Enjoy a week in beautiful Santa Fe exploring a genre that is both challenging and rewarding: photographing pets on location. In this workshop, we focus on the planning and production of a commissioned pet portrait. Sharing the tricks of the trade, Norah emphasizes the importance of using props, forging a playful connection between photographer and subject, and discerning the all-important details regarding a pet’s behavior and its environment. Most significantly, Norah addresses strategies for solving the unique problems that often arise when dealing with animals during a photography session. Working with a variety of animals, including domestic pets and horses, we learn how to apply the many different techniques that Norah uses as a successful pet photographer.

Participants work individually and collectively on daily assignments, followed by group critiques and discussions of lighting, composition, and style. Classroom time also touches on creative approaches to pet portraiture, as well as troubleshooting unexpected technical issues. Assignments include photographing horses on a local ranch, interacting with people and pets in their environments, and creating imagery at a non-profit animal organization.

By the end of the week, you acquire a unique set of people and pet skills, and are able to translate those skills into compelling and marketable imagery.