The Dog, Equine,Portrait & Family Photographer
The Photoshoot Experience by Tails of Wales
How it Works
At Tails of Wales, I offer a number of Photoshoot Options,
something to suit everyone.
1, The Experience Day Photoshoot, on Location or in the Studio.
2, The Photo-Session, on Location or in the Studio.
3, The Fine Art Black + White Photoshoot.
4, The Equine Photoshoot.
5, The Family Photoshoot, to include your fur babies too!
From your initial Enquiry,
The Conversation, First of all I need to get to know all about you and your dog/horse, and anyone who will be involved in the photoshoot. I'll schedule a meeting at my studio, or a telephone call with you in which we will chat about what they mean to you, how you came to choose them as your fur pal, why you chose their name, how they touch your heart every day and all those sorts of unique things that make your dog/horse special. It's also good to chat about how and where you would like to display your images from the photoshoot in your home, as all artwork is bespoke to you. We also discuss the type of Photoshoot and locations in order to book the date. When we meet on the day of the photoshoot I will feel like I've met your dog/horse many times before from the conversation we've had which helps me capture their true personality and your special bond.
The Experience Day Photoshoot, these are limited to only one per day just for you. I allocate up to 3 hours for the photoshoot, normally starting around 10am. The location can be outdoors amongst beautiful scenery, footpaths and water, or in a town such as Hay-on-Wye, to produce gorgeous Fine Art Black + White images, or in the Studio. You and your dog will have fun playing, walking and posing in a day you'll remember every time you see your gorgeous artwork. I'm simply there to capture those memories so you can keep them forever.
After the photoshoot, you can enjoy a break, have coffee/lunch of which there are many dog friendly cafes pubs in Hay-on-Wye, whilst I'll be preparing your photography ready for you to view at the studio on the same day, usually about 2 hours after your photoshoot.
We will then go through the images taken in a beautiful Cinematic viewing, showcasing the very best of you and your dog. Now is the time to choose how you would like to display these memories in your home from the many different options available.
The Photo-Session, can take place in the countryside or in a town environment, or in the studio. These Sessions last between 1 and 2 hours, capturing the essence of everything you love about your dog/s. At the end of the Photo-Session we book the time and date for you to view the images captured. Your personal viewing will be a Cinematic Showcase at the Studio in Hay-on-Wye. This is where you get to choose your favourites and order exactly what you want, the way you want to display them in your home.
Fine Art Black + White, the concept is to create fine artwork of your dog in the purest form of timeless photography - Black + White. It's a most enjoyable photoshoot within a town setting, Hay-on Wye being a popular choice, as it's so picturesque and dog friendly. We wander around the town, picking out select areas for beautiful images to be captured of your dog.
This photoshoot can be either as an Experience Day or as a Photo-Session.
Your Cinematic viewing will take place in line with the type of photoshoot you have.
The Studio, is in the heart of Hay-on-Wye, I have a number of vintage props and backgrounds, ideal for pets and portraits. The studio converts into a Cinematic Viewing room for your to view your images, either the same day if you have booked an Experience Day, or at a later date if you have a Photo-Session.
The Equine Photoshoot, This photoshoot is of you & your horse and is generally held at your yard. I love meeting new horses, so after I've met your horse I'll look around to find all the best spots for the photography. This is where you are with your horse everyday, you and your horse are very comfortable with your surroundings, making it very relaxing for you both. It's usually helpful to have another person who also knows your horse to help out. It's great to capture the natural connection of you both, and for a different look, why not have a change of clothing, such as a prom dress/ball gown or dressage outfit. I allocate 3 hours for your photoshoot, possibly longer if you have more than one horse. The photoshoot is for you, it's not rushed, and have time to walk to different fields in the vicinity. This photoshoot can be either as an Experience Day or as a Photo-Session. Your Cinematic viewing will take place in line with the type of photoshoot you have.
The Family Photoshoot, Dogs are most certainly part of the family, and you each have a different relationship with your dog. If you have kids, then this photoshoot is for you. I capture the beautiful friendship your children have formed with your dog, whether that's giving your dog a treat, asking for its paw, or running with your dog, these magical moments are priceless. They say never work with Animals or Children, well I do both, together! However, this can take a little extra time, so we have to factor this in to the length of the photoshoot, which will all be discussed during our initial conversation.
This photoshoot can be either as an Experience Day or as a Photo-Session.
Your Cinematic viewing will take place in line with the type of photoshoot you have.
The Viewing & Ordering Process,
The viewing of your photographs take place at my dog friendly Studio in Hay-on-Wye.
Relax and enjoy the cinematic showcase of all the very best of your photographs, we'll have plenty of time to go through all of your favourites. You'll be able to see the different styles of wall art and treasure boxes and other products that are available to order, and I can help you design the perfect display for your home to suit your decor, so they will look amazing. Your order will be fully edited and produced by the best professional photographic labs within the uk, your artwork deserves only the best!
Questions & Answers:
Where is your Studio?
My Studio is in the centre of Hay-on-Wye, Top Floor of the Royal British Legion, 8 Market Street, Hay-on-Wye, HR3 5AF. There is a separate entrance to the Studio / Design Consultation Room on the side of the Royal British Legion.
What are your Studio opening hours?
Due to the nature of my work, and that I work one to one in the Studio or on Location this means Studio Sessions and Design Consultations are by appointment only.
I am not the only person who uses the Royal British Legion building for their business, please respect that I will only be available in the Studio if you have an appointment, such as to discuss in person your photoshoot, have your photoshoot, view your photoshoot or collect your artwork. This is to maintain privacy for other traders in the building, Thank you.
