booking a session but not quite sure what to expect? You’re not alone — most of our clients haven’t worked with a pet photographer before. Here are the questions we get asked most often. If something’s not covered here, get in touch and we’ll sort it out.
Booking & Pricing
How much does a pet photography session cost?
Sessions start from $150. Pricing varies depending on the package you choose — the main difference being whether you purchase just the shoot and then select prints or digital for purchase after the shoot OR you purchase the shoot and the digital files as a package.
See the full pricing page for current packages. View pricing →
How do I book a session?
The easiest way is to fill in the contact form on our booking page, or give us a call on 0450 586 561. Let us know a little about your dog and roughly where you’re based, and we’ll take it from there. We’ll suggest locations, confirm availability, and send through a few tips to help you prepare.
Do you offer gift vouchers?
Yes — gift vouchers are available from $150 and make a genuinely popular present for dog owners (in our entirely unbiased opinion). Vouchers can be sent by email directly to the recipient or to you to present on the day. Get in touch to organise one or order one here.
How far in advance do I need to book?
It varies with the time of year. We’re generally busiest in spring and leading up to Christmas. A weeks notice is usually enough outside of peak periods, but if you have a specific date in mind it’s worth getting in touch sooner. We’ll always try to accommodate.
The Session
Where does the session take place?
Wherever your dog is most comfortable and most themselves. For most sessions that means an outdoor location — a favourite park, the beach, your local reserve, or somewhere with a backdrop that suits your dog’s personality.
Some of our favourite Melbourne spots include the Bayside foreshore areas around Sandringham and Mordialloc, Gasworks Park in Port Melbourne, and various parks across the inner suburbs. If you have a location in mind, we’re very happy to work with it.
Indoor sessions are also possible where there’s good natural light — large windows, sliding doors, or a light-filled backyard all work well.
How long does a session take?
Between 30 and 90 minutes depending on the package you choose. In practice, session length is guided by your dog — some are ready to perform from the moment we arrive, others need a settling-in period before they forget the camera exists. We don’t rush it.
What if my dog won’t sit still or isn’t well-behaved?
This is probably the most common concern we hear before a session — and almost never the problem it turns out to be on the day. A dog that won’t sit still is not a difficult subject; they’re just a moving one. Some of the best shots come from dogs that refuse to pose.
We work at your dog’s pace, not ours. There’s no pressure, no frustration, and no expectation that your dog will perform on cue. If they need time to sniff everything in the vicinity before settling — that’s fine. If they’d rather chase a ball than look at the camera — we work with that too.
The one thing that genuinely helps: bring their favourite treats. High-value rewards (small pieces of cheese, chicken, or whatever your dog goes absolutely feral for) are the most reliable attention-getter we’ve found.
Can I be in the photos too?
Absolutely. Although we’re keen to make the dog the here in our sessions, including the people who love the dog often makes for some of the most meaningful shots — and dogs tend to be more relaxed when their person is in the frame with them. Just let us know when you book and we’ll plan accordingly.
Do you use flash or artificial lighting?
Rarely. We work almost exclusively with natural light, which gives images a more relaxed and authentic feel — and keeps the session moving. Flash and studio lighting setups take time to arrange, and dogs have a limited attention budget that’s better spent on actual shooting.
For indoor sessions we look for good sources of natural light: large windows, sliding doors, skylights. We’ll flag it if a location isn’t going to work well before we start.
What equipment do you use?
Professional Canon camera bodies and L-series lenses — the same kit used for commercial and editorial work. Feel free to ask if you’d like specifics.
What if the weather is bad on the day?
Melbourne weather being what it is, this comes up. If conditions are genuinely unsuitable — heavy rain, extreme heat — we’ll reschedule without any fuss. A bit of cloud cover is usually fine and often produces better light than full sun. We’ll be in touch on the morning of your session if there’s any doubt. Generally we know the day before what’s going to work and what won’t.
Preparing for Your Session
What do I need to do to prepare?
Once you’ve booked, we’ll send through a preparation guide that covers everything in detail. The short version:
- Bring high-value treats — small pieces, something your dog genuinely loves
- Give them a good run beforehand to take the edge off any excess energy
- A quick brush or groom if they’re the fluffy type — though we can work around this
- Bring a favourite toy if they’re more motivated by play than food
The main thing is to arrive relaxed. Dogs read their owners’ energy — if you’re wound up about getting the perfect shot, they’ll feel it.
Should I groom my dog before the session?
A light brush is always worthwhile, particularly for longer-coated breeds. Beyond that, don’t overthink it — we’re not shooting a show dog. We’re shooting your dog. A bit of real life in the coat is fine.
After the Session
How many photos will I receive?
The number of final edited images depends on many things, including the location, the animal, the shoot duration, selected package etc. We have never had a client ask for more photos, which should give you an indication of the number of images you can expect.
All images are a combination of colour and black and white, selected and edited for quality rather than quantity. You’ll receive the best shots from the session, not every single frame.
How long until I receive my photos?
We aim to have your edited images ready to view within 24-48 hours of the session. You’ll receive a link to a private online gallery, password-protected so you can share it with family and friends at your discretion.
How do I receive my photos?
Via a private online gallery. High-resolution digital files are available for download depending on the package you’ve chosen — these are suitable for printing at any size. We can advise on print options if you’d like to put them on the wall.
Practicalities
What areas of Melbourne do you cover?
We’re based in Cheltenham and photograph pets across Melbourne and its suburbs — from the inner city to the Mornington Peninsula, the Dandenong Ranges, and across to the western suburbs. We also travel further afield for commercial clients or larger projects.
Travel fees may apply for locations more than 20km from Cheltenham. If you’re further afield, get in touch — we often have multiple bookings in the same area and can keep travel costs reasonable.
Do you photograph cats and other animals?
Yes. Dogs are our bread and butter but we’ve photographed cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, horses, and a handful of more exotic pets over the years. The approach adapts to the animal — cats in particular tend to do better in their own environment where they’re on familiar territory.
My dog is elderly or unwell. Is a session still possible?
Absolutely — and honestly, this is often when a session matters most. We work entirely at the animal’s pace and comfort. For older or less mobile dogs, a quieter location or a home session is usually the right call. Get in touch and we’ll work out what suits your dog best.
Do you have public liability insurance?
Yes. Pupparazzi Pet Photography carries full public liability insurance.
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