Before I Go sessions are memorial-style session available for elderly and/or terminally ill pets. Though it's difficult to think about our pets passing, it seems sometimes the snapshots we take everyday may not be able to fully convey the love we have for them. And if you're always behind the lens or trying to get that selfie with them, it can be tough to be in the moment with them.
This is where I can help.
I can be available for a range or services which can be anything from a quiet session in my studio, to me following your pet along on a little walk, a bucket list outing getting a favourite puppacino, a hangout at home or picnic in your yard. I can even meet you at the vet in an emergency situation -- whatever's most comfortable for your pet and you. Whether the session focuses on just them, or the bond they share with their favourite family and friends, as long as your pet will be comfortable, I'd be honoured to help.
We approach these sessions with an understanding that time is now limited, so my aim is to capture images that can be added to your treasure chest of memories, and maybe... eventually... help process the grief of losing your beloved when that time arrives.
As a former hospice volunteer, my current work with a local veterinary hospice along with course work in navigating pet loss and making this compassionate decision, I understand the power that facing death brings and the honour that can be felt when present at the end of a life. And during my years documenting pets new into rescue -- and all that goes into their care -- means I've had the privilege to be there during the vet visits, the surgeries, the wins and even when they took their last breath. Along with the experiences of losing my own pets over the years and participation in pet-grief groups I've come to realize that there's no one way to celebrate a life. Each life lived brings experience and uniqueness which can be marked, celebrated and mourned in a way that feels natural to the family. And I'm here to help.
I will always do my best to accommodate Before I Go sessions, though I appreciate connecting sooner in a diagnosis or when you've decided on a euthanasia date as it helps reduce the amount of planning at time when your mind may be focussed elsewhere. Sessions can take a variety of forms in any number of locations; some families prefer to do the sessions earlier on in a palliative diagnosis when their loved one may still able to do most of the things they loved, whereas some may not have that time. Whatever stage you're facing with your pet, please get in touch and we can discuss options.
Pricing and session info below photo gallery...
This is where I can help.
I can be available for a range or services which can be anything from a quiet session in my studio, to me following your pet along on a little walk, a bucket list outing getting a favourite puppacino, a hangout at home or picnic in your yard. I can even meet you at the vet in an emergency situation -- whatever's most comfortable for your pet and you. Whether the session focuses on just them, or the bond they share with their favourite family and friends, as long as your pet will be comfortable, I'd be honoured to help.
We approach these sessions with an understanding that time is now limited, so my aim is to capture images that can be added to your treasure chest of memories, and maybe... eventually... help process the grief of losing your beloved when that time arrives.
As a former hospice volunteer, my current work with a local veterinary hospice along with course work in navigating pet loss and making this compassionate decision, I understand the power that facing death brings and the honour that can be felt when present at the end of a life. And during my years documenting pets new into rescue -- and all that goes into their care -- means I've had the privilege to be there during the vet visits, the surgeries, the wins and even when they took their last breath. Along with the experiences of losing my own pets over the years and participation in pet-grief groups I've come to realize that there's no one way to celebrate a life. Each life lived brings experience and uniqueness which can be marked, celebrated and mourned in a way that feels natural to the family. And I'm here to help.
I will always do my best to accommodate Before I Go sessions, though I appreciate connecting sooner in a diagnosis or when you've decided on a euthanasia date as it helps reduce the amount of planning at time when your mind may be focussed elsewhere. Sessions can take a variety of forms in any number of locations; some families prefer to do the sessions earlier on in a palliative diagnosis when their loved one may still able to do most of the things they loved, whereas some may not have that time. Whatever stage you're facing with your pet, please get in touch and we can discuss options.
Pricing and session info below photo gallery...
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Sessions
All sessions include a pre-session chat, session time, a private on-line preview gallery and a select number of digital image files (depending on the session). I've included some options below, though I'm also happy to work with you to create a session that will be most meaningful to you and your pet.
