What is an End of Life Portrait Session?
As you may have read on my website, I offer end of life pet photography and am affiliated with The Tilly Project. The Tilly Project offers resources for fur parents to find an end of life photographer, memorialize their pet, and also find grief resources. I am honored to be a part of this huge project.
When I was writing this blog, I originally wanted it to be about why you should schedule an end of life portrait session. But the only thing I could think is, “why wouldn’t you?” Why wouldn’t you want some of the last memories with your pet to be documented? Your pet is your best friend, or at least you are theirs. They’ve likely been around for a ton of amazing times, and maybe even some devastating times. You are likely going to be left with an empty hole in your life once they’re officially gone, so why wouldn’t you want some last pictures of them while they’re here?
But then I thought, maybe people don’t think like I do, so instead, here are some answers to popular questions I get when people ask me why they should have end of life pictures taken.
“What is an end of life portrait session?”
These are photoshoots, typically of terminally ill pets and their family. They are extremely emotional, but definitely cherished forever. It can technically be “whatever” you’d like, but the ultimate goal is to document some good memories of your pet before they cross the rainbow bridge. We can spend time in your living room together, we can play in your yard, or we can plan something you and your pet do together. The location doesn’t matter much, it’s getting the memories before it’s too late, that is the priority.
“Why would I want pictures of such a sad time?”
Not everyone wants this, but I offer it for those who do. Yes, this is a very sad time of your life, the heartbreak is unreal and some people don’t want to remember that. But the point of taking these pictures is to get some last memories of your furbaby and you. The heartbreak may never go away, but it will get easier one day, and you will be able to look at these pictures and remember the good times, not that sad event that caused these pictures. There usually is still so much life in your pets eyes during these sessions and I am determined to capture that for you. Although it’s hard to see these pictures after it happens, one day you will cherish them and will be thankful to have them.
“What if this is an emergency?”
I block out time for this exact reason, and I try to be available for any last minute end of life pictures that I am needed for. It is recommended that you text me for emergency EOL pictures, since that is the fastest way of communication for me. Even if we have to do the pictures in the vet’s yard or parking lot, we will find a way to get pictures for you.
“How much is this going to cost me?”
Because of the overwhelming cost of losing a pet, both financially and emotionally, I currently offer this as a free session. However, I do require that these sessions be reserved for the terminally ill pets. I include a full digital gallery for you, but if you wish to order prints, wall art, or an album, I do offer those at an additional price. Please contact me when you’re ready to discuss heirlooms.
“But what if I can’t keep myself together?”
Honestly, I wouldn’t expect you to. And I likely will be tearing up behind the camera too. This is an extremely emotional time but you shouldn’t worry about hiding your emotions just because you’re on camera. These pictures do not have to be shared with the whole wide world, but even if they were, if people have been in this horrible position before, they would expect to see the emotions you are having.
“Will you share my images online?”
While I do always give you the option on whether or not I share your images on social media or on my website, please remember that you found me because others have allowed me to share their images of this terrible time. If there are certain ones you wish that I don’t share, but you’re okay with others, you can of course let me know. Either way, I will honor your wishes!
“How long before I get my pictures back?”
Because this is such a raw experience and many times not much editing is required (other than color editing), I do bump these up before other sessions timelines. I do this because I want to get you your images back as soon as possible. Everyone grieves differently, some need those pictures immediately after their pet is gone, while others don’t want to look for a couple weeks to months. I edit and upload as soon as possible so you can have them in your inbox for when YOU are ready to see them.
“What will we do during these pictures?”
We can do anything! If your pet is feeling “okay” enough to play outside together, even if slow, we can do that. We can go for a car ride, if that’s “your thing.” You can lay on the living room floor cuddling and eating cheeseburgers, because that’s all he/she will eat. Whatever we do, I will make sure to get authentic, raw, pictures of your pet and his/her family. I do not set a pose limit. I will get pictures of your child and his pet, ones of the whole family and the pet, just the pet, you and your pet, the options are endless. Because of this I don’t set a real time-limit, although most run 30 minutes to an hour.
“Does my pet have to be dying for me to do this?”
Unfortunately, yes. These sessions are reserved for those whose pets have been given a terminal diagnosis. Whether that's 2-4 months, or 24 hours or less. I do offer pet photoshoots that you do not have to have a terminal animal to participate in. Please use the honor system and leave these unpaid photoshoots for those who truly need it. Also know that I do reserve the right for confirmation that your pet is terminal, if seen fit. While this has not happened, I do mention it.
“How do you make money on this?”
I don’t. That’s not the point of this photoshoot. If my pet was passing away and I had the option to get pictures taken, I would pay any amount of money a photographer required for some last memories with him. I’d attempt to max out my cards or take out a loan, that’s how important that would be for me. But why should it be like that? You already have to deal with the financial burden of your pet crossing the rainbow bridge, why would I make you pay for these priceless memories? However, if you buy an album/prints/wall art, I do make money on those, though it’s never required and not expected. I just ask that if you share your pictures online, to please tag my business so others can find me if/when they need this same experience. This is not about making money for me, this is about making sure you have the option to get these pictures no matter what your financial situation is.
