End of life, or Before I Go sessions as I call them are an opportunity for me to help you capture your pet one last time. 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 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 love 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 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 various 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 as it helps reduce the amount of planning at time when your mind may be focussed on the details of your pet's health. Sessions can take a variety of forms in any number of locations; some families prefer to do the sessions earlier on in a diagnosis when their loved one is still able to do most of the things they loved, whereas some may not have that time. In any case, if you're interested, please get in touch.
IN STUDIO SESSION FEE: starting at $195* ON LOCATION SESSION FEE: starting at $225* PET EUTHANASIA & CEREMONIAL SESSION FEE: starting at $225 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. Family, friends and other pets can be included; some conditions apply.
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.
Euthanasia & Ceremonial sessions are available for those who will be having a ceremonial euthanasia. You may have invited your pet's friends and family and laid out a special spot for your pet for the goodbye. There may be a vet or pet death doula to help you help your pet through this final stage of life. These sessions are more documentary style, with the result being a mix of candid and portrait images which can be made available on their own or in a book format, or both.
Emergency sessions are available in situations where you've found yourself having to make an imminent decision to euthanize your pet and the event will be taking place within 24 hours. In this situation, my focus will be to gently and softly capture a few remaining moments of the love and devotion you have for your pet.... hands and paws, maybe they're curled up on your lap, or you embracing in one last 'hug'. Sessions can take place at a veterinary office, your home, or if time permits, 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 is to contact me through my site using the 'Book/Inquire' button below. I will get back to you as soon as I can and 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. I will then send you a questionnaire that can 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 anything during your session. I will also send you a pre-session checklist of sorts and a booking agreement. Depending on when the session is booked for, I may ask for a deposit or full payment, though full payment will be required before final delivery of images. Payments types accepted are e-transfer or credit card.
A day or two before the session, I'll send you a reminder email or text which will include relevant information for the session. 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 10 of your favourite images available as digital downloads, though you can choose to purchase more as: low-resolution sharable files, hi-resolution printable files, or your very own custom photo book made with a whole bunch of images from your session, and turned into a chapter in your pet's life story. It's not secret I love books and by offering session images this way, it gives equal weight to both the portraits and the more candid images and brings 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 loved one who they are and who you love.
WHAT'S INCLUDED: SUMMARY
Pre-session getting-to-know you-and-your-pet chat
Session time of approximately one hour for one dog. Family, friends and other pets can be included; some conditions apply.
Private, on-line preview gallery
Your top 10 favourite images available as digital downloads and sized for sharing on your socials. Prints, print-ready files and printed products are not included in the session.
Personal Use License
OPTIONAL EXTRAS The following are available for additional costs:
Print-ready digital image files
Prints, canvases
Custom e-books
Custom hard or soft-cover books
Cards + postcards
Commercial, Retail and Other Use Licensing
A price list can be available after booking.
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.
*I know firsthand that finances can get tight when dealing with an aging or ill pet, so my rates and offerings reflect that. However, if cost is the one thing holding you back, please let me know during the consultation and we can discuss options.
My custom books are full colour and I take great care in sequencing the images inside. Some display them on a coffee table, some like to revisit the pages curled up on the sofa, some include them in an altar.
Sizes available: 8"x10" or 7"x7" Format: digital or printed Covers: hard or soft Full book options available after booking.
Please note, digital (PDF) books are device-display-quality files which will look good on a screen, but not sized for printing.
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.