3 Questions to Ask When Searching for an End-Of-Life Pet Photographer Near You

If your dog, cat, or other pet has gotten a cancer diagnosis or other terminal illness, or perhaps is just starting to show their age, you might be starting to search for a photographer who specializes in working with owners in your situation.

Many of us consider our pets to be family members, and we don’t want just anyone with a camera to document this sunset chapter of your lives. With so many pet photographers out there now, it can be difficult to wade through the choices, so how do you choose the best one for your needs?

Aside from broad parameters like whether or not you love their style, and if the investment to work with them aligns with your values and budget, there are a few deeper questions you might consider when reaching out to potential photographers:

1) Are you able to accommodate my unique situation?

Depending on your pet’s condition they may not be very mobile, or the stress of traveling to a specific location or studio (like with cats) may not be worth it. If your home is the best or only location available, will your desired photographer be willing to come to you? Additionally, will you truly be happy with images taken in your yard or living room?

If pain, behavior, or dementia has caused aggression in your pet, will every photographer be comfortable working with them? What precautions do they recommend to keep everyone safe?

Often, with pets experiencing physical maladies or undergoing medical procedures, there will be parts of their body you’d rather not remember. Some pet parents don’t mind those imperfections, as it represents who their pet is today, but others would prefer some areas cleaned up or hidden. Does the photographer have experience in removing tumors or incisions in post-processing, or is able to fill in areas of fur that have been shaved?

2) Are you able to include me in the photos with my pet?

How important is it for you to have images showing the relationship you share with your furry family member? Not every pet photographer has experience working with both humans and pets together. When you’re reviewing portfolios of photographers’ work, think about whether you feel any emotional connection to their images of people with their pets. Do you like how people look in their photos, or do they feel “off” or awkward?

Don’t be afraid to ask to see additional samples or talk with them about their approach to working with owners. How will they help you feel at ease in front of the camera if you’re nervous?

If you kind of want to be in the photos but not necessarily “in” the photos showing your face, what kind of ideas do they have for that? Do you have your own ideas that they’re willing to try?

3) What guarantees, if any, do you offer?

When our pets are nearing the end of their lives, time is of the essence. While it’s certainly ideal if you can plan ahead, you may not have that luxury, and a photo session might need to take place right before you say goodbye. What steps is your photographer taking to keep those images – which can never be recreated – safe?

There was a story in the news recently about a wedding photographer who left their gear and all the photos in their car overnight, and everything was stolen. While that’s a VERY rare tragedy, and hopefully that would never happen with your images, do you trust your photographer’s professionalism? Do they have a reputation of delivering what they promise? Can they share with you how they backup and protect their files?

Of course everyone is human, and when dealing with technology unfortunate things can and do occur. If the unthinkable happens, what are their guarantees? What does it say in your contract? (They do have a contract for you to sign, right?)

At the end of the day, selecting a pet photographer to capture some lasting memories of your best friend should be a positive experience. If you feel a connection with someone, trust your heart. If you have any reservations, make sure to address them before the session. And when you choose the right one, you’ll come away with beautiful memories you’ll cherish forever, of that special pet you’ll never forget.

To find a great pet photographer near you, search our worldwide network!