Guest Blog - A Day in the life of…
A Dog Photographer
Hello Everyone!
I’m Heather, of Heather Woodward Photography, a Derbyshire based Dog (and whatever else you’ll let me squeeze) Photographer. I own a crazy Malinois X, and if I’m not out shooting dogs – I’m wrangling exotics in my day job.
Join me for a Day in the Life of a Dog Photographer (a not too bad attempt at structuring my day, so that it makes sense!)
To start my day, I must have some form of caffeine – usually because I’ve stayed up late watching dog videos on social media, and then I make sure my gear is prepped. I’m a Sony Gal through and through, and I’m also really clumsy – hence the two different sets of camera straps…
The next thing on the agenda is checking the van is kitted out – if you spot my van and send a picture of you with it, you can have free photography credit 😉… I usually keep a selection of footwear, a couple of towels, treats, toys and water in the van. Along with my trusty longline for those dogs that cannot be off lead, but we still want some action shots!
At this time of year, the best times to shoot are really early in the morning, and then late on an evening (hello golden hour(s)!). This is because the sun can be quite harsh – and hot! – around midday and even into the late afternoon, we want everyone to look their best and have a great time, so comfort and no squinting are important.
Today Marty and I scouted a new location between Swadlincote and Ticknall – it was a beautiful woodland area with wide paths and lots of things for Marty to enjoy exploring. We only bumped into his arch nemesis (squirrels) once, so that bodes well for client shoots.
Surprisingly, it’s quite difficult to photograph a dog when all they want to do is chase squirrels… Location – and distraction – level are key to a successful photography experience much like when training your dog!
We didn’t stay out too long due to the rising temperature, but it was long enough to add this little local gem to my location list.
A quick journey back in the van and we were ready to start editing the test shots from scouting, and some client images (isn’t Chino the GSD gorgeous…!?)
This point in the day is reserved for editing, admin, and client consultations – Marty is super excited by that as you can see…
I spend anywhere from one to three hours per sitting on client images and tend to do two or three sittings per set – this includes culling any duplicate or ‘missed’ shots, a batch process of all the images, and then individual adjustments and lead removals.
This was cut short by the arrival of some client prints (!). I hand check each order when it arrives, prior to rushing it off to my framers – another local Derbyshire business - for mounting or framing. When the prints are ready to collect I then do a second check to make sure I am happy with them before hand-delivering or posting them out to clients.
After dropping off my print order in Belper, I had client calls to book in the lovely Rudy and reveal some client images – and then it was time for Marty to have another – cooler – evening walk.
I think we ended the day on 7 cups of tea, two scones, one box of chocolates from the chocolatiers in Belper, and one very tired Pooch – clearly supervising me is exhausting!
Thanks for tagging along!
Heather x
Go check out Heather’s amazing business and get in touch with her:
@heatherwoodwardphoto
