FAQ
General
How much does a pet photographer typically cost?
Pet photographers generally charge £50 to £250 for a standard session; hourly rates run around £115. Some keep it straightforward with a session fee, £50 to £100 just for the time on-site, with prints and digital files sold separately after the fact. Others bundle it all into one flat rate, usually £125 to £395 or more, covering your time plus a set number of edited shots. Mini-sessions are the stripped-down option for a quick portrait; the premium, built-from-scratch packages can run north of £550.
A handful of things shift that price. Location's the big one. Bring more than one dog and expect a surcharge per animal; that's just how it works. And if you want something worth hanging on the wall, an album, a framed print, a proper heirloom piece, that's where the money really goes. Factor in physical keepsakes and total spend often lands between £250 and £1,000, sometimes more.
is a pet portrait session worth the money?
In short, yes. Your phone will never do your dog justice. It's good for snapshots, not for the kind of image that earns a place on your wall for the next thirty years.
A proper portrait is built to last. Long after the lead's worn through and the toys are gone, the image stays. That's the point. Dogs don't stick around as long as we'd like. A portrait is one of the few things that does. Most people who invest in one don't look back and wonder if it was worth it, they look back glad they did it while they still could.
What is your cancellation and rescheduling policy?
A 30% deposit secures your date. It's non-refundable; that slot is booked off for you and no one else.
Once it's booked, the shoot goes ahead as planned. Weather doesn't stop us unless it's a serious warning; a bit of rain or grey sky won't get in the way.
If something serious comes up on your end, get in touch as soon as you can. You can rebook once to a new date and time that suits my diary, but the offer only stands once.
What happens if I have a problem / do you offer a guarantee?
Give fair notice and we'll move your date. Get in touch early, not the day before, and we'll find a new slot if we can. Last-minute changes aren't promised the same, unless it's a genuine emergency.
On the work, you're covered by a triple satisfaction guarantee. Not a refund, a promise. If you're not happy at any stage, we don't stop until you are. T&Cs apply.
"Thank you so much for Sapphire’s photo shoot! You were great with her and made the whole session easy and fun. The photos turned out amazing and captured her personality perfectly. I’ll definitely be recommending you! 📸 😊 "
Darren & Sapphire - Kilwinning
Step 1: Free Consultation call
How do I book my free consultation?
Simple. Click the Menu button anywhere on the site, and it'll take you straight to my calendar. Pick a time that works for you.
The call runs about 30 minutes, no obligation. We'll talk about your dog, go through the options, and I'll answer whatever questions you've got. No pressure; this is as much about finding the right fit as anything else.
Prefer to email first? That's fine too. Whatever's easiest for you.
What happens during the consultation?
We'll have a relaxed chat about your dog and what you're after. I'll ask what you're looking for and shape the shoot around that, not the other way round. We'll cover any concerns you've got, walk through how the process works, and go over your options, sessions, location, wall art. By the end, we'll both know exactly what's needed, and you'll know exactly what to expect.
Do I have to commit to a session during the consultation?
Not at all. The call is genuinely no-obligation. I want you comfortable and confident before you commit to anything.
Take your time afterwards, think it over, talk it through, sleep on it. No pressure from me. I'd rather you book when you're ready and looking forward to it than feel rushed. When you are, we'll find a time that works for you.
Can I book a session without a consultation?
I'd rather we talk first. It's not scary, I promise. It means you're clear on what happens, how, and where, and we're both on the same page before anything's booked.
Wall art is a big decision too, not something to choose on a whim. A quick conversation means we land on what actually suits you and your home, not just what's on offer.
Don't Let them just be a memory
Turn their legacy into a HANDCRAFTED piece of ARTWORK
Step 2: Prepping for your session
what to bring to a pet photography session checklist?
Pack a small bag with these essentials:
Bring high-value treats- treats that they don't get every day broken into small pieces for quick rewards. Pack a favourite squeaker toy or ball to catch their eye and hold their gaze.
Use a plain flat leash, four to six feet. It edits out clean; No harnesses during the shoot.
Bring poop bags plus a towel or wet wipes for muddy paws or drool. And bring water and a bowl; they'll need it.
how soon before a photoshoot should I groom my dog?
Book the professional groom four to seven days before the shoot. That gives the coat time to settle and any clipper irritation time to heal.
Doing it yourself? Bath and brush the day before, so the coat's clean and tangle-free for the camera.
Right before you shoot, wipe away any eye boogers or tear stains. Quick job, worth doing.
should I feed my dog before a photoshoot?
Feed half the normal meal a few hours out, or skip it altogether if the shoot's close to mealtime. Slightly hungry works best; a full belly makes for a lazy, unmotivated dog who won't give a damn about the treats you're using to catch their attention.
should I exercise my dog before a photoshoot?
Give your dog a light walk beforehand, just enough to take the edge off, not enough to tire them out. A fully knackered dog will flop down for the whole session and pant with their tongue out in every shot, burying their expression. You want them settled, but still sharp enough to perk up for a treat or toy.
"Recently, I had two photo shoots with Martyn: one outside with some pose shots, then some shots of me training my dogs and then we had an indoor shoot. Every photo I absolutely loved. Martyn spends the time with you and your dogs and doesn't rush anything; his attention to detail is amazing; he's captured each one of my dogs beautiful and shows the personality of them through the pictures. I couldn't recommend him enough"
Annie & Hustle The Collie - Kilmarnock
Step 3: The Photoshoot
how long do pet photography sessions take?
60-90 minutes it's the perfect time to get the job done correctly, and it's also long enough that your dogs don't start to get bored.
best locations for pet photography outdoor vs studio?
That one's down to you. Both give you something different.
Location work brings out the connection with nature, your dog in the landscape, doing what they do best. A home studio, set up right there in your house, gives you something more stylised, controlled lighting, a cleaner look. Neither's better than the other, just different stories told about the same dog.
what if my dog won't behave for a photoshoot?
That's nothing to worry about; most dogs don't hold a pose on command, and I'm not expecting them to. I've spent over a decade working with dogs of every temperament, so I know how to work with what you bring on the day, not against it. A bit of chaos usually makes for better photographs anyway. That's your dog's real character coming through.
can owners be in pet photoshoots?
Yes. Some of the best images come from that bond, you and your dog together, not just your dog on their own.
"Amazing! So patient and knowledgeable! Highly recommend Martyn. Thanks again ☺️"
Alisha & Kash The Staffy - Ayr
Step 4: Images and Artwork
When will I receive my images?
Standard sessions, 2 weeks. For the Heirloom Hound Series, given the extra work that goes into each piece, allow up to 6 weeks. Good things take time, and this isn't something to rush.
can I use the images on social media?
Yes, of course. Every physical product comes with a free social media package worth £250, so you're covered to share your images the moment they're downloaded
Do I own the copyright of my images?
No. Copyright stays with the photographer. What you get is permission to use your images on social media and within whatever's included in your package, digital products and the like.
That means the images can't be entered into competitions or credited as your own work, and no further editing, no filters, no crops, no changes. The image stays as delivered.
When will I receive my artwork?
Turnaround varies depending on the product, but allow up to 4 weeks for your artwork to be crafted and delivered. Your social media package lands sooner, within 2 weeks.
Your artwork is outsourced to professional craftspeople who work exclusively with listed photographers. Everything's made to a high standard, sourced and crafted right here in the UK.
Still Have Questions?
That's what your FREE consultation call is all about. Asking all the right questions and making sure that you walk away with an amazing experience and wonderful that can be displayed proudly!