WHY CHOOSE LYNN TERRY PHOTOGRAPHY?

I love animals. I mean, truly obsessed with everything fuzzy.  I equally love photography. Put these together and it equates to beautiful pieces of art that you will treasure for years to come. And after photographing dogs for over a decade, I take pride in being one of the top animal photographers. I have successfully worked with hundreds of dogs at every level of training and every personality type.  I stand by the quality of work and settle for only the best. I often hear from clients how hard I work. Funny thing is, I don't think I know any other way. After all, I pride myself on your satisfaction. I will work hard to be sure you fall in love with the images taken. And I will work hard to make the session a fun and rewarding experience.  The hardest decision you’ll have to make is picking out your favorite photographs!

WHAT IS THE BENEFIT OF PHOTOGRAPHING NOW?

In 2014, I adopted a dog by the name of Tink. Sadly, my time with Tink was very limited. She was diagnosed with bone cancer (extremely invasive cancer for dogs) shortly thereafter. After doing everything we could to try to save her, including amputating one of her legs, we knew the inevitable was upon us. Knowing I had such a short amount of time with Tink, I wanted photos that I could see daily and be reminded of the impact Tink made in my life in such a short time along with the memories she left behind. Tink’s remembrance session was within the same week she passed. Prior to the shoot, Tink was very sick and struggled to move. I was a little worried as to how the session would go and if she would do anything other than lay on the ground. However, as soon as Tink got in front of the camera, she completely came out of her shell. It was like she knew what was going on and she just really wanted to enjoy it.

At first, it was really hard to look at the photos since she passed before I had a chance to review them. However, as the pain slowly eased and I started to focus on the good times, I became more and more grateful for the photos of Tink. Although some days it still can be emotional to see the photos on my wall, it is worth the days I stop and admire them while I think back to the joy and happiness that dog brought to me and my family.

In 2017, my dog of 14 years died of bladder cancer. The end was swift and even though we had many years together, it was still not easy. The only thing that helped me through the grieving was to spend hours pouring over the hundreds of photos that I had taken of him. The photos immortalized him in a way that I could still feel him. Taking the time to cherish these moments and celebrate how much he meant to me, validating that he had a good life, was the most powerful healing process. 

Our time is limited with our furry friends.  In a blink of an eye they go from puppies to seniors. All too often clients come to me at the end of their pet's life or sadly, not at all because it's too late.   The most heartbreaking feeling is to wish you would have had these stages memorialized after their time has come to a close.   It's time to commemorate these happy moments in time and hold on to them forever. Knowing I was able to pay homage to your pet and what they mean to you, well, it is such an honor for me to provide this service. 

WHAT KIND OF PACKAGES DO YOU OFFER?

Lynn Terry Photography is a full-service studio.  When you hire me for a session, you are receiving not only over a two decades of experience photographing and handling dogs, but also considerable experience in managing and converting your favorite images into framed prints, custom-designed albums, and stunning, couch-sized canvases.  I work to the highest levels of quality, from the booking stage of your session, through the handling of your dogs during your session, the development and archiving of your images, and finally the production of your high-quality artwork that will last for generations.

MY DOG IS ILL AND HAS LITTLE TIME LEFT. CAN YOU FIT HIM INTO YOUR SHOOTING SCHEDULE?

Seniors and cases of failing-health always fit into the schedule. These are what I refer to as a Remembrance Session. I will do whatever I can to fit you onto the schedule and take whatever time is needed to capture images in which honor your dog’s life and his bond with you. 

During the photoshoot, the energy is fun and happy. It is not meant to be sad; it is meant to be a celebration with your pet and the love and joy your pet provided to your family. If your pet has limited or no mobility, we will work with this. Prior to each remembrance session, I schedule a creative consultation. During this consultation, we will discuss the best location in interest to the comfort level of your pet. Most often I prefer to plan the shoot at your home to create the least stress. 

WHAT IF MY PET ISN'T WELL-TRAINED?

Training can be helpful but it is not required.  The more they are trained the more quickly we get the shots. However, the majority of the dogs I work with are not well-trained and many are on-leash their entire session - it's perfectly normal. Never fear! That's why I have the reputation as a dog whisperer. A big part of getting the photos is the patience involved. Your pet may not get it the first ten times, but it's normal. Relax, don't sweat it. They rarely act the way you expect. Plus, part of the uniqueness of your shoot will come with the unique spirit and character of your dog. The unknown is part of the magic. Just sit back and enjoy the silliness and the fun.  Let them be dogs. Let them explore. I'll be there along the way to capture the excitement, happiness, and goofiness as well as the softer, sweeter moments.    

Beyond the dog whispering, I have an arsenal of treats and noisemakers at the ready if needed. I have owners bring their own treats if they have dogs with specific diets. Otherwise, I have found a few choice treats no dog can resist. I have squeakers, duck calls, and even my own voice if we need get their attention. I have a plethora of tricks I've picked up over the years of working with many, many dogs (and cats). 

