PAWS & CLAWS ANIMal encounters & Hocking Hills Portraits

Hello and thank you for booking an animal encounter photoshoot!  We are so excited to work with you.  This informational article is intended to help you plan and prepare for this unique experience.  Please review the content and let me know if you have any questions.  Thank you!  

What to Wear

We want to look our best, while also making practical choices when selecting our wardrobe for an animal encounter photoshoot.  Outfits that may look great for traditional portrait sessions, simply are not practical for our animal encounter shoots.  Here are some helpful insights to consider:

Clothing

Only one outfit per session and arrive dressed and ready to go please.  There is a porta potty available for restroom facilities, but otherwise there is no changing area on the farm. 

Wear comfortable clothing that is not suggestive/revealing, easy to move in, and that you do not mind getting dirty.  Subjects are typically asked to pose seated or laying belly down on the grass/ground to get the best angles with the animals.    

Ladies, short skirts, low-cut shirts, and high heels are a BAD IDEA for these sessions!  Avoid revealing clothing and wear practical footwear that is easy to walk in the grass.

If you are working with the otters, they do sometimes find flowy/baggy clothes appealing!  If having them crawl underneath your clothes sounds like a good time (the most ticklish thing you will ever feel), by all means wear something flowy!  If a cold wet otter on your bare skin does not sound like a good time, wear more form fitting clothing.

Jewelry

Dangle earrings are a bad idea when working with animals.  We do not want them being accidently ripped out by a curious otter or a tiny paw or claw accidentally getting stuck in a hoop leading to injury.  Do not wear particularly valuable jewelry that is not safely secured (ie: a dangling pendant), as the animals are very curious and inquisitive and know no boundaries when it comes to personal space or property.

Perfume

Avoid strong perfumes and other scented products so as not to disturb the animals.  Their sense of smell is much more sensitive to ours, and what smells good to us could be unappealing to them.  We want the animals to approach you and that can be challenging if your scent is overwhelming to them.

Who to Bring

You are allowed to bring as many of your loved ones to your animal encounter photoshoot as you like for no additional cost.  Our time is limited to one hour, and it takes each animal some time to warm up to each person.  Therefore, we suggest you be mindful about whom you invite.  The more people that are involved, the more overwhelmed and distracted the animals will be during your photoshoot, and the fewer compelling images we will end up with in your final gallery.  These photoshoots are best with just one person, and becomes increasingly more complicated with each person that we add.  We may only have time for 1-2 animals instead of 3 if there is a group.

Safety

It is of utmost importance that you listen and follow the directions of the handlers during your encounter.  Failure to do so, will result in your being asked to leave the farm immediately without a refund.  These are real animals, with real teeth, real claws, and real fight or flight responses.  For your safety and theirs, following the guidance of the handlers is absolutely required at all times. 

Generally, you want to avoid sudden fast movements and loud noises.  We do not pick the animals up or hold/hug/squeeze them.  We do not poke them, ruffle their fur, pet them aggressively, etc.  Remember that these are not inanimate photo props but living creatures.  Treat them as you would want to be treated if someone came into your home for a photo with you.

What to Expect at Your Encounter

You will arrive at an unassuming small private residence on a country road with a fox on the mailbox.  As you come down the gravel drive, you will notice the kangaroos to your right, and their exotic cattle herd to your left; you are in the right place!  Park in front of the encounter building with the logo on the door.  Now go say hello to the otters!  They are right there where you park and want to greet you and hold your hand right away!

You may arrive a few minutes early if you wish and stay a few minutes after to observe all the animals in their enclosures at the PAWS & CLAWS facility.  The porta potty is the only available restroom facility, there is a gas station with a public restroom within a five minute drive to the farm if you wanted to stop on the way. 

Your encounter will be conducted outdoors on the grass in a woodland setting.  Depending on the animals you selected, we may be inside their enclosure with them, or we will take you to a separate fenced in area and bring them to you.  You will be directed on where to sit or lay on the ground within the fenced area, and the animals will then be released into the enclosure with you, with their handler close by.  It is unlikely they will come to you immediately, do not be discouraged by this.  You will be provided with toys and treats that are favored by that animal, and once they have explored the area and feel secure, they typically come to meet you within the first few minutes. 

The images we capture are always moments were the animal intentionally engaged the human, which makes the images that much more compelling and precious.  We do not hand an animal to you like a stuffed toy and tell you to say cheese.  These are authentic real moments with real animals.  Nothing is forced.  We encourage you not to overthink, or worry, and honestly forget the camera is even there if you can.  We want you to be truly present during your encounter as it authentically is, and trust that Cassie will capture it in the best light without you needing to even think about it.

Our best advice for the whole day is to be present, have fun, and entrust in our team to provide you with the best experience possible!  If you have any questions call, text, or email Cassie.  740-630-7737 info@hockinghillsportraits.com