If you're having trouble deciding, please reach out and I can help guide you through. I'm here to support you and your bestie.
IN STUDIO SESSION FEE: starting at $225
ON LOCATION SESSION FEE: starting at $275
CEREMONIAL SESSION FEE: starting at $350
THE STORYBOOK SESSION FEE: starting at $450
EMERGENCY SESSION FEE: (Greater Victoria only) please contact me using the 'Book/Inquire' button above for pricing and details
In Studio sessions provide a quiet, safe space for pets who are still able to travel. Being inside means we don't worry about the weather or temperature outside. It's also a good option for pets who can't be off leash or may be reactive to other animals. We can also remove collars, harnesses and leashes safely and your pet won't be distracted by what's going on outside. Though I mainly focus on your pet, select family, friends and/or other pets can be included, however due to the size of my studio, some limitations apply. Session fee includes ten (10) digital photos.
On Location sessions could be inside your house, outside in your yard, the vet office or your pet's favourite spot. Family, friends and other pets can be included; some conditions apply. Session fee includes ten (10) digital photos.
Ceremonial sessions are available for those who will be having a ceremonial euthanasia. For families who are preparing to have a ceremonial farewell to their beloved. Maybe friends and family will be there, maybe you've prepared a special spot with flowers and mementos, maybe you have a pet death doula to help guide you, while the vet team tends to your beloved. These sessions take a more documentary style with the result being a mix of images that will held in your heart for years to come. Images are available on their own or in a book format, or both. Session fee includes at least twenty (20) print-ready digital photos.
The Storybook
This session provides the opportunity to revisit some of your pets favourite things -- maybe we go for a walk at a special location, maybe we head into the studio with their favourite toys and a big, soft bed, or something in between. Maybe I follow along for a few hours in your pet's life. My aim is to help create and capture a chapter in your pet's life story.
Session fee includes ten (10) digital photos as well as a custom hardcover printed keepsake photo book.
Emergency These heartfelt sessions are for when you've found yourself having to make a time-sensitive decision to say goodbye to your pet (usually within 48 hours). In this session, my focus will be to gently capture a few remaining moments of the love and devotion you have for your pet... hands and paws, curled up on your lap, or sharing one last cuddle. Sessions can take place at your home, a veterinary office or my studio.
With less time to plan and prep for Emergency sessions, we may forego some of the pre-planning stage so if you're comfortable with giving me the instruction to just 'do my thing', I am too.
All sessions include a pre-session chat, session time, a private on-line preview gallery and a select number of digital image files (depending on the session). I've included some options below, though I'm also happy to work with you to create a session that will be most meaningful to you and your pet.
If you're having trouble deciding, please reach out and I can help guide you through. I'm here to support you and your bestie.
IN STUDIO SESSION FEE: starting at $225
ON LOCATION SESSION FEE: starting at $275
CEREMONIAL SESSION FEE: starting at $350
THE STORYBOOK SESSION FEE: starting at $450
EMERGENCY SESSION FEE: (Greater Victoria only) please contact me using the 'Book/Inquire' button above for pricing and details
In Studio sessions provide a quiet, safe space for pets who are still able to travel. Being inside means we don't worry about the weather or temperature outside. It's also a good option for pets who can't be off leash or may be reactive to other animals. We can also remove collars, harnesses and leashes safely and your pet won't be distracted by what's going on outside. Though I mainly focus on your pet, select family, friends and/or other pets can be included, however due to the size of my studio, some limitations apply. Session fee includes ten (10) digital photos.
On Location sessions could be inside your house, outside in your yard, the vet office or your pet's favourite spot. Family, friends and other pets can be included; some conditions apply. Session fee includes ten (10) digital photos.
Ceremonial sessions are available for those who will be having a ceremonial euthanasia. For families who are preparing to have a ceremonial farewell to their beloved. Maybe friends and family will be there, maybe you've prepared a special spot with flowers and mementos, maybe you have a pet death doula to help guide you, while the vet team tends to your beloved. These sessions take a more documentary style with the result being a mix of images that will held in your heart for years to come. Images are available on their own or in a book format, or both. Session fee includes at least twenty (20) print-ready digital photos.
The Storybook
This session provides the opportunity to revisit some of your pets favourite things -- maybe we go for a walk at a special location, maybe we head into the studio with their favourite toys and a big, soft bed, or something in between. Maybe I follow along for a few hours in your pet's life. My aim is to help create and capture a chapter in your pet's life story.
Session fee includes ten (10) digital photos as well as a custom hardcover printed keepsake photo book.
Emergency These heartfelt sessions are for when you've found yourself having to make a time-sensitive decision to say goodbye to your pet (usually within 48 hours). In this session, my focus will be to gently capture a few remaining moments of the love and devotion you have for your pet... hands and paws, curled up on your lap, or sharing one last cuddle. Sessions can take place at your home, a veterinary office or my studio.
With less time to plan and prep for Emergency sessions, we may forego some of the pre-planning stage so if you're comfortable with giving me the instruction to just 'do my thing', I am too.
THE FIRST STEP
The first step, well, you've actually already taken the first step by arriving here, and I'm very grateful for that.
The next step is to contact me using the 'Book/Inquire' button below. I will get back to you as soon as I can (generally within 24 hours). We will have a phone chat and if we both feel I'm a good fit, we can discuss dates and times for the session. Depending on how your pet is feeling, sessions are generally booked to take place within days or a couple weeks of our call. Aside from Emergency Sessions, I will then email you a questionnaire to be filled out online. Your answers will help me understand a bit more about your pet, where they're at in terms of health and also helps ensure we don't miss any photo ops during your session. I will also send you a booking agreement. Depending on when the session is booked for, I may ask for a deposit or full payment, with full payment required before final delivery of images. Payments are accepted via e-transfer or credit card.
A day or two before the session, I'll send you a reminder email or text.
SESSION DAY
Come session day, the length will vary depending on a variety of factors, but mostly it comes down to your pet's comfort, age, and/or stage of their diagnosis. With the exception of the Emergency Sessions, I set aside one hour so we can take things slow, but I'm not a clock watcher either. I usually get the best images at the start of the session when your pet has some energy and is interested in the newness of what's going on, and then at the end when they are a bit tuckered out.
AFTER THE SESSION
Within a week or two after our session, you'll receive the link to your preview gallery. It's here you'll get to choose your favourite images. Included with the session are a select number of your favourite images which will be available as digital downloads. And if you can't choose, there is the option to purchase more or even have me create your very own custom keepsake photo book created with images from our session. All your session images can be turned into a real-live chapter in your pet's life story.
It's no secret I love books and by offering session images this way, equal weight is given to both the portraits and the more candid images, bringing to light those little nuances -- the blinks, maybe a tongue out, turning away from the camera, ear flip, head tilt, or possibly even napping -- that make your beloved who they are and who you love.
WHAT'S INCLUDED: SUMMARY
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
The following are available for purchase after you've had a chance to view your session images:
MORE CUSTOM OPTIONS
Please know that the above can also act a starting point towards something even more customized to you and your pet. This is likely a scary, worrisome, and overwhelming time, so please know my ultimate goal is to help provide a safe photo session in which we celebrate your pet and the love you have for them.
If you'd like to explore pet grief resources, I've included some links that you may find helpful at the bottom of this page.
The next step is to contact me using the 'Book/Inquire' button below. I will get back to you as soon as I can (generally within 24 hours). We will have a phone chat and if we both feel I'm a good fit, we can discuss dates and times for the session. Depending on how your pet is feeling, sessions are generally booked to take place within days or a couple weeks of our call. Aside from Emergency Sessions, I will then email you a questionnaire to be filled out online. Your answers will help me understand a bit more about your pet, where they're at in terms of health and also helps ensure we don't miss any photo ops during your session. I will also send you a booking agreement. Depending on when the session is booked for, I may ask for a deposit or full payment, with full payment required before final delivery of images. Payments are accepted via e-transfer or credit card.
