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A Rainy Day Game

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Very few people enjoy a rainy day — especially your pup who loves nothing more than to run around outside and lose themselves in new smells galore.  So today we thought we’d share with you a rainy day game that is sure to perk up your pet when skies are grey.

We call this game ‘Undercover’ and it is a simple amusement that provides hours of fun. All you do is take your pet’s favourite toy (preferably something that squeaks) and hide it under a blanket or duvet. Be sure that your pet sees the toy disappear under the blanket and then squeak it to further get their attention. Your dog will then pounce on the blanket and excitedly start sniffing, digging and nosing around in search of their toy — so, perhaps use an old blanket that you don’t mind anything happening to.

This game is great for two main reasons. 1) It satisfies your dog’s natural instincts to hunt and search, while delivering lots of fun.  2) It is a wonderful way to bond with your pooch if you are feeling too tired for a run — all this game requires of you is to sit down and squeak every now and then. However, to keep your pet interested in this activity, be sure to allow them to successfully capture their toy from time to time before re-hiding it once again.

What are some of your favourite rainy day pet games? 

Pet of the Week: Garmin

Allow us to introduce October’s first pet of the week, Garmin. He is a beautiful Weimaraner boy with deep soulful eyes and is now officially in the running for the October Pet of the Month title and the gorgeous prize of a Zuzutopia collar!

Remember there is always next week ladies and gentlemen, so be sure to email us your best pet photographs to [email protected] for a chance to win!

About Thanks

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This weekend is Thanksgiving in Canada, which naturally has us thinking about the whole concept of thanks. While we love this particular holiday, we also firmly believe that thanks is something that should be given freely and kindly every single day for the little things as well as the large.

Think about your dog. No matter what happens — if you give them a treat, a hug, a long run at the park or a new chew toy — a dog always says thank you with a waggy tail and a slobbery kiss. Even more importantly a dog says thank you every day to you, their people, for just being yourself. A dog never asks you to change, never turns their nose up at a yellow tennis ball because they wanted the trendier hot pink version and never dwells on the things that they don’t have in life. Our dogs are perhaps the most satisfied creatures on the planet, who always find something to be grateful for.

This is the example we should all follow more often. So you don’t have a house and rent a tiny apartment instead — be thankful that you have a roof over your head. So you can’t eat out as much as you would like and are left to fumble around in your kitchen — be thankful that you have food in your stomach. So you may not have your dream job right at this moment — be thankful that you have a dream. 

Most importantly of all, however, be thankful for the people in your life (furry and human alike) because they are the ones who share your ups and downs, your silly and serious matters, as well as your hopes and fears. Saying thank-you out loud to people, to yourself and to the world just makes for a nicer ambiance all around and a happier way of life. Everyone always has something to be thankful for.

We are incredibly thankful for each one of you, who joins us here on Pawsh and shares your wonderful stories with us time and time again. We try to say thank-you often, but it never feels like enough. Please know how much we appreciate your support and how much we’ve loved getting to know you over the past several months. What is the ‘something’ you are thankful for this year?

Have a fantastic long weekend!!! xoxo

TORONTO PET PHOTOGRAPHER | PAWSH STUDIO F.A.QS

Pawsh-Studio-Holiday-Dog-Prints-3Why should I invest in having my pet’s photograph taken?
If you are visiting Pawsh’s website (welcome, by the way!) you probably already know the answer to this question. Pets are beloved members of the family – they make us laugh, they provide comfort, they even look out for us! Having your pet’s photograph professionally taken is a wonderful way to remember and cherish their sweet personalities forever.

Pawsh Studio’s modern, yet quirky style focuses upon those real moments that you would otherwise only be able to see in your mind’s eye. Pets are faithful companions, even soulmates, and their time spent with us should be celebrated, treasured and documented in a meaningful manner so that it is never forgotten.

What does your complimentary consultation include?
Great question! A lot of fun – that is first and foremost. Each pet photography session comes with a complimentary 30-40 minute consultation before your photo session. All of my consultations are essentially an opportunity to get to know one another better, talk about your pet’s personality and go over your photo session in detail.

We’ll meet at a cafe or coffee shop (or park if it’s nice outside!), sip hot beverages, chatter away about pets and have a few laughs too. This is also your chance to pepper me with any questions you might have. Seriously, don’t be shy! My main concern is making sure you and your pet are comfortable working with me!

Why do I have to put a 50% non-refundable deposit down to book my photo session?
Putting a deposit down is a common photography business practice when it comes to booking a shoot. Not only does this reassure you that that time is yours, but it also helps me to be most efficient with my schedule. Of course, I completely understand that sometimes emergencies happen. If you are unable to make your scheduled photo session time, all you need to do is give me 48 hours notice and we can reschedule.

If you change your mind about a photo session that you have already booked, your deposit is non-refundable because by keeping that date reserved for you, I have likely turned down other clients interested in that time.

Do I have to sign a contract?
Yes. I have a comprehensive contract and release form that I require all photography clients to sign. This is a formality that helps both you and I stay on the same page. It outlines everything promised in your pet photography package and what you can expect when working with me, including image delivery deadlines etc.

Why don’t I get hi-res digital files of my photographs?
A lot of time, energy and skill goes into fine art pet photography, both on behalf of the photographer and the pet parent who books him or her. You spend a lot of time looking through portfolios and meeting with photographers before finally choosing someone who reflects your style and vision for capturing your furball’s many antics. Sadly, however, a lot of beautifully taken photographs can end up looking sub-par, even terrible, when subjected to poor printing practices and ill-favoured formatting.

