Charleston Porches and Pups Project

Model Call

 

 

A young couple sits on their front porch step with their dog, surrounded by pink fall mums

Seeking Charming Charleston Porches & Their Pups!

I’m a professional pet photographer in Charleston for the month of March. 

I’m looking for dogs (and other pets!) to be part of a special project celebrating the heartwarming idea that home is where the dog is—all set against the stunning backdrops of Charleston’s porches.

This project will highlight the charm of southern architecture, lush gardens, and the timeless connection between pets and their people.

If your home has a classic Charleston vibe—brick, wrought iron, flowering vines, or elegant shutters—and your pet has some basic training, I’d love to feature them!

What you’ll get:

✔ A short, relaxed mini photo session on your Charleston porch
✔ Two complimentary digital images from your session
✔ The option to purchase additional images, if you’d like—no obligation

Who I’m Looking For:

🐾 Pets (dogs, cats, or other animals) who are comfortable sitting or posing briefly
🏡 Homes with a classic southern or Charleston-style porch
💙 Humans are welcome and encouraged to be in the photos!

📌 Note: To be part of this project, you’ll need to apply and sign a model & property release.

👉 Want to take part? Apply below!

(P.S. If you’d rather have a full family session at a beautiful Charleston park or beach, you can book an Artisan Session instead!)

A woman sitting with her dog on a front porch in summer

The process:

Just a few simple steps, and I’ll walk you through each one

Apply / Register

Fill out the quick form below to apply to the project

Planning

If it looks like we’re a good fit I’ll send you an email with a link to the model release form and some planning tips, along with some possible times.

 

Photoshoot

I’ll photograph your pet (and hopefully you, too) on your porch.  It should take 20-40 minutes.  I’ll bring lots of yummy treats for your pet 🙂

Results

I’ll send over two digital images from our photoshoot as a thank you.  You’re welcome to purchase more if you’d like, but there’s no obligation to do so.

 

Love your photos?  You can get more!

Some Porches & Pups participants find they love more than just the two complimentary images—and you’re welcome to purchase additional ones if you’d like!

✨ As a thank you for being part of this project, I’m offering special model call pricing on extra images. My standard digital image rates start at $250 per image, but participants will receive exclusive savings.

💌 After your session, I’ll send you a private online gallery where you can view your photos and choose your favorites. Select the ones you’d love to have professionally edited, and purchase only what speaks to you—all from the comfort of home!

No pressure, no obligation—just a chance to keep the images that make your heart melt. ❤️

A woman sitting with her two small dogs on a bench in a formal garden with shrub hedging

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my dog needs to be on a leash?

All dogs will stay on leash for their photoshoot! Most leashes can be edited out; harnesses are more likely to remain in.

My #1 priority is the safety of your pet.

Where do photoshoots occur?

For these Porch and Pup sessions I’ll come to you and photograph your pet on your front porch.

What if my dog won't sit still or isn't well behaved?

For this particular series I’m hoping to find pets that have some basic skills, like sit/stay.  But in general, I expect dogs to be dogs and they can do no wrong in my eyes!

Is artwork included in my model call?

You will receive two complimentary digital images of my choice.  There is no obligation to purchase any images, but you will be able to purchase more at special rates if you’d like.

What if it rains?

I’ll be obsessively checking the weather before our session.  Any cancellations will be made a few hours before the session at my descretion.  Rainy photoshoots can be beautiful, especially since your pup will most likely be in a covered position.

When do photoshoots occur?

These sessions will be held during the day, depending on my schedule while I’m in Charleston

What should I wear to my photoshoot?

Prior to your shoot, you’ll get a guide featuring tips on what to wear (and what not to wear).  In general I recommend avoiding black or white, but earth tones and pops of color are usually great.

What if I don't like being in photos?

This project will feature mostly just pets, but because you’re such an important part of your family’s story, I strongly feel that you need to be in at least some of the photos.

There are lots of options to include you without making you the focus of the image. And, I’m happy to assist with posing and positioning to help you comfortable.

 

Will you take photos of any other kinds of pets besides dogs?

I talk about dogs most of the time because that represents the majority of my clients. But, I’m happy to photograph any kind of pet that can safely be on your porch (except spiders because they freak me out)

How will these images be used?

Images from your session will be used online in my social media and website, but since I don’t know what form this project will eventually take (a book or calendar?).  I may also use them with commercial clients. I’ll need all participants to sign a model and property release form.

What if my dog is nervous around strangers?

For this particular project I’ll need pets that are okay with strangers.  For my traditional photo sessions, when we have more dedicated time, any kind of behaviors are fine.  I’ve fostered over 100 dogs and cats so I’m used to many quirks 🙂

 

 

Firefly Pet Photography during travel photoshoot
Jennifer McCallum sitting with her two dogs

Hi!  I’m Jennifer.  I’ve been a professional pet photographer based in MI for over 5 years.  Before that I was a wine sommelier and did a lot of travel photography.

Now I apply those travel photography techniques to pets with their people in beautiful locations.   From Italy, to Germany, to Australia, New Zealand, and of course, all over the U.S. (my goal is to photograph dogs in every state)!

Having fostered over 100 dogs and cats your pup is in good hands, I’ll make sure that they are comfortable and have fun so their personalities can shine through.

But just as importantly, you get to relax and be present in the moment with your pup.  Let me do all the work to get everyone looking at the camera.

I believe that dogs are magic and the more time we spend with them the better!

A woman sitting with an Australian Shepherd dog in Hampton Park, Charleston