Move over customised apparel and exclusive essentials; cuddly paws in town now make the cut for the paparazzi! As far as the latest trend goes, getting extensive pet portfolios is piquing the interest of ardent pet loving Bengalureans. So much so, city folk are shelling out big bucks to get their furry mates pose for the shutterbugs — all for the love of their loyal mutts. A pricey souvenir or rather, a priceless token of affection? A volley of young Bengalureans tell us more…
“Pets have become a part of a family’s inner circle over the last decade. In the past, children were a reflection of us, and people are now extending that to their pets – and don’t mind going the extra mile to acknowledge their importance. And if that means spending exorbitant amounts to get eye catchy photographs, so be it. The idea sprouts from the belief that our four legged friends deserve as much attention and pampering as any of us,” opines Ashok Chintala, a renowned city-based pet photographer, who gets at least 40 pet portfolio enquires a month.
While the selfie trend caught up and so did subsequent pictures with one’s pet, Aditi Sarin, an entrepreneur, believes professional shoots are the best way to document fleeting moments of your pets life.
“Pets grow up faster than ever! So, I’d like to have picturesque memories of him - right from a puppy stage to when he’s fully grown into an adult. I’d like to get it all captured and framed, and not compromise on the quality.”
Vacillating between a pocket friendly Rs 3000 to a whopping Rs 25,000; professional shoots for pets are a serious business. But are pet parents complaining? Not really.
“I think there is no comparison between my personal mobile pictures to someone who does it professionally. Most of us today opt for a professional photographer to ensure that our bond, love and soul are captured candidly as they only happen naturally. Also, when the results are so beautiful, I am sure the monetary aspect doesn’t even come in to play,” chimes Lopa Saikia, a professional pet groomer.
Echoing along similar lines, Charumathi GR, a celebrity make-up artiste says, “Pets live half as long as us – at the most, they live for fourteen years. But during their tenure, they give us so much more than just company. I look at it as a gesture of appreciation, because dogs are very receptive to love and attention. So, acts like these may cost you a little; but the high it puts your dog on is priceless. It’s a memoir that lives much longer than the moment and perhaps, the pet itself.”
