How to choose a pet photographer: 4 reasons you shouldn't hire Kristen Murray Photography and 4 reasons you should!

I’m Kristen, and this is my soul-dog, Kona.

Finding a pet photographer can be a challenging task. First, you’ll want to find someone who has a deep love for (and knowledge of) the pets you have. Someone who will treat your pup just like their own. You’ll want to find a photographer who won’t judge your not-so-slight obsession with your pup. Someone who understands that deep connection and also considers their dog their soul-dog. Someone who just gets you. Secondly, there are a lot of great pet photographers out there to choose from, and sorting through all the websites can be a bit overwhelming.

I’m here to help you sift through the noise. If you’re wondering about working with me, I’ve put together a list of 4 reasons why we might not be the best fit for each other, and 5 reasons why we would be PERFECT together. Let’s start with. . .

Why we wouldn’t be a good fit:

1: You want a quick/low-cost/seasonally-themed session . . .

or JUST a handful of pics for the ‘gram. Before I go any further, there is nothing wrong with wanting this; it’s just not what you come to me for.

You come to me when it matters.

When you’ve decided you want to celebrate your journey and everything your dog means to you through photography and/or film. When you want to join in on the fun, and spoil yourself and your dog. You come to me when you’ve decided it’s time to create stunning, timeless, nature-inspired portraits to admire daily, whether on the wall or in something like a handcrafted luxurious leather album.

2: You want photos in a controlled, studio environment.

My heart lies in the wilderness; you come to me for photos of your outdoorsy dog in their element. Whether we’re on paddleboards in the middle of the river, covered in burrs in the tall grasses of the uplands, or hiking to a Blue Ridge waterfall — we’re exploring all nature has to offer.

3: You consider your dog “just a dog.”

Or an accessory. They’re there, you feed them and take care of them, but you don’t consider them family and if you had to move and leave them behind, you’d be okay doing so. Hate to break it to you, but you and I definitely don’t see things eye to eye. Look, your dog doesn’t have to be your “soul dog,” but they do need to be your family.

4: You don’t like images where your dog is the hero.

I specialize in telling your dog's story and capturing having fun just being themselves. Whatever that looks like. Hanging out with their family, pointing on quail, or adventuring in the great outdoors. If you're not into that. . . well, just like the Brothers Osborne say “I’m good* for some, but I’m not for everyone."

---

And 4 reasons you and I would be a perfect fit!

1: You want guidance and a full-service experience.

From how to prepare to what to wear. Posing tips to planning out the best type of artwork that will compliment your home decor and personal style. From the initial consultation all the way to artwork delivery & installation, I’m here to help you, every step of the way.

Yes, that means we’ll be seeing a lot of each other over the course of our time together, whether over Zoom or in-person. If your idea of hiring a photographer is a 10-minute phone call, followed by a 30-minute photoshoot, and finished with an emailed link to your online gallery, that’s okay, that’s just not me.

2: You’re an outdoorsy, adventurous, fun-loving dog-parent who’s not afraid to get a little mud on their shoes.

Or, you know, covered in sand, sweat, and just a bit of river water.

Don’t worry, I bring along baby wipes and a pop-up privacy tent for wardrobe changes, to every session, and make sure we capture the fun and fancy side of your relationship.

3: You value the finer things in life.

The artwork you’ll receive is some of the highest quality in the industry, hence the lifetime guarantee. From beautiful hand-painted framed canvasses to reclaimed barn wood frames and portrait boxes made right here in the USA to stunning thick acrylic wall art handcrafted in Europe, I’ve searched high and low to find only the best of the best. I promise you’re going to love it!

4: you want a dedicated pet photographer

I understand and know how to read your dog’s body language. I can tell when they’re getting a bit overstimulated or shutting down and am totally okay with taking breaks during the photo shoot. We don’t watch the clock, we just work until we get the photos, we run out of light, or when your pup says “Nah girl, I’m good, home plz now.” I’m also trained in Pet First Aid and CPR and carry a first aid kit in my camera bag. Your pup’s safety and comfort are my top priority during our photoshoot.

---

So there you go!

I hope this post is helpful in choosing your pet’s photographer. If that’s not me, that’s okay. But if you’ve resonated with any of this and thought “yep, she’s for me,” well, what are you waiting for?

Send me an email or click that green button below to let’s start planning how to celebrate your dog and decorate your home with that wild, adventurous, unconditional love of your best friend.

BONUS REASON TO HIRE ME - You like that I guarantee my work.

I get it y’all, you also may be thinking there’s just NO WAY your pup will “behave” during our session. They’ll be “too wild,” or “she’s still a puppy and doesn’t listen,” and “we can’t trust him off-leash, so there’s no way we can get any running/action photos,” or “she’s too old.” (Lies, I tell you, all lies.)

Listen, not only is your artwork guaranteed for life, here’s my love-your-photos-guarantee: If after seeing your photos you’re not in love and can’t imagine purchasing a single one, we’ll reshoot your session or I’ll refund your artwork credit. Simple as that.