Pet Parent Confessions

Sandra Ferguson Photography
6 days ago
4 min read

Thinking about booking a private pet session but finding reasons to hold back? You’re not alone. I hear the same worries from pet parents all the time and I promise, they’re more common (and more solvable!) than you think. Let’s bust a few myths together so you can see how every wiggle and bark can still become a portrait you’ll treasure.

“My dog won’t sit still.”

If dogs are active and moving, it shows their personality. Also, the camera is fast, it looks like they sit!

“She’s scared of strangers.”

We take our time! I do NOT rush sessions. We can set up a time before scheduling the session for you to bring your fur baby by the studio. No camera, no lights. Just sniff, look and get some treats. Just mention this to me if you want to come first! If you don't come to a meet and greet, we will take our time. I let the dogs sniff and walk around.

“He barks at everyone.”

Oh my goodness! Sometimes, I play with them and encourage them to "talk to me"! I love it.

“They’re too hyper.”

I have 2 - two year Goldendoodles myself! I know hyper!!! We use their hyperness to make good photographs!

“He’s not trained.”

Your pet does not have to be professionally trained. Photographs can make it look like they sit. Trust me, it is for a quick second. Take cats for example. Cats work on their terms, not commands. But yet we have portraits!

“They won’t behave.”

You don't know until you bring them. You don't know all my tricks and surprises.

“He’s getting older—I waited too long.”

It is never too late to get professional portraits. I love frosty face seniors! I love all animals. Take photographs on your phone and schedule a portrait session.

“I need to groom him first.”

First, photographs do not smell! Now we do need them brushed & combed. No mud on paws. Eye boogies wiped. In honesty, I would say, white dogs are the most that need to be groomed before portraits. I speak from experience - my white/parti Goldendoodle either turns taupe from dirt, green from grass and yellow from rolling.

“I don’t know if it’s worth it.”

Ask a pet parent who had to say good-bye to their pets. If you ask me, you get tears in my eyes! I said goodbye to my heart dog Ziggy in 2022. I miss him every day. But he is always beside me in photographs, at my desk and in studio. Yes... it is worth it.

“I just take phone pics.”

Take lots of photos!!! Never stop!! But portraits by a professional are for the shots you can't get on your phone. They are meant to be hung on your walls and framed on your desk.

“I don’t have time.”

I get it. I am busy also! I work from my schedule, my husband's schedule, doctors schedules, vet schedules, and all my clients schedule. I am always working around busy schedules. We can carve out a couple of hours!

“It’s too expensive.”

That's fair. Absolutely. Because photography isn’t just clicking a button. It’s 20+ years of experience, professional gear, props, backdrops, editing, computers, batteries, taxes, insurance, websites, domains, emails… and that’s before I even pick up the camera. Photography is an investment, not in me, but in the story of your pet, told with care and heart.

“I don’t know what to expect.”

Expectations? Tell me what you want or envision as your session. Good photos, with family, colors. We go from there. Because ultimately, we can only do what your pet allows us to do. We work with them and follow their lead.

“I’m not sure how it works.”

Go to my website. Look over every page. There are menu items for portfolio, investment, FAQ, info about myself, blog (of course) and a booking form.

Fill out the booking form. It gives me info I need to know about you and your pet. Then I contact you. We go over dates. Once we have decided dates, I forward you the prepared invoice and contract. Once those are completed and returned, you are scheduled & confirmed.

At the session, we take our time. Lets talk and get to know each other. Let your pet sniff around and calm down from the ride. We do everything on their time. If they are very active, we may put on a slip lead. Don't like strangers or not people friendly, they may stay on their leash. Seniors, they don't move much. We go from there.

Here’s the truth: soulful portraits don’t need perfect poses. They need real moments. The tilt of a head, the frosty muzzle, the goofy grin—that’s the magic. That’s the memory.

At Sandra Ferguson Pet Photography in Memphis, TN, we work with the wiggles, the quirks, the chaos. Because your dog doesn’t need to be perfect. Just loved.