MY DOG IS SHY/AFRAID OF THE CAMERA. WILL THAT BE A PROBLEM?

Not a problem. I make sure even the most hyper or apprehensive dog will have a good time at our photo session. I've been photographing for over a decade and have many hours of experience in these situations. Some dogs require a short conditioning period to build confidence around the cameras and to accustom to the sound of the camera’s shutter. With a genuinely frightened dog, I definitely don’t start shooting right away. It’s important not to rush these shoots. We just hang out and give belly rubs. If we are in studio, once on set, I start rewarding them right away to keep everything positive. Treats aren’t usually of interest to a nervous dog, so most of the time I keep it quiet on set, keeping the energy really calm and continually reassuring the dog. If the dog gets anxious, we give the dog a break. I never want to make the experience miserable for you or your pet and I never want to force your pet to do anything he is not comfortable doing. So if I am finding a dog stressed, we'll change the plan. Perhaps take an indoor shoot outside, or an outdoor shoot back home in the comfort of their normal surroundings.  During our creative consultation, we can determine what will work best based on your pets personality, in order to avoid any conflict.  No matter what, I can guarantee I'll get the shot.

MY DOG ISN'T A FAN OF OTHER DOGS. WILL THERE BE ANY OTHER DOGS AROUND DURING MY SHOOT? 

No. Even if I have multiple shoots in a day, I book sessions far enough apart to avoid any problems.
Just to be safe,  please always let me know so I make sure to address this.   

MY DOG CAN'T BE TRUSTED OFF-LEASH, BUT I SEE ALL THE DOGS ON YOUR SITE RUNNING FREE?

A lot of the dogs you see in my portfolio were not always off leash if we are shooting outdoors. Instead, leashes and lines are removed in post on the images you order. I do not necessarily remove harnesses from any images. If we are doing an outdoor photoshoot, the areas I take clients are safe, yet not always fenced or not always free from other distractions. I provide a long lead because your pet's safety and well being are of the utmost importance.  

DO YOU PHOTOGRAPH FAMILY PORTRAITS WITH PETS? 

Yes. I encourage all pet companions to be in some of the shots. It is completely up to you how many photos you want to be in. We take photos with our children; we should do the same with our adored and loved pets. Your pets love you, regardless of your own insecurities. Additionally, in my opinion, every pet brings out a certain element of our personality and emotions. Not only is it meaningful to capture the love and joy of your pets, it is also meaningful to capture the love and joy you feel for your pet. In all of my pet photography sessions, I try to capture photos you can see and feel the bond between yourself and your pet.

DO YOU SELL THE DIGITAL NEGATIVES? 

Yes. Clients can buy digital files.  I want you to have and enjoy your images in all forms for years to come, and as such these digital images are specifically prepared and ready for your digital frames, your computer desktop, etc. … and are included with your collection or available for purchase, individually, or as a complete gallery. They are for personal use only. Any professional/commercial use is prohibited. Copyright remains the sole property of Lynn Terry Photography.

WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED? 

My studio is located in the city of Saint Louis, Missouri in a lovely neighborhood surrounded by amazing homes and a beautiful park. I work with clients nationwide and travel to other larger cities booking a limited number of sessions per city.  

WHAT ABOUT TRAVEL FEES?

For lifestyle in home sessions or locations around the St. Louis area, there is no fee as long as I am staying within a 20 mile radius of Saint Louis City. Beyond that shooting range, a travel fee based on mileage is required. But I am happy to do it. I love to travel and my camera enjoys new adventures and scenery. 

IS THERE A CHARGE FOR MORE THAN ONE DOG/ OR MULTIPLE PEOPLE?

Not with my Signature Session. Whether it's one dog or four dogs, or one companion or the whole family, the session fee is the same. As I said before, I encourage all pet companions to be in some of the shots, and encourage families to involve their children. After all, your pet(s) are part of the family.  Having said that, with multiple animals or multiple people, comes many more images for you to love, increasing the amount you will want to purchase.

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE YOUR WORK! HOW DO I BOOK A SESSION WITH YOU?

I accept a limited number of sessions per month so I have time to devote to post-session work/retouching on the images and can ensure each client receives the best possible photos of their dog. Please email the studio via the contact page about availability to begin the booking process. 

Email is the best way to set up an appointment. I try to respond within 24 hours. Sometimes when I am shooting with another client all day, it takes me longer. 

CAN I PURCHASE A GIFT CERTIFICATE?

Yes. It makes for a wonderful gift. 

HOW CAN I PAY YOU?
I happily accept credit cards, check, cash or Paypal. Session fees are due at booking to reserve your session date. Products are to be paid in full upon ordering. Payment plans are done entirely at my discretion. Deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable.