How Much Does Professional Dog Photography Cost? A Guide to Pricing
If you’re a pet owner, you know that your dog isn’t just a pet—they’re family. Many of us want to capture those special moments and personalities that make our fur babies unique. Professional dog photography is a perfect way to do just that! But one of the most common questions pet owners have is, “How much does it cost to get professional photos of your dog?”
Dog photography pricing can vary depending on several factors like the photographer’s experience, location, session duration, and the type of products you want. This guide will walk you through the cost of hiring a professional dog photographer and what to expect in terms of pricing and value.
Breaking Down the Costs of Professional Dog Photography
When booking a dog photography session, you’ll typically encounter two main categories of costs:
- Session Fees (Photography Fees)
- Product Fees (Digital Images, Prints, Albums, etc.)
Let’s dive into each and explain what you can expect.
1. Session Fees: What You Pay for the Photoshoot
The session fee covers the photographer’s time, equipment, and expertise during the actual shoot. Depending on the package or photographer, it might also include a pre-session consultation and post-session editing.
Session fee ranges:
- Mini sessions typically cost between $100 – $200. These are shorter, often 10-30 minute sessions designed for capturing a few key shots.
- Full sessions usually range from $200 – $400. These sessions last between 1-2 hours and allow for more variety in locations, poses, and creative shots.
- Extended sessions or custom sessions can go up to $1,000 or more, especially if they include multiple pets, different locations, or additional family members.
The session fee usually covers:
- Time spent by the photographer during the session
- Planning and consultation before the session
- Basic editing of the photos
- A viewing gallery or proofing session to choose your favourite images
What’s not included in the session fee?
The session fee does not typically include digital images or physical products (prints, albums, wall art, etc.). These will be purchased separately which brings us to …
2. Product Fees: Paying for the Photos and Art
After your dog’s photography session, you’ll have the opportunity to purchase images either as digital files or as physical products. Here’s where pricing can vary widely depending on the type of images or prints you choose.
Digital images
High-resolution, fully edited digital images can be purchased either as single files or in bundles. Each photographer sets their own prices, but here are some general estimates:
- Single digital image: $100 – $300 per image
- Small digital bundle (5-10 images): $500 – $3,000
- Full gallery (all images from the session): $2,000 – $5,000
Prints and wall art
Physical prints such as canvases and other wall art pieces are typically sold in addition to, or instead of, digital files. Here’s a rough breakdown of typical print pricing:
- Standard prints (8×10 or 11×14): $100 – $300 per print
- Canvas prints (starting around 16×20): $450 – $2,000 depending on size and framing
- Acrylic or Metal wall art: Prices start around $500 and can go up to $2,000 for large, high-end pieces
Albums
Custom photo albums can range widely in price depending on the photographer and materials used. Expect to pay between:
- $1,000 – $3,000 for a high-quality custom album featuring a selection of your dog’s best shots. The number of images in the album is usually a key influence on the final price.
It’s important to note that part of the product fee covers the photographer’s time in preparing the final images. This includes cleaning up, retouching, color correcting, and ensuring the image is perfect for print. If you’re ordering prints or albums, the photographer will also prepare the file for printing, ensuring it looks its best in the final product.
Factors That Affect Dog Photography Prices
Several factors influence the cost of professional dog photography:
Photographer’s Experience and Expertise
More experienced photographers with a strong portfolio or special skills (such as working with reactive dogs or capturing action shots) will typically charge higher rates. The quality and artistry of the images may also justify a higher price. You’re not just paying for the photos themselves, but for their years of experience and reputation for delivering high-quality work.
Location
The cost of living and operating a photography business in your area can significantly affect pricing. For example, photographers in major cities or tourist areas might charge more than those in rural or suburban areas.
Location of the Photoshoot
If the session is conducted outdoors or at a specific location, there may be additional costs involved, such as travel fees or permits. Some photographers are happy to come to your home (which can be less stressful for your dog), while others may have preferred locations like parks, beaches, or studios.
Photoshoot Time
The time of day you choose for the photoshoot can also affect pricing. Some photographers don’t offer evening or weekend sessions, and those who do may charge a surcharge for these times due to increased demand or the difficulty of fitting them into their schedules. Make sure to ask your photographer about any extra fees associated with evening or weekend shoots when booking your session.
Session Length
Shorter sessions will normally cost less than full or extended sessions. If you’re only looking for a few key shots, a mini session might be your best bet. For families looking for a wide variety of images, a longer session will likely be worth the investment.
Number of Pets
If you have multiple dogs or want to include other pets, some photographers may charge extra. Typically, a pet photographer might include up to two pets in the base price, with a fee of around $25-$80 for each additional animal.
Additional Products
While some pet owners are happy with just digital files, others prefer to have physical products like prints, canvases, or photo albums. These products will usually come at an additional cost. Prices for wall art and custom albums can range from $400 to over $3,000, depending on size, material, and finish.
Products and Digital Packages
The more images and physical products you purchase, the higher the total cost will be. Some photographers offer package deals that include both digital files and printed products, while others offer à la carte pricing.
Total Investment: What to Expect
On average, people typically spend between $1,500 – $3,000 on their dog’s professional photography experience. This includes both the session fee and the cost of purchasing images or products afterward.
Here’s a quick breakdown of typical price ranges:
- Low-end (Mini Session + Digital Bundle): $100 – $700
- Mid-range (Full Session + Digital or Print Products): $1,000 – $2,000
- High-end (Extended Session + Full Gallery + Wall Art/Album): $2,000 – $5,000+
Is Professional Dog Photography Worth It?
You might wonder, “Is professional dog photography really worth it?”, and for many pet owners, the answer is a resounding yes.
Professional photographers who specialize in pets know how to make the process as stress-free as possible. They often work in environments that are familiar to your pet (like your home or local park), and they know how to interact with animals to get the best results
A professional photographer can capture your dog’s unique personality in ways that casual smartphone photos often can’t. Whether your dog is playful, shy, goofy, or calm, a skilled photographer will know how to bring out and capture those traits.
Our pets are only with us for a short time, and having beautiful, high-quality photos to remember them by is priceless. As your pet ages, you’ll appreciate having professional photos that you can look back on for years to come.
Final Thoughts on Dog Photography Pricing
Professional dog photography costs can vary widely depending on session type, products, and photographer experience. Whether you’re looking for a simple mini session or a full day of customized shots, you can expect to spend anywhere from $500 to $5,000 or more in total.
Ultimately, choosing a photographer whose style you love and investing in products that showcase your dog’s personality will result in memories that you and your family can treasure forever.
Ready to Book a Photoshoot for Your Dog?
At ME Pet Photography, we specialize in making your pet feel comfortable and look their best in front of the camera. From playful pups to more senior dogs, we’ve worked with them all! Our portable photography studio allows us to bring the perfect lighting and setup to your pet’s familiar environment, ensuring they feel relaxed and at ease during the session. Our goal is to create beautiful, professional photos that you’ll cherish forever.
Interested in learning more? Contact us today to book a session and start capturing those special memories of your dog. 🐾 📸
Note: All prices mentioned in this blog post are in AUD and are reflective of the Australian market in 2024.