A Business Philosophy where everyone wins!
So what is this philosophy where everyone wins? Well, it is simply that my job as a photographer is to create tons of fun poses in a relatively short amount of time. By doing that–when we go thru the editing process in my digital showroom and edit those 70 to 100 poses down to 6 or 8 that are the winner/winners, the cream of the crop, the very best.
So then it is time to for me to say THE PHILOSOPHY which is “My job is to make it as hard as possible to decide AND your job is to decide.” Almost everyone chuckles in agreement. Then I show them lots of possibilities of the ways the y can order the portraits that they want to have for their home, office and for relatives or friends.
Don’t forget that it is much more fun to say “I am glad I did” THAN “I wish I had.”
Patrick Nau
I would love to come to your studio–but I live far away!
This is a phrase I have heard before but now it is not a problem like it was in the old days of film. Like the commercial that talks of the ‘easy button’ I like to call my studio the one stop shop.
My clients only have to come here once because we take the portraits, show them shortly after the session on a big screen in my digital showroon and then make selections. It is so exciting to see the portraits after the excitement of the session. Seeing 50 to 100 poses and making selections is a fun challenge for my client. I always tell them that “my job is to make it as hard as possible to decide” and their job is to decide. Everyone always chuckles after that statement because indeed it is the American Way.
My clients that live close by enjoy coming back to receive their portraits but the long distance ones know that I will ship the portraits safely to their home.
Remember it is so much more fun to say “I’m glad I did” than “I wish I had.” It is my mission to get people to ACT on something (having pet portraits made) that they really want to do but like many things in our lives–we procrastinate.
Patrick Nau
Kids and their pets sure make great portraits!
One of the really fun parts of being a pet photographer is photographing kids and their pets. The fun, playfulness and enjoyment kids have with their pets tends to make for great portraits. These portrait sessions are less formal and more interactive. Lots of poses to choose from taken rather quickly to capture the split-second magic that quickly comes and goes. During these portraits sessions it is still necessaryto give subtle directions. While it is true candid portraits can sometimes be among the the best–they can also be sloppy, unflattering and uncomfortable looking, too.
Many photographers operate in what I call an “anything goes” mentality. In essence just firing away without giving any direction–wanting to capture “reality.” That is not for me–my clients hire me because they want my guidance and direction. Some portraits just perfectly happen–but the great majority need direction to become the timeless portraits that clients yearn to own and will treasure for years to come.
There are lots of challenges photographing kids with their pets but that just makes it all the more fun!
Patrick Nau
I am the Minnesota Dog Guy–but I photograph cats too!
While it is true that the great majority of the pets I photograph are dogs I do photograph cats, too. There is a whole different psychology in photographing cats. First off, the various noisemakesr and squeekies I use with dogs are generally ineffective and useless. Plus the various barking sounds and growls I use with dogs really don’t work either. Cats tend to respond to visual cues or really interesting sounds that are out of the ordinary and unique.
Patrick Nau
They tend to fall into 2 types of reactions to having a portrait made. Relentless efforts to run and hide or what I call ‘freezing up.” That is almost becoming statue like which allows me to take a variety of portraits from a lot of slightly different angles that really show off the individual beauty and grace of the cat. Of course, with the really active cat the wrangler’s job is to keep the cat on the table while I work to capture great expressions in the split-seconds when the cat is perfectly still.
In my studio I try to keep the hiding places to a minimum so a nervous cat can’t easily hide. I coach the owner or owners to be quick , active wranglers and to not give up and I will do the rest to capture with my camera those nice portraits that the owner(s) will love.
Your Pet Portraits look like paintings!
- A Proud Senior Dog
If I can do a little bragging here the phrase “your pet portraits look like paintings” is a phrase I have heard a number of times over the years. I consider this statement high praise as it means I have captured a classic, timeless look that the viewer thinks compares to a Renaissance type painting!
A lot of effort goes into achieving this portrait ideal. Beautiful lighting, classic backrounds, dignified poses and excellent detail of the pet from head to toe. Then specific, detailed enhancement in Photoshop and printing by a high quality photo lab ensures a Grade A portrait.
A great satisfaction come when my clients see their finished portraits and exclaim their delight–it is one of the many benefits of being a pet photographer.
Patrick Nau
Why I prefer pet portraits in the studio (and not on location).
