Inside: 7 Reasons WHY you should hire a pet photographer
FRAME YOUR PET
GUIDE TO
Fine Art Pet Photography
How to choose
THE RIGHT PET PHOTOGRAPHER
Home Decor:
THE FUTURE IS FRAMELESS
How to turn
YOUR PET’S PORTRAITS INTO ART
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HOW TO CHOOSE
7 REASONS
DON’T READ
WELCOME
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page 18
(ONLY FOR TRUE ANIMAL LOVERS)
page 26
THE PROCESS
HOME DECOR
YOUR SESSION
CONTACT
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page 38
page 48
page 58
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WELCOME TO FRAME YOUR PET 4
NOTE FROM THE ARTIST “It is my wish to bring an artistic treasure into your home for years to come.”
Thank you so much for thinking of me to create fine art photographic artwork of your pets. If you are here, it’s obvious you share a love of animals and an interest in capturing them as never before. Our pets are so important to us that they are part of our family. We couldn’t imagine a life without them. The amount of love and affection they give in return often seems limitless. In the world of smartphones and modern technology, we take frequent snaps of our beloved pets until our phone memory is full to capacity in an attempt to capture them at every phase in their lives; from those early puppy days in to the twilight years. Unfortunately, these low resolution images don’t print well, and our pet can not be proudly displayed in our home, as they deserve. This guide is a little insight into why it is seen more and more important that we capture those memories, how our pets enjoy themselves and the special bond with us and our family. Along the way, I hope to give you a better idea of what fine art pet photography can offer you. Sincerely,
Alicia Rius
Owner & Photographer of Frame Your Pet 5
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“Every time I look at Lluna’s photos I’m speechless. I can never be thankful enough for what Alicia did for us. The investment is priceless. She is your person.” —Eli G.
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7 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD HIRE A PET PHOTOGRAPHER 8
It’s convenient to snap pictures of your furry friends with your camera or smartphone when a cute or playful moment presents itself, but those aren’t the photos that you’re going to want to print and frame. For display, you’ll want professional pet photos that are done with taste and grace.
1. THE PUPPY STAGE IS VERY SHORT We all melt when looking at photos of puppies. It’s the sweetest thing ever and we all wish we could have a puppy again. Those playful, cuddly puppies will grow up fast. You’ll want to capture this moment so that you will be able to remember it when your friend becomes an adult and eventually a senior. This is the sweetest and most innocent phase of your pet’s life, and before you realize it, it will be gone. So the sooner you immortalize it in photography, the better..
2. ANIMALS DON’T LAST FOREVER I wish they did, but they will die some day and then what will you have? Thousand photos in your Dropbox all with bad lighting and resolution enough for an 8x10. Many of my clients are booking what I call Rainbow Sessions. It’s for pets who are nearing the end of life either due to old age or an illness. It’s great to get those photo opportunities in before it’s too late, but why not get a new photo shoot done with them every couple of years, when they’re still strong and healthy, so that when they do pass, you’ll have something to illustrate their whole life. 9
“The pictures Alicia took are absolutely priceless to me. On top of taking fabulous pictures, Alicia was so compassionate and supportive about Harry’s illness and passing. If you are looking for a photographer that can truly connect with both you and your animtal, I highly recommend contacting Alicia!” —Kelly M.
3. YOUR PET IS PART OF YOUR FAMILY We all take professional pictures with our spouses or families. Why not honor your beloved pet with a quality photo shoot as well? Pet photography also has the ability to be more artistic in lighting and backdrops than family portraits. Imagine the action shots, the cute poses and expressions framed perfectly on your wall. Family portraits, when displayed, tend to be no larger than 8x10, but an artistic pet photo can look great at larger proportions. 10
4. PET PHOTOGRAPHY DONE TASTEFULLY CAN BECOME A PIECE OF ART This isn’t stock photos or store-bought décor. This is unique and personalized art. Photos of animals make great pieces of art. But instead of spending thousands of dollars on a photo of a horse or dog you don’t know, now you have the chance to have your own custom made piece of art of your cat, dog or equine. As an artist and photographer, I understand your needs for such art and that’s why I created my Fine Art Sessions, which are meant to serve as large gallery mounted prints worthy of display. My photos are elegant, striking images that you will feel proud to have in your home.
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“We got beautiful photos of all of the dogs that I could never have gotten in a million of my own.” —Jennifer G.
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5. PHOTOGRAPHY TAKES SKILLS
6. MEMORIES ARE PRICELESS
A career pet photographer has the training, the equipment, the experience, materials, and supplies to produce a gallery-quality portrait. The photographer will not only provide you with images that you never thought possible, but will shoot thinking about colors and composition. Also, the professional lenses are able to capture the light and details that no point and shoot camera or iPhone can. Plus, a skilled pet photographer will take care of fine tuning the image: removing eye bugs, removing the leash from the photo, removing people in the background, enhancing the fur details, the colors, etc.
Pet photography is a bit of a luxury, but once you capture those moments with your friend, you’ll have them forever and will have no doubt of their worth. We all return to photos from time to time when we feel nostalgic: photos of when we were kids, when we had that trip to the Grand Canyon with all the family, the Christmas evening when Grandpa was still with us, our wedding day. Photos immortalize that moment in time, that split second that will no longer be with us. Only the photo is the proof that that day existed and we lived it. So memories are not only priceless; they tell the story of our life. And cats and dogs are our life too. They grow up with us, they share every day with us and our kids, so it’s very important to have their presence in our lives documented. This is especially true when you don’t have children, as many do not. Pets are very much our family, and family in any form is a treasure.
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7. IF YOU ARE A BUSINESS, YOU NEED HIGH QUALITY MARKETING MATERIAL The quality of your marketing speaks volumes about the quality of your products or services. Look at any company and you’ll see that their sales increase in direct correlation to their marketing budget. The more you advertise, and the better your advertising is, the more customers will notice you and entrust you with their business. If you want your business to grow and see an increase in customers or client, taking your advertising and display materials to the next level with customized, professional pet photography is going to be key.
“Alicia quickly demonstrated to me why she’s a professional with her proven methods, her gift in relating to animals, and her artistic eye.” —Dan C.
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“Thanks to Alicia, I have the most spectacular, not to mention artistic pictures of my two boys (sphynx cats).” —Tara J.
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HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT PET PHOTOGRAPHER
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“My expectations were not only met, but exceeded! The quality of photos taken as well as the variety were incredible and I could not have asked for anything more! It was a wonderful experience for both myself and Fin!” —Michelle L.
Becoming a pet owner is a more life-changing event than many people realize when they set out to choose a new addition to their family. Within a short space of time, a new dog or cat takes up a space in your heart that you didn’t know was empty. They are forever a part of your family and not just an animal. Your pet becomes an integral part of your life; he is there for all of life’s monotonous daily moments. He greets you when you wake up, when you get in from work, and cuddles on your lap before bedtime. He’s also there for life’s milestones; birthday’s, family bbq’s, the birth of children. He is a constant presence, always offering unconditional love and affection. Time passes quickly, and before you know it, your pet has transformed from puppy or kitty to a fully mature dog or cat. He changes as if before your eyes; blink and you could miss it! Being smartphones and point-and-shoot cameras so affordable, we found ourselfs constantly taking and posting pictures of our pets in Facebook and Instagram. We are so proud of them that we have this need to share it with the world.Unfortunately, these low resolution images don’t print well, and your pet can not be proudly displayed in frames in your home, as they deserves. The solution to this problem is to hire a professional pet photographer. The pet photography business is gaining lots of attention, so choosing the right one is becoming extremely challenging. A conventional photographer, who photographs anything to everything, may not comprehend the art of taking the best pet portraits. 19
First, you need to look for a specialist. There are many styles of pet photography, such as documentary, traditional, photojournalistic, fine arts, abstract, and studio. The vast amount of options can make the choice seem daunting, but I have some easy to follow guidelines that will make choosing your pet photographer foolproof.
