Goose Lake | bird photography

These geese are not anyone’s pet (unless you count the Auburn city council, in whose park they seem to hang out).

I am, after all, a “pet photographer" - but why quibble? I simply had to take a shot of these guys - and once I had one, well I had to take several more.

Geese make good pets btw - my mom used to have them!

These ones I photographed had very haughty personalities and seemed to regard me as generally wierd and inferior, but it really was a part of their charm.

Geese have a special place in old western folklore and I reckon they do have a magical spirit. Now where’s my golden egg?

Gertie the guinea pig | cavy photography

Guinea pig photo shoots are somewhat rare in the pet photography world - certainly more so than cats and dogs. Poor pigs! A shame considering how generally photogenic they are.

So we were pleased as could be when twoguineapigs was given the job of photographing Gertie. We're not called "twoguineapigs" for nothing you know. We love these people.

An added bonus was that I shot this in winter - without a doubt the best time of the year for atmosphere and light.

Gertie is a real looker - beautiful markings around the eyes and a gorgeous two-tone pattern over her face and back. She is the pride and joy of JC, her human companion who adopted her recently. Its a match made in heaven - her human flatmate eats organic, so Getie is well cared for.

In keeping with Gertie's remarkable model-like good looks she is a bit of a prima donna. A Naomi Campbell of the guinea pig world so to speak - and she does not condescend to be photographed just any old how or any old time. This faithful and adoring photographer had to work hard and with patience to get the shots.

But they were well worth it - Gertie is a total star!

By the way, if you have any male guineapigs at your place be careful they don't spot these pics - we don't want to break any hearts!

Blackboard Jungle | cat photography

Today I decided to chalk up a post on facebook using my trusty blackboard. This little board I got from Typo and I love it. Very handy and it has a very handy delete function if you write a message you suddenly regret - called a duster!

You’d think photographing a blackboard, which just sits there, would be easy - but nothing happens at our place without the cats deciding its a good idea they should get involved one way or another. Both investigated the board and - erm - made their mark.

All cat “owners” out there (still not sure who “owns” who in these relationships) probably recognise subsequent events as recorded by this humble photographer.

Its not easy running a blog - especially a photographic blog which involves not only writing but also shooting. Add animals to the mix and it’s a labour of love.

Pricing pet photography

Is the world recession finally here? And does that mean that happy events like pet photo shoots will be considered luxuries as people can no longer afford them?

It’s possible.

All the more reason to book a session NOW - before you can no longer afford it (as well as food, pet food and transport).

The great surrealist, Dali, when he was a struggling artist, used to celebrate financial disasters by spending his last money on expensive champagne.

In other words, be positive. Just think how jealous your neighbours will be when they come over to beg for money and see a brand new framed photo of your poodle on the wall!

But seriously - I do realise that pet photography is not very cheap. After all, this is custom portrait photography.

To help with this I try to have a very open and clear pricing strategy so you, the Client, know exactly what you are up for when you sign for a session.

Price lists in the photography business can be tricky (a bit like cell phone deals) and bill shock is a risk. I know this from personal experience - so I really try to help Clients get a deal they understand and can budget for.

twoguineapigs is recession sensitive, so don't give up. We are here to help and you would be surprised at the value :)