Awkward Portraits + Courses

Awkward portraits of awkward dogs.

Prepare mentally and physically for the big day:

What to wear: your favourite leash + collar/harness combo. Dogs will be on leash throughout the shoot. Solid, earth tones will be least noticeable in close up photos. That said, there’s nothing wrong with whacky, bright, patterned gear if that’s what your pup prefers.

Where: meet in Exshaw for Express Sessions.

Images: each session includes a set number of images in the session price. You will receive an invite to a gallery of your pup’s session one to two weeks after the shoot where you can choose your included images (and additional images at $40+gst each).

Awkward Portrait sessions are designed for one dog per session, but sessions can be booked back to back if dogs are commuting to location together and the dogs can take turns sitting awkwardly in front of the camera while their buddies watch/ridicule.

Snacks Provided: a variety of snacks are provided to help keep your pup’s focus. Please advise of any dietary restrictions and bring alternative snacks. If your pup has a snack or toy that makes their eyes sparkle, bring that along for more sparkle.

Express Portrait Session

This is a great option for ramblers (just passing through without much time), or dogs who just need an updated awkward portrait for their instagram or over the fireplace. The shoot requires 20-40 minutes of the dog’s time (depending on modelling experience) with human accompaniment. This session is shot in Exshaw unless a Location Change is chosen.

Includes 3 digital images

Location: Exshaw, Alberta (see below for other options)

Express Rate$320
Purchase additional images after you see them:
Additional Images**+ $40 per
Purchase Entire Gallery**+ $295
prices subject to 5% GST
*You will be invited to a gallery of 20 retouched images to choose from one to two weeks after your session. Please feel free to select extra images at that time for $40 each. Can’t leave any behind? The entire gallery is available for $295 (this is separate from the session price).
To book: email the “booking request” info form below along with any other pertinent information to trailsandbears@gmail.com

PORTRAIT BOOKING REQUEST FORM

  • Preferred date/days/times:
  • Human’s name:
  • Dog’s name, age:
  • Contact phone number (this will be used to text confirmation and location pin the eve of the session):
  • best email for the gallery invite:
  • Anything I should know about your dog:
  • Is it OK to share photos/videos of your dog on social media and/or websites:
  • Instagram handle to tag if posting:

Awkward Portraits Crash Course 
Duration: 1.5 hours

Meet me in a scenic location to learn and practice five fundamental elements that I use to create portraits with strange dogs (these will work on normal dogs, also).

Dress Code: your favourite outfit for sitting in the dirt, hip pockets for constant access to dog treats (can be in a jacket, backpack, or fannypack), camera (full battery, memory card). The duration of the course will be outside.

Location: Exshaw (recommended upgrade: Highwood Pass location available July-December, add $140)

Model: one dog per student welcome. If your dog is dog- and people-friendly, responsive, and physically able, he/she can be your model. If not, I can bring a model for your course or we can change the location of the course to facilitate your dog’s participation if possible. Model must remain tethered to photographer throughout the course in compliance with leash laws.


Crash Course one-on-one cost: $250 (friends/additional students $95 each)

prices subject to gst

CRASH COURSE BOOKING REQUEST FORM

  • Preferred date/days/times:
  • Human’s name:
  • Additional humans ($95 each):
  • Will you require a dog model or are you bringing one with you?
  • If bringing a dog: name, age:
  • Location choice: Exshaw (included) or Highwood Pass (add $140):
  • Contact phone number (this will be the number used to text confirmation and location pin the eve of the session):
  • best email for contact:
  • Is it OK to share photos/videos of your Crash Course on social media and/or websites:
  • Instagram handle to tag if posting: