Hi there photographer, I'm Kaitlyn - a published and award winning pet photographer based in Maine, focusing on dog adventure sessions and capturing a story and the bond dogs have with their owners. I love educating others and helping them with their photography journey, which brings me to host and teach the exclusive New England Dog Photography Workshop!

This isn't your typical casual content-sharing day. Nope, it's all about diving deep into the art of dog photography. We'll split it into two parts: theory and shooting. We're going to take what we learn in the theory classes and put it into action with actual dogs. If you've been itching to up your dog photography skills, expand your portfolio, or just learn the ropes from scratch, this workshop is tailor-made for you.

We've got several sessions lined up, each featuring real dogs. We'll cover everything from posed and lifestyle portraits, capturing dogs in action and the special bond between pets and their people.

Throughout this workshop, I’ll spill the secrets on creating those breathtaking, one-of-a-kind dog portraits. You’ll get the lowdown on nailing that perfect angle, highlighting those adorable facial features, mixing up elements from different dog breeds—basically, all the juicy stuff to make your shots pop.

join me to learn the art of dog photography with other pet photographers

DOG PHOTOGRAPHY 101 WORKSHOP

July 27th - July 28th
Freeport, Maine
For amateur and professional  photographers

What You'll Be Learning

Dog Photography 101
  • Mastering dog photography basics: understanding outdoor and indoor lighting, composition, and camera settings.
  • Creating compelling dog portraits: capturing expressions, emphasizing unique features, and highlighting personality.
  • Exploring different dog photography styles: posed portraits, lifestyle shots, action photography, and landscape settings.
  • Navigating the bond: capturing the connection between dogs and their humans in "doggie + me" sessions.
  • Practical sessions with real dogs: applying theory in real-time shooting scenarios.
  • Enhancing your portfolio: learning techniques to widen and diversify your collection of dog photographs.
  • Tips and tricks for working with various dog breeds: adapting your approach to different personalities and physical traits.
  • Guidance on storytelling through dog photography: conveying narratives and emotions in your images.
  • Post-processing and editing techniques tailored for dog photography: refining and enhancing your shots 
  • Understanding Dog Behavior: Insights into dog behavior and body language, helping photographers anticipate movements and capture authentic moments.
  • Legal and Ethical Considerations: Understanding laws related to pet photography, obtaining permissions, and ethical practices in the field.
  • Critique and Feedback: Learning to analyze and critique images constructively to improve your work and understanding the elements that make a photograph stand out.
  • Building Relationships with Clients: Tips on interacting with pet owners, understanding their needs, and creating a comfortable environment for the dogs during sessions.
  • Fundamentals of Photography: Understanding exposure, aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and their application in dog photography.
  • Gear and Equipment: Understanding the best cameras, lenses, and accessories for dog photography, including recommendations for different scenarios.

Running A Business 
There will be a short section on running a PROFITABLE dog photography business including, but not limited to:
  • Business Setup and Legalities: Guidance on setting up a photography business, acquiring licenses, insurance, contracts, and legal considerations specific to pet photography.
  • Client Relations and Communication: Techniques for effective communication with clients, understanding their needs, building rapport, and managing client expectations.
  • Pricing Strategies: Determining pricing structures, packages, and services offered. Understanding the value of your work and pricing it accordingly.
  • Marketing Strategies: Exploring various marketing channels such as social media, website optimization, email marketing, and networking within the pet industry.
  • Workflow and Time Management: Developing efficient workflows for handling inquiries, scheduling sessions, post-processing, and delivering the final product.
  • Client Experience and Retention: Focusing on providing an exceptional client experience to encourage referrals and repeat business.
  • Networking and Collaborations: Exploring partnerships with pet-related businesses (vets, groomers, pet stores) and networking to expand your client base.
  • Financial Management: Understanding budgeting, expenses, and managing finances in a photography business context.




& SO. MUCH. MORE!

your investment

$600 will cover all the above (classes and shoots) as well as accommodation during the workshop AND all meals! Transportation is not included to or during the workshop.
There is a $150 deposit if your application has been approved to join the workshop. The remaining $450 will be due 4 weeks before May 31st, or can be split up into payments. Afterpay is also accepted.

Itinerary

(rough itinerary)

July 27th:
- Meet at 3pm
- Meet and greet
- theory classes
-6:30pm - 8pm evening golden hour shoot with real dogs
- dinner reservations

July 28th
- Sunrise shoot
- Breakfast
- Image review / "watch me edit"
- Theory and business classes
- Check out 11am

Students are welcome to hangout with me longer for 1:1 time for more photography help  or enjoy the area together! 


Where you'll be staying

We will be staying at The Freeport Hotel, in Freeport Maine

Home of L.L. Bean! 

Thank you so much for applying. Any experience and skill level is accepted. After your application is reviewed and accepted, you will receive an email from me about next steps with a booking link to pay your deposit for your spot!

F.A.Q

Can I bring my friend/SO/etc?
- Those who are signed up for the workshop are the only ones allowed during the workshop. If you would like a friend to join you they must also apply for the workshop as well and can be roomed together. If you would like your SO to join, you must upgrade to a private room (if available) but they cannot come to lessons or shoots, but are welcome to join us at dinner (this will be an extra $250). 
Do I have the stay at the hotel?
- Nope! You're welcome to stay somewhere else nearby, but the price does not change if you choose to stay elsewhere. 
What will the activity level be like?
- Light to moderate! Be prepared for some light walking on different terrain, getting low down with the dogs or even rolling on the ground to get the perfect shot.
What are the sleeping arrangements like?
- You'll have your own bed in a shared room
Do I need prior experience in dog photography to attend?
-No prior experience is necessary! This workshop caters to photographers of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced enthusiasts. You need a DSLR or Mirrorless camera. 
Will dogs be provided for the photography sessions, or should I bring my own?
-Hand picked dogs with certain skills will be available for the scheduled photography sessions. At this time please keep your own pup at home. 
What happens if the weather is bad during the workshop?
-We'll aim to adapt our shooting schedule to accommodate various weather conditions. If it rains, still plan on shooting in light rain.

If there are any additional questions, please reach out to me, Kaitlyn, at venturewithdogs@gmail.com to discuss!





We'll be in touch soon!

Thank you for your note!