Haus of Hank Dog Event: Everything You Need to Know Before the Day
Calling all dog lovers!
Amie McAllister Photography and Haus of Hank are joining forces for a very special dog event at my photography studio in Ballygowan, Northern Ireland.
The event combines professional dog photography, a Haus of Hank pop-up shop and plenty of opportunities to spoil your four-legged family member, with some treats for the humans too!
If you’ve already booked your place, this guide contains everything you need to know before arriving, including what to bring, how to prepare your dog and what to expect on the day.
Haven’t booked your ticket yet? We might still have some availability, check the links below:
What to Expect at the Haus of Hank Dog Event
This isn’t a traditional photography session where you simply arrive, have your photographs taken and head home.
We’ve created a relaxed dog-friendly event where you’ll have time to enjoy the studio, meet fellow dog lovers and browse the Haus of Hank collection while your dog gets their moment in front of the camera.
Numbers have deliberately been kept small with two block times to create a fun environment for both you and your pups!
Here is what is on offer on the day:
★Professional studio portraits of your dog by Amie McAllister Photography
★Browse and shop the Haus of Hank
collection at their studio pop-up
★Spend some time with fellow dog lovers and their four-legged companions
★Enjoy the atmosphere at the studio without the crowds of a large dog event
VIP ticket holders will also be able to enjoy non-alcoholic bubbles and a grazing selection provided by Devour & Relish , as well as receiving a VIP goodie bag and an exclusive 20% discount with Haus of Hank on the day.
Getting Your Dog Ready
There really isn’t much you need to do beforehand.
Your dog doesn’t need to know lots of commands or be perfectly behaved to have their portrait taken. Dogs rarely behave exactly as expected once they enter a photography studio anyway! There are, however, a few simple things that can make the experience easier.
A Walk Beforehand
If possible, take your dog for a walk before travelling to the studio. Don’t exhaust them, though. We still want some of that personality and enthusiasm for their portrait!
Clean pooches
You don’t need to book a professional groom specifically for the event.
A good brush, cleaning around their eyes – if a trim around their eyes is needed, please do this as we want to see those beautiful eyes, and a quick check for muddy paws is usually plenty.
If your dog is already due a professional groom, I’d recommend arranging it a few days before the event.
What Should I Bring?
You don’t need to arrive with half of your dog’s belongings!
The essentials are:
★A lead and collar*
★Poo bags
★If they have a particular high-value treat they love (I will also have treats available)**
★If they have a favourite toy or if there’s something guaranteed to get their attention
★Anything else your dog needs to feel safe and comfortable
*Please bring a collar even if your little one only wears a harness. This will be helpful for the photos.
**I will have treats available for photography, but if your dog has allergies, intolerances or a sensitive stomach, please bring treats that you know are suitable for them.
“But My Dog Won’t Sit Still!”
This is one of the biggest concerns owners have about professional dog photography. Your dog does not need to sit perfectly and stare directly into the camera. I photograph dogs with very different personalities. Some will sit exactly where they’re asked. Some become extremely interested in sniffing every corner of the studio. Others decide that sitting is suddenly a concept they’ve never encountered before. That’s all part of photographing dogs.
Can My Dog Stay on Their Lead?
Yes. Please actually keep your dog on their lead while you’re in the studio unless you’re specifically asked to remove it. There will be several dogs attending each session and we want the environment to be co
mfortable and safe for everyone. If your dog cannot safely be photographed off lead, please tell me. Safety is more important than getting a particular photograph.
What If My Dog Is Nervous Around Other Dogs?
Not every dog wants to make friends. There is absolutely no expectation for your dog to interact with any of the other dogs attending the event. Please don’t allow your dog to approach another dog without checking with their owner first, even if your dog is normally extremely friendly. If your dog is nervous, reactive, easily overwhelmed or simply likes their own space, please let us know. Keeping numbers limited is intentional. We want this to feel much more relaxed than a busy public dog show or market.
When Should I Arrive?
Please for the beginning of the time slot shown on your booking rather than arriving early.
The event has been divided into two sessions with limited numbers in each. This gives everyone enough time to browse, enjoy the event and have their dog’s portrait taken without too many dogs being in the studio at once.
Arriving significantly early could mean crossing over with guests from the previous session, which is exactly what we’re trying to avoid by limiting numbers.
Where Is the Event?
The event takes place at Amie McAllister Photography studio in Ballygowan, County Down, Northern Ireland. I have recently been having issues with Google maps with clients being taken to an address in Ards. Be wary that this is not where my studio is, it is in Ballygowan. You should be able to find it by searching Amie McAllister Photography on maps – but make sure the address is 74A Ravara Road, Ballygowan, BT23 6NN
Please follow the directions for parking when you get there.
Please note: the studio is located on the first floor and unfortunately does not have wheelchair access.
Your Professional Dog Portrait
Every ticket includes one professionally edited portrait of your dog by Amie McAllister Photography.
I’ll have a dedicated space in the studio set up for the event and we’ll spend a little time getting your dog’s photograph rather than expecting them to perform instantly.
After the event, your images will be uploaded to a private online gallery for you to access. Your ticket includes one image, with the option to purchase additional photographs if you fall in love with more than one.
Browse the Haus of Hank Pop-Up
One of the things that makes this event different from a normal pet photography session is that you don’t have to leave once your dog’s portrait has been taken.
Haus of Hank will have a pop-up shop inside the studio where you can browse their collection and find something new for your dog.
VIP guests will also receive 20% off Haus of Hank purchases made on the day, so it may be worth leaving a little room in your dog’s wardrobe.
VIP Guests
If you’ve booked one of our limited VIP tickets, there will be a few additional treats waiting for you.
Your VIP experience includes:
- Your professional dog portrait
- A VIP goodie bag
- 20% off Haus of Hank purchases on the day
- Non-alcoholic bubbles
- Grazing treats for the humans, provided by Devour & Relish
Most Importantly, Don’t Stress About Your Dog
You don’t need the perfectly groomed, impeccably trained Instagram dog. You just need your dog. If they’re calm and sophisticated, wonderful. If they’re a little nervous, we’ll give them time. If they’re excitable, we’ll work with it. If they arrive and apparently forget every command they’ve ever learned, they certainly won’t be the first dog to do so!
Come along ready to enjoy the day!
We can’t wait to welcome you and your four-legged VIP to the studio. 🐾
Looking for a Full Pet Photography Experience?
The Haus of Hank event offers a little taste of what it’s like to have your dog professionally photographed, but my full pet portrait sessions allow us much more time to create a complete collection of images tailored specifically to your dog.
I’m a multi-award-winning professional photographer based in Ballygowan, County Down, welcoming dogs and their humans from Belfast, Newtownards, Comber, Saintfield, Carryduff and across Northern Ireland.
If you’ve been thinking about having professional photographs of your dog, you can discover more about my Pet Photography Sessions in Northern Ireland and view examples of my work.
Because they’re never with us for long enough and the photographs become considerably more important as the years pass.
📩 Get in touch now to book your pet photoshoot!
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