1. GENERALIST vs SPECIALIST While not all amateur photographers are created equal, the best way to ensure you receive quality work is to hire a seasoned professional with a solid background. This is the first step toward success choosing the right photographer for you. Generalists are the ones who shoot a bit of everything: newborns, pets, weddings, landscape, etc. Pets do require an experienced photographer to have their pictures taken. The photographer must understand animals and be able to engage them to get the best out of them. Check the photographer’s experience and background and ensure he or she is a professional and has a career that backs up what he or she does with a gallery representation, awards, magazines, and blog features. Every pet is a unique character and being able to be patient with pets is not enough. You need to ensure that the candidate has experience working with animals, and ideally, can provide some references from previous customers.
*Alicia’s work is being represented by 5 European Galleries: Galerie Sakura (Paris), Kochbox (Amsterdam). FOCO Gallery (Madrid), INSPAI (Barcelona), Oorby Gallery (Italy). For more, visit www.aliciariusphotography.com
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“Alicia took great natural photos of our Siberian cats- Boris and Milla. We recommend Frame Your Pet if you are looking to treat yourself to beautiful photography of your pet.” —Cat R.
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3. CHOOSE THE STYLE
4. KNOW THE PROCESS
Although many pet photographers use digital cameras, there are still some more traditional ones using film. Do you prefer film or digital? Do you want black and white or color? Each one comes with pros and cons, and depends on your personal preference. It’s important to spend some time checking the photographer’s portfolio to see if his/her style is what you are looking for.
If possible, schedule a pre-session consultation with your top two photographers. Discuss your project, what you are looking for, how the session works, and your expectations, and use the time to clarify any questions you may have. The consultation will help you get to know each other and you’ll get a better feeling of which pet photographer will be right for you.
5. THE INVESTMENT Figure out your budget and compare what each photographer includes in the price, but don’t let this be the deciding factor. Price is often a synonym for quality, not only in terms of products but also in customer service. Do you want a shoot-nburn photographer or somebody who can prepare a tailored session for you and your pet? Do you want to buy a few 8x10 prints or do you want gallery-quality art pieces? You will pay once, but a few years from now, you won’t remember how much it cost you, only how wonderful and unique your pet was.
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“Alicia was able to capture the spirit and personality of my dog’s breed. Some photos were classy and others were just crazy and funny! She really understood them and cough the best of both.” —Kristi T. 24
“I don´t have enough adjectives to describe the work you did with Akame. You did a wonderful job, Alicia. It really is amazing. To me, it’s just professional (in all aspects). THANK YOU.” —Magaly S.
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WHY CHOOSE FRAME YOUR PET 26
I PROMISE THIS With my art, I’ll show you how unbelievably BEAUTIFUL & ELEGANT your pet is.
WHAT MAKES FYP UNIQUE? Photographs and art are timeless. Combining the artistic qualities of fine arts and pet photography requires passion and takes a unique skill and talent. My clients will tell you, the results of working with FRAME YOUR PET exceeded expectations. If you are passionate about your dog, cat or equine, I can create a personal masterpiece to remind you of all the beautiful memories, good times, and happy moments shared together Your photographs will be a unique expression of love for you to enjoy for years to come. 27
THIS ISN’T FOR EVERYONE. ONLY FOR THE PASSIONATE If you have checked other pet photographers, you may be wondering, why should I choose Frame Your Pet? It would be fair to say that all things are not created equal. I aim to offer a unique tailored experience. Your pet is unique so your photography should be too. I believe that every photo shoot should be filled with fun and taste. This is an experience and your chance to be and do something different.
MY ARTISTIC VISION BROUGHT TO YOU The artistic vision of your session is very important to me. You may have an idea in mind and you may be open to some creative suggestions. You might like the idea of something magical: your dog under the bed sheets with his snout out, or your cat posing gracefully on top of the couch. Maybe your dog’s silhouette on top of a hill against the sunset, or a photo of him flying in the air while catching a ball. I can do anything, from very dynamic shoots to my most unique and stylish Fine Art Sessions. With my talent and experience, empowered by your wishes, I can design the perfect session that will suit and enhance your pet’s personality and beauty. I’m passionate about my profession and I want you to be happy with every single element of your experience with me. This is my mission. Your pet deserves the best. 28
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“Alicia is the REAL DEAL. Her photos are hands down the best I have ever seen! Look no further. If you want the best of the best, you have found her." —Amanda Newquerk - SPCA's Event Coordinator
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THE PROCESS
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“We couldn’t be more pleased with the end result. Kittus looked so handsome and elegant that it’s hard to believe he was so sick. She managed to capture the shine in his eyes. Now that Kittus is gone we have a beautiful memento. We couldn’t ask for more.” —Jordi S.
