Frequently Asked Questions

All Paws & Claws photography sessions include -

* Consultation to discuss the finer details and plan your session

* Your full photography session on location or in studio with up to two pets from the same household (any additional pets will incur a $55 fee per pet)

* Information and guidance as you prepare for your session

* Full professional stylised editing of your photographs

* Viewing / Art Design / Ordering Session

* Professional display advice and information on caring for your photography

* Photography wall art and products, digital files and travel outside the Melbourne metro area are not included in your session fee.

* Gallery Prints / Reveal Box - 8x12" prints mounted in 11x14" mats. Available in print sets of 5, 10 or 20 prints - from $725

* Printed Wall Art - classic framed prints, framed canvas and metal prints - from $995

* ‘Go Book’ Albums - featuring all photographs from your gallery (6x6", 9.5"x9.5" or 12"x12" - flat lay format) - from $1495

* Gift Cards - gift cards/vouchers can be used for photo session packages and artwork

A typical gallery will contain approximately 15-20 fully edited photographs. I believe in quality over quantity and you will only get the best of the best!

I only provide products of exceptional quality, at highly competitive prices. All items come with a 100-year archival guarantee. If any “Paws & Claws” products are deemed faulty due to a manufacturing process, simply return it and it will be repaired or replaced free of charge.

Of course! Choosing your favourite photographs and deciding on products can be overwhelming. My job is to make this as easy as possible by guiding you through the process, so that your finished artwork suits your space, taste and budget.

No! All creatures great and small are welcome to be photographed at “Paws & Claws”.

Of course! The connection you have with your pets is unique and should be captured. My photographs of people with their pets are some of my absolute favourites!

Please don’t hesitate to let me know if you think your session may be needed urgently. Wherever possible I will book a session outside of normal hours to accommodate a very sick or terminal pet. Please call me right away so we can arrange how I can best assist you.

Absolutely no problem at all. In some situations it is preferred that a lead is used. I’ve had sessions with Siberian Huskies, rescue dogs or with other breeds that must remain on lead for their (or others’) safety. The magic of Photoshop can easily remove these from your final artwork.

A standard 2 hour "Paws & Claws" session can be booked directly from any page on my website, via an online booking form. Registrations for special sessions (eg. "Puppy Paws", "Rare Breeds") can be made via those specific pages. Also, you can send an email, text, social media message or even call me to chat about what kind of options are available that would be suitable for you.

I’m always looking to use the best natural light available. For my ‘on-location’ sessions the best time is the “golden hour”. This is the hour or two either after sunrise or before sunset. That beautiful warm sunlight is the best! Even on an overcast day this is usually the better time to have a session. In the studio it’s great to shoot at any time of day!

I’ll always confirm with you a couple of days prior to your session, to ensure that the weather is suitable and that everyone’s pumped and ready to go! Light rain isn’t usually an issue and can pass quickly.

During the warmer months I prefer to reschedule if the temperature looks like exceeding 30 degrees celsius. If the conditions are potentially unsafe for either hoomans or furkids we will definitely reschedule (eg. extreme temperature, high wind, storms, etc).

I’m always keeping an eye on the weather and will let you know ASAP if our plans need to be altered at all.

You’re more than welcome to take some ‘behind the scenes’ photos with your phone. It would be awesome if you could please tag Paws & Claws if you share them!

“Paws & Claws” photography sessions are held right across the metropolitan region of Melbourne and I occasionally travel to regional and interstate locations if requested. There are several beautiful locations that I frequently use. These include beach, park, park/country and urban settings, depending on your preference.

Your purchase/viewing appointment is conducted at Paws & Claws HQ in Croydon North approximately 14 days after your photo session.

Almost 100% of the pets that I photograph are just everyday companions. Most are not trained beyond “sit” (if that)! We only need 1/1000th of a second to take an amazing photograph. Besides, I have a vast selection of tricks up my sleeve to grab the attention of the most distracted pet.

Also, the cheeky nature of your pet is part of their charm and the reason that you love them. So, it’s great to capture that as well as some more formal poses.

I like to take some time for your pet to get used to me and the “big scary eyeball” that’s staring them in the face! Patience is a virtue and I have it in spades!

Seriously though, with patience, cuddles, treats and some other tricks, even the most petulant of furchildren can look amazing in their photographs! Besides, you want to capture their personality and character, warts and all, because that’s what makes them who they are, the pet that you love.