There are mainy reasons I prefer taking pet portraits in my studio. I am a firm believer in portraits of pets that are flattering, dignified and razor sharp. Split seconds that freeze perfect action and expressions, crystal clear and sharp, that in my humble opinion can really only be done under the controlled conditions that only a fully equipped studio can provide.
Then with all the tricks of the trade right next to me when I am taking the portraits–the squeekies, balls, noisemakers etc and the total lack of distractions that a fully equipped studio provides–the stage is set for whatever efforts are necessary to create some really nice portraits.
It is critical to be ready, willing and able to meet and exceed my clients expectations everytime I have a portrait session. Minimizing the distractions that can cause a pet portrait session to fall apart is also an important part of my portrait taking philosophy.
Happily, my clientele also feels this same way. It is always a rewarding feeling when my clients say after viewing and selecting their portraits–that I really captured their pet or pets. It is icing on the cake!
Patrick Nau
Honoring the Human/Pet connection–a powerful responsibility.
One of the responsibilities of a pet photograher is to showcase and honor the strong bond between the pet owner and his or her pet. Not all pet owners want a portrait with their pet, some just want the pet alone or if there is more than one–than all together. I do encourage portraits with their pet and if they agree then the fun challenge to showcase their bond. Thru gentle instruction and a watchful eye and a lightning quick shutter finger I capture a wide array of poses showing their unique bond.
Sometimes it is playful, sometimes serious and often times during a portrait session there is that one magic second that occurs that says it all. There have been times when it is almost the last time– as the dog or cat is going to be put down soon because of a serious illness or cancer. I can tell you that is a responibility I take very seriously.
This reminds me of the time I photographed a Golden Retreiver that was going to be put down in 2 days due to cancer. Whene we we viewing the images on the big screen-the dog dad was wiping his tears away (not with a tissue) but with a washrag from home as his tears were really flowing. Talk about a humbling, moving experience!
Patrick Nau
Never give up and ALWAYS be ready–you just never know!
Pet portrait sessions can be really easy or an incredible challenge. Some dogs are so photogenic and pose so beautifully that I could take a hundred excellent portraits and be done in 20 minutes or so. Other sessions can be so challenging that I need to use all my skills, tricks and inexhaustible patience. And guess what–either is fine for dogs are the way they are and it my job to still get the portrait!
The toughest session I have ever had was one that when they arrived I actually felt like crying–8 dogs (4 Bulldogs!) It was time to pull it all together and do everything possible to get the shot. My clients rely on me and I take that responsibility seriously.
It all comes down to being ready for that split second–no matter how long the wait–when it is just right. Missing that split second is not an option in my book. Sometimes there are lots of just right split seconds in a session and sometimes just one. I promise to be ready.
Patrick Nau
The 'Senior Dog' portrait–Why it is so important!
Portraits of our dogs are important to have made for many reasons but a portrait of the ‘Senior Dog’ is doubly important. Most dog owners treasure their dogs and especially so when the senior dog is approaching the end of a long, cherished life.
I have photographed many senior dogs, some just a few short days from the end of their life. I can tell you it is a powerful, poignant experience and one I take very seriously. These strong, dignified portraits are the final, loving image that the loving dog parent will enjoy and treasure for years to come.
I have talked to dog parents that still miss their dog 15 to 20 years after it’s passing. A beautiful dignified portrait helps ease that pain and replace it with loving satisfaction. Plus they can say “I AM GLAD I DID” instead of “I WISH I HAD” and that is the best thing!
Here is a portrait of one of my all time favorite senior dogs!
Patrick Nau
The Nervous Pet Owner
It is true that sometimes pet owners are nervous about how their pet is going to act at my studio. I always stress over the phone and in person how calm and relaxed it is at my studio and that I operate on a “this is no problem” philosophy.
What do I mean by it? When dogs need to check out my whole studio, sniff everywhere and if they have a bathroom accident on the floor–it is not a problem. I have endless patience and when the dog is calmed down, has some water and maybe a treat only then do we start the session. By that time the pet owner is more relaxed and ready to begin the session trusting in my ability to take nice portraits of their dog or dogs.
I have enclosed a portrait of Jayne and her 22 yr old cat Chou-Chou. Jayne was very nervous before the session and told me when she arrived that she almost canceled the session. With patience and the right cajoling we got some nice portraits and Jayne was very happy with the results. She told me after the portrait session that she was really glad that she kept the appointment.
