Mini Fall Sessions Photo Booth at Island Beach State Park
One of my favorite Fall events to host a marketing booth is the Friends of Island Beach State Park’s Fall Festival in early October. Years ago, it used to be called the “Barktoberfest.” Since then, it has expanded to more than interesting canine vendors. It is an amazing place to take your dog for a day of fun activity. There’s a Halloween pet costume contest and parade, beach exploration, vendors with a variety of interesting items and treats and crafts for both humans and their furry partners. You don’t have to bring a dog to attend. You can even meet your new best friend there, because rescue groups often have adoptable dogs on display and looking for new homes.
As a photographer, I host a photo booth where I offer while-you-wait prints in cardboard photo frames and digital images and small galleries. Pet parents can have a photograph of their canine companion taken with a Fall-themed backdrop at a promotional price far below any mini session fee. For just $20, they get a print photo remembrance. Re-touched digital images in the gallery are a little more. And yes, I’ll gladly take your picture even if you don’t have a dog or other pet with you.
I am a family photographer and I love taking pictures of people at all stages of life. Why do I host this dog photo vendor booth? It really is all about the images. Dog images. The Fall Fest is not about profitability. It is about sharing my craft, while giving dog owners an opportunity for their dog to be center-stage in a nice Fall photo memory. I strive to capture the unique relationship between animal and human. I’ve photographed many different breeds and sizes of dogs while doing this event. From small Yorkies to huge Great Danes, I have opened a window into their amazing personalities as they sat for my camera. Some images are taken with their owners and some on their own. Many of the people I meet at this event tell me that their dog will never sit still for a picture and that they can never seem to get a good photo of them. It’s all about patience. There is great satisfaction in being able to deliver a good image to them. When you look at the many furry faces in my galleries, in each you can see the beauty of connection, the happiness of a well-loved dog, who’s joyfully taking part in an outing with his human.