IT’S ABOUT TO HAVE FUN A Pet Portraiture commission should be a fun experience for both you and your pet. I pride myself on providing the best service I can and one that shows my passion for what I do. In the following page you will get an insight into how a typical end to end portrait session with Frame Your Pet works. 33
1. CONSULTATION This is a very important decision and it’s key that you make the right choice. That’s why I offer a FREE consultation. We’ll meet over a coffee and we’ll discuss what you have in mind, which sessions I can offer you that will suit your needs and wishes, and you will tell me more about you and your pet.
2. BOOK THE DAY I only do a few sessions a month in order to deliver the best to my exclusive clients. The first step to ensure your spot is to pay the full amount of your session.
3. DESIGNING YOUR SESSION Every pet is a unique character. That’s why all my sessions are tailored according to your pet’s personality, age, and physical conditions. Getting to know your pet will help me to prepare the best session possible to meet your expectations and design a fun and dynamic photo shoot for all of you.
4. ONE WEEK BEFORE THE SESSION I’ll send you a schedule for the session. The schedule is just for reference for better time management and to make sure we are all set. One or two days before the actual day, I’ll check the latest weather forecast. If the weather isn’t agreeable (rainy, snowing, too windy or too hot), we will probably need to reschedule the session to another day to preserve the comfort of your pet.
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5. SESSION DAY If it’s the first time I’ll meet your pet, I’ll take a few minutes to get to know your pet so he/she will be totally comfortable having me around with my camera. Based on our previous conversations, your pet’s personality, and the final art work requirements in mind, I’ll work through a number of set looks and lighting techniques to achieve the desired results.
6. IMAGE PRESENTATION Two weeks after your session, we’ll meet again to review your images and choose the right size and mounting system for your pieces of art. I’ll bring my studio samples so you can touch and feel the difference between them and I’ll explain you the benefits each one has to offer depending on your needs and budget and I’ll place your order.
7. DELIVERY After one or two weeks (depending on the scope of the project), you will receive your art work at your home or office. With your order, you’ll find 5 exclusive Referral Cards from my Referral Program for you to share with your family and friends so you can all benefit from your next Session.
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“The way Alicia captures the animals’ expressions is very artistic and unique. Her photos are powerful, and yet sensitive and tasteful. That’s why I represent her work. " —Sharon Ruud, Art Dealer and Manager. Ruud Agency.
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CHOOSE YOUR SESSION 38
You enjoy the finer things in life. You appreciate aesthetic beauty. You embrace being unique. If you are considering doing something special to honor all the love you feel for your pet, look no further. You’ve arrived.
CAPTURE THE PASSION Now you can capture the passion you feel for your beloved pet with timeless portraits blended with hi-end art. Now through my lens and imagination, dreams of elegant and tasteful pet photography can become a reality for you. In the next page I present you with 5 different types of sessions. What the session includes is standard; but the session itself will be tailored only for you. I understand how important your pet is to you, so I’ll design the best session to give you the best outcome.