The best way to contact me is by telephone, please leave a message if I'm unable to answer, I will then call you back as soon as I can.
I aim to reply during normal office times, 9am-6pm Monday-Friday and Saturday Mornings.
To enquire or to book, please call me on 07942006600
Where will the location photoshoot be with my Dog?
I am based in Hay-on-Wye, so during the Discovery Call we will discuss suitable locations for the photography involved. I know of quite a few "Dog Friendly" locations in the Brecon Beacons, in particular, Hay-on-Wye, Abergavenny and Brecon. Each of these locations are fantastic and offer a wide variation of backgrounds, flora + fauna to show off your dog to the best. However, if you have a specific place in mind, such as a place you love or grew up in, then we can certainly discuss this. Travel fees may apply if further than 30 miles from Hay-on-Wye.
What if my dog is not trained?
Don't worry, I photograph lots of dogs which are anxious, untrained, nervous or on a lead. My years of experience will overcome these, and even edit out a lead if need be.
Can I keep my dog on a lead?
Yes of course. I understand if your dog is anxious or recall is not great, two main reasons to keep your dog on a lead. I can edit out leads to get the perfect image captured of your dog. Please note, I cannot edit out a harness. It's ok to use a harness when we are walking to the location or in-between photographs, but please bring a collar so we can take the harness off and attach the lead to the collar for the photography.
Is there an additional cost for more than one dog?
There is no extra charge for additional dogs, provided you are the owner of each dog. However, I will need to know how many dogs you have as this will affect the length of time of the photoshoot.
My dogs are my life, they are crazy, can you photograph them all?
Yes I can! It's what I do. If you have more than one dog then please bring another adult with you, this could be your partner, friend or family member. We need that extra person to hold onto your other dogs whilst I'm photographing one of them.
Can my partner come too?
Yes! You love your partner, your partner needs to be included in the making of your treasured memories.
We work all week, can I have a photoshoot on a weekend?
I understand that we all have busy lifestyles, with work and kids in school. As a photographer it is my job to photograph you, your family to create those beautiful images that bring the family closer together in ways you will truly love forever. This is all the more reason to take time out from that busy lifestyle, and set aside time just for your family for the soul purpose of capturing your precious moments together. Weekends are available, at no extra cost, they are the most sought after days, so I recommend booking in advance.
I'm camera shy, or My partner is camera shy, do we have to be in the photos?
Your Photoshoot experience is all about you, and during the Discovery Call, we can discuss what it is you don't like about being photographed. There are many ways to photograph people to include them, without having them look straight into the camera. My photography style is natural, for you to naturally interact with your partner, family dog or horse.
What do I need to bring on the photoshoot?
Dog treats, more than you think you'll need, and cut/chop them into small pieces. A dog brush. Poop bags. Dog lead + collar. A towel. A hand towel if you have a dog breed that slobbers.
Is there anything I should be aware of?
I use dog friendly locations for the photoshoot if going to one I recommend, However, these locations will generally be used by other dog walkers. Nearby to the locations there could be car parks/roads/streams/ponds/rivers/sheep/cattle to be mindful of. If you have any concerns please tell me immediately, and put your dog on a lead if required.
The location will be discussed with you prior to booking, in order to get the right location for you and your dog.
Equine Photography;
Where will the photography take place?
The photoshoot of you and your horse is generally at the place you keep your horse, and nearby locations so that your horse is familiar and used to its environment, making for more natural artwork that means more to you.
How long will the photoshoot take?
Each equine photoshoot generally takes between 2-4 hours, this may be longer if more than one horse.
I like to seek out the best spots in your location on the day prior to starting the photography. By you showing me a walk around, we can discuss the styles at each location. I also recommend you have a change of clothing to get the best from the photoshoot, such as from casual wear to dressage or prom dress/evening gown for that "wow" factor!
Should I prepare my horse the day day before?
Please prepare your horse as best you can, either the day before or the morning of the photoshoot, and keep them in their stable until I arrive.
Please also have another adult available during the photoshoot, they will be extremely valuable to have in order to get your horses attention during the photography.
Why is there a Booking Fee?
Your booking fee secures the date and time of your photoshoot, setting that time just for you for your photoshoot, typically 1-3 hours, 3-4 for equine. It also includes my travel costs if on location of up to 60 miles in total.
What if it's raining on the day?
The weather is something I cannot guarantee, therefore, I will contact you the day before the photoshoot by telephone call to confirm if the weather is suitable for the photoshoot at the time and at the location we have set. If it is not suitable, then we can re-schedule your photoshoot for a different date, and your booking fee will be carried forward for the new , re-scheduled date.
What happens after the Photoshoot? How long do I have to wait to see my photos?
I dedicate my time to you on the day of the photoshoot, I understand you want to see the results as soon as possible. If you have an Experience Day photoshoot once the shoot itself finishes, I go back to the Studio, upload your photography and get them ready for your personalised cinematic showing, whilst you have a nice relaxing lunch in Hay-on-Wye. Within an hour or two from the photoshoot you will be admiring and falling in love with the photographs we have captured. If you have a Photo-Session then a time and date will be discussed with you on the day of the Photo-Session for you to come to the Studio to view your photography in a Cinematic Showcase, usually within a week.
How do I order my photos?
During your cinematic showing I will help and guide you with artwork that will best suit your home, where you will love to have your artwork displayed. We will work out the best finish and sizes that will be perfect for your home. All orders are bespoke to you, therefore full payment must be taken before orders are delivered.
I offer a number of payment options.