A day or two before the session, I'll send you a reminder email or text.
SESSION DAY
Come session day, the length will vary depending on a variety of factors, but mostly it comes down to your pet's comfort, age, and/or stage of their diagnosis. With the exception of the Emergency Sessions, I set aside one hour so we can take things slow, but I'm not a clock watcher either. I usually get the best images at the start of the session when your pet has some energy and is interested in the newness of what's going on, and then at the end when they are a bit tuckered out.
AFTER THE SESSION
Within a week or two after our session, you'll receive the link to your preview gallery. It's here you'll get to choose your favourite images. Included with the session are a select number of your favourite images which will be available as digital downloads. And if you can't choose, there is the option to purchase more or even have me create your very own custom keepsake photo book created with images from our session. All your session images can be turned into a real-live chapter in your pet's life story.
It's no secret I love books and by offering session images this way, equal weight is given to both the portraits and the more candid images, bringing to light those little nuances -- the blinks, maybe a tongue out, turning away from the camera, ear flip, head tilt, or possibly even napping -- that make your beloved who they are and who you love.
WHAT'S INCLUDED: SUMMARY
- Pre-session chat so I can find out where you and your pet are at in their life journey and provide the opportunity for questions
- Session time of approximately one hour for one pet. Supportive family, friends and other pets can be included; some conditions apply.
- Private, on-line preview gallery
- A selection of your favourite images available as digital downloads. Prints and printed products are not included in the session, but can be made available for purchase after you've had a chance to view your images.
- Personal Use License + Personal Print License
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
The following are available for purchase after you've had a chance to view your session images:
- Additional digital download files. $20 each, with discount for 10+
- Prints, canvases
- Custom e-books
- Custom hard or soft-cover books
- Cards + postcards
- Commercial Licensing
MORE CUSTOM OPTIONS
Please know that the above can also act a starting point towards something even more customized to you and your pet. This is likely a scary, worrisome, and overwhelming time, so please know my ultimate goal is to help provide a safe photo session in which we celebrate your pet and the love you have for them.
If you'd like to explore pet grief resources, I've included some links that you may find helpful at the bottom of this page.
Custom Photo Books
Hardcover, softcover or digital, my custom books are full colour and I take great care in sequencing the images inside. Some of the books get displayed on a book shelf, some rest on a coffee table, close to the sofa so they can be viewed easily again and again. Some are included in a pet's altar.
Sizes available: 8"x10" or 7"x7"
Format: print or digital
Covers: hard or soft
Full custom book options and pricing available after booking.
Please note, digital (PDF) books are device-display-quality files which means they'll look good on a screen, but aren't sized for printing.
Sizes available: 8"x10" or 7"x7"
Format: print or digital
Covers: hard or soft
Full custom book options and pricing available after booking.
Please note, digital (PDF) books are device-display-quality files which means they'll look good on a screen, but aren't sized for printing.
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Thank you to those who have allowed me to share the images of their beloved besties on this page. Not everyone is comfortable with sharing their Before I Go session images and I respect that.
British Columbia Bereavement Helpline - Pet Loss Support: https://bcbh.ca/grief-support/pet-loss-support/
To add to my toolbox, I've completed the "Navigating Pet Death" course through The Centre of Sacred Deathcare, and would be honoured to connect with you to help navigate this stage of your pet's life.
The Centre also offers a free "Deciding to Euthanize a Pet" set of videos, should you feel that would be helpful.
The Centre also offers a free "Deciding to Euthanize a Pet" set of videos, should you feel that would be helpful.
I'm also an affiliate photographer with the following organizations, both of whom offer a wide range of resources for anyone who finds themselves navigating the loss of their beloved pets.
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