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FINE ART SESSION
The ultimate combination of art and pet photography My Fine Art Sessions were created with uniqueness in mind. It’s the ultimate expression of matching fine art with pet photography. If you are looking for a gallery-quality fine-art print to decorate your home or office, this is the ideal session for you. The Fine Art Session includes everything from the Premier Session plus, my signature fine art pet portraits. Find out more about the Fine Art Session’s at www.frameyourpet.co/fine-art-sessions/ Includes: • Pre-session consultation • 2 hour of Fine Art Session • 1 hour of Lifestyle session (indoor or outdoor) • 2 locations • 2 pets (can be dog or/and cat) • Private online proofing gallery • 50 fully retouched digital proofs • Framing and Mounting in home assessment • Web-friendly (watermarked) images for social media use
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LIFESTYLE SESSION This session is meant to capture all aspects of your dog´s personality. I can shoot your dog either being cozy and calm at your home or we can shoot anywhere in San Francisco; from the iconic Golden Gate Bridge to the top of Bernal Heights’ hill. As a result, you will have plenty of photos to choose from. Includes: • Pre-session consultation • 1 hour session • 1 location (can be indoor and/or outdoor) • 1 dog • Private online proofing gallery • 30 fully retouched digital proofs • Web-friendly (watermarked) images for social media use
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“Alicia’s talent and professionalism at work was impressive. She’s excited about her work and it shows. It makes a huge difference when someone really actually cares about your pet.” —Ley M.
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CAT SESSION Cats also love to be the center of attention. This session is meant to capture all aspects of your cat´s personality while respecting his/her comfort and environment. Includes: • Pre-session consultation • 1 hour of unlimited shooting • 1 location (normally at your home) • Up to 2 kitties • Private online proofing gallery • 30 fully retouched digital proofs • Web-friendly (watermarked) images for social media use
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RAINBOW SESSION Rainbow sessions are very intimate sessions. Saying goodbye to your companion is never easy. So, before it’s too late, this is a wonderful way to capture those last precious moments. Due to the delicate situation, Rainbow sessions have top priority on my calendar. Includes: • Pre-session consultation • Whatever time is needed • 1 location (usually at your home) • Private online proofing gallery • 30 fully retouched digital proofs • Web-friendly (watermarked) images for social media use
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EQUINE SESSION I have created different packages for private commissions, equine breeders and pet business. Contact me to discuss your needs for this project.
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HOME DECOR: YOUR PET’S PORTRAITS TURNED ART
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ART-CHITECTURE
A beautiful portrait is often only as good as it’s presentation. It’s important to invest and consider the proper framing to display your new work of art. I offer a wide range of creative mounts designed to decorate your home or office for a lifetime. All mounting materials are available in different sizes, finishing and of course, different prices too. During our mounting consultation session, I’ll bring samples of different mounts, so you can touch, feel and envision how you might like to see the final piece(s). We’ll study different finishes and materials to help give you a clearer picture of the final result.
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“The quality of the photos is outstanding and what I like best is that the photos make me admire even more how special and unique my dog is. I knew she was pretty but now I can show her off with the art wall I made out of the pictures I purchased.” —Liz C.
THE FUTURE IS FRAMELESS Your final art work will be frameless. I like to work with unique and modern materials such as plexiglass (acrylic), raw aluminum and organic bamboo; materials that will turn your photos into stunning, gallery quality pieces.
THE MATERIALS My experience doing exhibitions will help me to guide you through all the variables to take into account when choosing the right materials to exhibit your masterpiece. I’ll study your home, how the light impacts the wall, and I’ll advise you on which materials or finishing are the best for each scenario to ensure that your final art is well displayed.
THE SIZE Sometimes it’s very hard to decide upon the size when you don’t have your final artwork yet.That’s why during our mounting consultation we’ll use Preveal. Preveal is a groundbreaking iPad app that will show you exactly what your photos will look like on your own walls, at the right size. 50
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“I cannot express enough how impressed I was with Alicia’s work. She has a great eye for capturing cool shots that you wouldn’t even think of. If you are wanting something different than the typical pet portraits, contact her. She will far exceed your expectations. —Jenny C. 55
“I had such a great experience working with Alicia. She is truly an artist and extremely professional. When I saw the photos for the first time I was shocked at how beautiful they were! She truly captured my dog's spirit and also our relationship together.” — Alana Y.
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Your pet’s personality, forever.
Are you considering hiring a pet photographer? I’d love to hear your ideas. Contact me today to schedule your FREE session consultation. I can’t wait to meet you and your pet! 58
CONTACT
www.frameyourpet.co info@frameyourpet.co (415) 832.0710