Why should I go with Doug Ng Studios?

I am an animal lover first and a photographer second. My drive and purpose for starting this company has been to make high quality pet photography accessible for everyone. I bring a unique methodology to pet photography as I used to own a pet resort and was the lead trainer, so I take the time to get to know your pet before we start to freeze the moment with photographs.

Can’t I just take these photos myself on my phone?

Yes and no. You can vastly improve your pet photographs by taking the photograph at a level below your pets chin and learning about visual language and composition. I highly recommend the YouTube channel by Pat Kay. What you won’t be able to do is take photographs like mine without training and some sort of dedicated camera. What smartphones do is called “computational photography”. The image is actually highly processed by your phone to guess what you want your photo to look like. I put this information out there because I know I’m not cheap, and there are many photographs of your pets that I will not be able to capture in their day to day lives.

Can my human family be in the picture?

Yes, capturing a moment with ALL of your family is my goal (too often pets are left out).

How would you describe your photographic style?

My style is extremely minimalistic. My pet/pet+family portraits are just the subjects in their environment. I do not use any props. My editing style is generally true to life, though I may brighten up colors a bit and remove imperfections such as skin blemishes and eye boogers.

Do you have a studio?

No, I do not have a studio and never intend to have one. If you prefer the studio experience there are a few photographers in our geographic area that do pet portraiture, and they are very good.

Why don’t you own a studio?

Studio photography and photographs taken at your home have a very different visual language. Your pet is in their home environment, and they are more comfortable because of it. My preference is to have photos taken at home, so that is the service I offer. Again, if you would prefer the studio experience, I highly recommend you seek out a studio photographer, you’ll be much happier with it.

Can we take our photos outdoors?

Yes and no. If the lighting is good, then sure. If the lighting is poor or harsh, I do not recommend it. Please plan to have photos taken inside where I can control the lighting and if we can make it outdoors to have photos taken, we’ll consider that extra credit.

When will Doug contact me?

Within 48 hours of booking an appointment through this website Doug will contact you with a couple forms to fill out and to schedule a planning session with him. Two days before the photo shoot Doug will reach out to you again to confirm the exact time he will be arriving at your home.

What will happen the day of the photo shoot?

This will be discussed during the call, but in a nutshell, Doug will come to your home and introduce himself to everyone who will be participating in the photoshoot. He will spend an extra few minutes getting to know your dog(s) so everyone is comfortable with his presence. At this point, he will set up lighting and reflectors in the room where the photographs will be taken and we will begin! Generally, Doug will start with the animals and then begin to invite human family members into the photo shoot.

Does Doug take photographs of other animals?

While Doug has the most experience photographing dogs, he does offer photos with cats (that’s Felix the stray cat we’ve taken in on the homepage). For all other animals please reach out via email hey@dougngstudios.com or with the contact link above to set up a consultation.

Why is my deposit non refundable within three days of my scheduled appointment?

Photo shoots in peoples homes are an involved process for all parties, and should you cancel within three days it’s unlikely that I will be able to fill that empty slot with another client. It’s unfair to me that I have to eat the cost of your appointment when you cancel last minute.

My dog is aggressive, will you still come to take photographs?

Yes and no. If your dog bites me I’m not going to be very happy. If your dog is aggressive but you can keep them under control, or they’re comfortable with me at a distance, or they’re more comfortable being held in your arms, there are photographic techniques I can do to make the images more natural.

Why do you require the video call?

Being a traveling photographer I am carrying a lot of expensive equipment with me. I have to mitigate the risk that someone is booking me to steal that equipment. The video call is to verify that you are who you say you are. Nothing can be 100% certain, but I’m trying to minimize my risk of being robbed.

What equipment will you bring?

If you’re wondering this you’re also a camera nerd, and I always am happy to meet someone in my tribe. The camera I will be using is a Sony a6700 with a first party 16-55mm f2.8 lens. I have telephoto lenses, wide angle lenses and macro lenses to use if there is an opportunity to use them. I find the APS-C sensor size keeps my gear light which is important for me as I will be on the ground and getting back up A LOT. I use various lights and reflectors as part of my kit as well. I find with this kit I can offer extraordinarily high resolution images without me having to visit urgent care because I hurt my back.

Why do you offer the Puppy Package?

The first year of your puppy’s life there is going to be a lot of changes to their appearance and personality. The puppy stage goes much too quickly. By prepaying for the package you guarantee that you will have photographs to look back on to remember each and every step of your puppy’s development, at a discounted rate no less.

Why do you offer the Hex & Lia package?

The Hex & Lia package is something I wished I had available to me when their time was limited. It is my way of supporting my extended pet community in their time of need, and to keep the names of my beloved fur babies alive. I miss them every day.

Does Doug Ng Studios offer a Military/Leo discount?

Yes! We proudly support those who protect our freedoms and safety. If you are active Military or Law Enforcement, please reach out via email hey@dougngstudios.com or via the contact link above to receive a 20% off discount code.