To ensure that I can deliver the style and look you are dreaming of for your photographs, I process all of your printing needs in a high-end and luxurious manner. I offer a variety of different paper options and archival inks to ensure that the photographs I take for you look their very best and last forever.

Each of my pet photography packages offer all sorts of built-in print options to save you money without sacrificing quality. I also offer a wide variety of add on print options to help bring your photographs to life.

Why will my low-res digital files be watermarked?
The practice of watermarking photographs helps to protect the photographer’s work and you. Unfortunately, a lot of online creative content is stolen and plagiarized by individuals and companies alike.

Imagine walking through a department store one day and seeing your photograph on a product box without your permission? It would shocking, yes? Putting watermarks on images helps to deter other people from using those images for their own purposes, as removing a watermark is far more challenging than lifting an image that is unmarked.

How do I choose my final photographs?
I will supply you with a private online gallery in which you can review your photograph proofs. Each image will be clearly numbered to make the selection process as simple as possible. I am also happy to meet up in person with you to help make final selections if you would like a second opinion curating your photographs.

Can I see examples of your print products before deciding to purchase any?
Yes absolutely! I bring all sorts of print, canvas and album samples to our consultation so you can see and handle them in person. If there is anything specific you would like to see, please just let me know!

Can you help me choose the right print options for my photographs?
Of course! I am always happy to get together after your have reviewed your proof gallery to help you choose formats, finishes and one-of-a-kind designs that will truly show off your pet’s beautiful photographs in a unique way. Just ask and I’ll be there to talk through everything with you.

Why can’t I order the RAW files from my pet’s photo session?
Raw photographs – or photographs that are straight out of the camera and have not been retouched at all – are not available. This is because they are not an accurate representation of my work. Raw photographs are just one step in the process of creating a beautiful, lasting professional image. You wouldn’t ask an author to sell you the first draft of their book or a movie director to screen their unedited footage filled with bloopers. Similarly, a professional photographer will not sell you raw images.

What is your early booking discount?
I am so happy you asked! This is an opportunity for you to save a few pennies! If you book your pet photography session with me four months in advance, you instantly save 5%! No strings attached! Consider it my way of saying thank you!

How soon after my pet photo session can I see my photographs?
Very very soon! I will be just as excited as you are to see your final photographs! Within two weeks of our photo session I will share a sneak peek of 2-3 images from the day. Complete photo collections will be fully edited and ready for viewing within two or three weeks of your pet’s photoshoot, at which point we can plan your print products.

My dog NEVER sits still. How will you get him to pose for a photo?
By simply not posing him! In fact, I never pose an animal for a photo session, because it simply isn’t natural for them. Instead my job is to follow their lead with the camera and capture real pet moments as they naturally unfold. My lovely assistant and I will work with your pet to get them as comfortable, relaxed and engaged as possible, while I focus on looking for picture perfect moments – even if they happen in the blink of an eye!

What if my pet doesn’t like being in the studio?
It is completely normal for dogs to be very excited and/or nervous when entering Pawsh Studio for the first time. It is a new space with lots of new smells and sounds and being ‘on set’ is a brand new experience – and who knows, they might be worried this excursion is a surprise trip to the vet!

I do everything possible to maintain a warm, welcoming and calm atmosphere that will relax your pet and help them feel comfortable. I take great care to spend time with your dog sans camera so they get used to me and to the idea of having their photograph taken. We can even all sit down for a quick cup of coffee to help your dog relax and see everyone present as a fun friend.

Pawsh Studio also does not use strobe lighting, meaning there are no scary flashes to startle your pet. I also always have lots of tasty treats on hand (dried liver anyone?) to help pets have fun. My main objective is always to make sure that any animal I am working with is completely comfortable and safe. I absolutely will not force an animal to do anything they are uncomfortable with just to get a nice photo. In any case, the best photographs happen when your dog is being his wonderful goofy self!

If despite our best efforts your pet is getting very frightened, hyper or stressed, I will not proceed with our photo session as I do not want to put any animal in a situation they are not enjoying. Instead, we will regroup and reschedule our photo session for an outdoor location where your dog feels confident – you will of course be refunded the difference. Or, if you really have your heart set on a studio look, we can always arrange a special ‘Pop Up At Home’ studio experience so your dog can remain in the comfort of his own home.

However, in my many years of doing pet photography I have only ever had one dog who did not warm up to the idea of being in the studio.

I would like to give a Pawsh Studio photo session as a gift. Is that possible?
Absolutely! I love helping people surprise their loved ones and offer all sorts of convenient gift certificate options. Simply choose the pet photography package that you would like and I will create a stylish printed gift certificate for you to slip into a card! Easy peasy!

I would LOVE to book another pet photo session, but can’t afford it right now…
I completely understand that fine art pet photography is a lasting investment and that it isn’t always in the budget to book multiple sessions. So please be sure to ask about Pawsh Studio’s amazing referral program!

If you have already had one photo session, you are immediately eligible for our amazing referral program that essentially earns you discount points that you can save up and put towards another pet photo session for your pet! It’s fun, it’s easy and it offers significant savings! Seriously significant savings!

I don’t see an answer to my question…
Then please feel free to email be at [email protected] and I will do whatever I can to help!

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