What is a boutique pet photographer? Well, you are probably used to the photographers that use the shoot and burn model but there is a whole group of photographers who use the boutique model.
How does a “Boutique Photographer” differ from the other photographers I see out there, which are (cough cough), less expensive than you are?
It’s like going to a restaurant, think “The Greenbrier” versus “Mc D’s”. With world-class fine dining establishments your seated by hostess, your waiter may assist you with your meal choices from the upscale dinner menu and award-winning wine list. They bring your food and regularly check in with you to make sure you have what you need. Your high quality food is prepared by expert chefs, and the plate has excellent presentation.
At a fast food joint, you either drive through, or walk up to the counter, order, and wait until your food is handed to you in a paper baggie or on a plastic tray. They don’t ask if you want ketchup, and you have to beg or pay for extra sauce!
You can eat at either place but the experience will be totally different, and the price will reflect that difference.
Shoot and burn photographers
Shoot and burn photographers may photograph “everything”, newborns, landscapes, maternity, weddings, headshots, boudoir… They generally charge much less because they do much less. Some have you schedule yourself in their calendar, without ever talking to you personally. They show up at a location, take pics of you for 15 to 60 minutes. If they edit, it’s usually a quick edit or bulk editing. They give you all the files on a disk, flash drive, or have you download from Dropbox or other means. If you want prints you order them yourself.
The shoot and burn photographer…
They are high volume.
Offer minimal client contact.
Deliver very little customer service.
Less hands on.
You get digitals.
What does it mean to be a full-service boutique pet photographer?
With boutique pet photographers they offer a personalize experience.
They consult with you prior to the session, they learn about you and your dog, your lifestyle, hobbies, your home decor, and your overall style. They personally schedule your appointment. Send welcome packets, product guides and client guides with tips to make the most of your portrait session. They calibrate their monitor, & they know how to prepare photographs to order from professional photography labs. They educate clients to their options and create custom one-of-a-kind artwork for their home.
What is a boutique pet photographer?…
They do fewer sessions.
Specialize in pet portraits.
They have a business license and insurance.
High level of customer service.
Fully guide you through each step of your photography experience.
Send questionnaires to learn even more about you and your pet.
Gives you the opportunity to see and feel products in person.
Discuss size and print options.
Spends a lot of time with the client planning the session.
They cull and fully edit the photographs they captured.
Review your images with you at your in person reveal and selection session.
Guides you through the ordering process answering any questions you may have.
Designs your products.
Delivers heirloom products and wall art.
Packages and delivers your order.
They know how to capture your pet not just throw them in a few shots, as others do when shooting a family photo session. Plus, being a dog trainer for over 25 years, I personally have experience with many different breeds, sizes, ages and temperaments. Your family photog probably can’t say that.
If you’re ready to book your full service pet portrait session experience contact me to get started!