I understand nervous pet parents, their specific concerns and as a professional know how to work best with them and their pets. Remember it is so much more enjoyable to say ”I’m glad I did” THAN “I wish I had” Don’t let a little nervousness keep you from having pet portraits made that you would treasure for a lifetime.
Patrick Nau
The care and keeping of dogs in my studio.
When I prepare my studio camera room before a pet portrait session there are a number of things I do. Of course, the obvious are to set the lights correctly, to have the right backround and so on.
I also have all the squeekies and noise and attention getters at the ready. During a session depending on what is working I will also growl, meow, bark and any other vocal noise I can think of to help get those great expressions.
The water bowl is full and the treats are ready for when needed. When my client arrives with their dog or dogs–its time to let the dog(s) loose to check out my studio and get comfortable. Sometimes that happens quickly and sometimes it takes a little longer–no problem, I have the patience of a saint!
I like to think that during a portait session I am really kind of like a dog whisperer!
To take beautiful pet portraits I do need help and so I do a quick teaching of the dog mom or dad how to be the perfect dog wrangler. I tell them that they have the SECOND most important job in my studio. To help keep their dog(s) in the right spot for me to take the portraits.
Who has the most important job you may ask? Well, that would be me and my innate ability to capture those perfect portraits–freezing a split second of time for posterity. How very much I love it!!
When people ask me “how in the world did I get that amazing pet portrait?” I always “it’s just part of the magic.”
But now you know it is much more!
DON’T SAY WISH I HAD, SAY GLAD I DID
Patrick Nau/MinnesotaDogGuy
Pet portraits are PRICELESS, not expensive.
Did you know that 39% of dog owners would spend any amount of money to save their dog? And most likely, the other 61% would if they could! This reflects the amazing bond that dog owners have with their dogs. They are truly members of the family.
What better way to honor this bond and insure wonderful sentimental feelings and emotions, now and later with the inevitable passing than with a beautiful pet portrait.
How do we put value on a something that is subjective like a portrait? Well 31 years ago while still in school I heard this idea, every time we look at a portrait and experience a loving feeling–put a nickel in a jar. (with inflation I now say $.25) Imagine how many quarters would be in the jar as the years go by—hundreds if not thousands!
What other investment increases in emotional value as time goes by?
Don’t say wish I had, say glad I did”
Patrick Nau/ MinnesotaDogGuy
My dog is black-you won't get a nice portrait
There is a common misperception that a black dog will not photograph well at all. It partially based on truth–that is, every black dog photo taken with a camera and flash is using a single burst of harsh light that hits the face and front of the dog lighting up just a part of the dog and then disappearing into space.
I guarantee to every client that has a black dog that there will be wonderful detail in the fur of their black dog and that they will love the portraits. How can I do this you ask? I use multiple lights and know just where to put them for maximum detail and of course 29 years in business doesn’t hurt either!
Here is a wonderfully sad black Cocker Spaniel that has great detail in its fur. So you black dog owners–don’t settle for bad portraits! Contact me, the MinnesotaDogGuy.
Don’t say I wi
sh I had, say glad I did!
My dog won't sit still for a portrait!
How many times have I had someone tell me “my dog won’t sit still for a portrait.” The response I always give is “It doesn’t matter.” Then I talk
about the couple with 8 dogs that I photographed or if I am at an event with my portraits I show them the portrait and they are amazed. My comment to them is–”Do you think these dogs sat still?”
Sure it great when dogs pose perfectly but often that is not the case. I have to say my split second timing to capture that split second great portrait is second to none. I have photographed hundreds of dogs and never been shut out. ( I knock on wood though, every time I say it.)
My clients don’t ever have to apologize for whatever way their dogs act in my studio. My job is to create beautiful portraits regardless and that is a responsibility I fully embrace and treasure!!
Don’t say wish I had, Say glad I did!
Patrick Nau/MinnesotaDogGuy
Thinking of a pet portrait–Making it happen.
I have met many pet owners over the years who have lost their beloved dogs and have said to me “I wish I had a portrait of my dog” but sadly of course, it is too late. I remember one man who told me he lost his dog 15 years ago and STILL regretted not having a portrait made before it was too late.
My mission as the MinnesotaDogGuy is to make it EASY, ENJOYABLE and REWARDING to have beautiful pet portraits made before it is too late!
My motto is “Don’t say I wish I had, say I am glad I did.”
Here is a portrait of 2 Papillons whose owners are “glad they did.”