I have found that relaxing about the photos is the key to success with them. When I expect too much from my photos, it creates stress. When I just snap (and barely check that my dirty underwear is not in the background) I have it easier. I dont have my phone on me all the time, so what I do is I try to take a plenty of photos on the first day, so I have a reserve from where to send, and then just take one if/when I remember/need a photo that matches my note on what has happened.
It makes also sense to check with the hosts how they prefer it. Some dont want any news unless it is bad news (this is rare but happens). Some are nervous or controlling and want two updates a day. What has worked for me is: sit is less than 5 days = daily. sit is more than a week = at the beginning daily, then every other or third day. I havenāt done sits longer than a month. I also have noticed that if I send daily updates at the same time of the day, that is actually the easiest for me: my mind goes into the habit of it, and does not need to wonder āwas it today when I would send somethingā.
All in all, this is one of the things youāll learn about yourself while sitting: what works best for you. Who knows, maybe you will even notice that you enjoy taking pictures of animals, and that you are great at it! Or maybe not - I think it is best to be chill about it, and know that most pet owners are not photography judges but just are happy to see their sweetie happy.
(Ps. Also Steve, the message was about the habits we have around photography taking. Dont change the subject.)
@BuddysMom actually it totally depends on the hosts, our sitters just check with us what updates we would like and do accordingly. We are happy with every few days other people want daily updates. We are happy with the very occasional photograph or none, others would like regular/daily. The easiest thing is to ask the host and go with what they would like you to do re updates and photographs. Thatās the responsibility, not taking photographs every day when you donāt have to unless you want to!
Most HO donāt care if itās a professional level portrait or not. Just a quick snap - they can be sleeping, doesnāt have to be them doing anything cute, and if you canāt find them (like our cats who like to hide) no worries either. Just a quick text, āHappy Monday (or whatever day of the week it is). All is well here. Here is Fido eating breakfast. Couldnāt find the cats but they are eating and using the litterbox so they are doing well. Have a nice dayā. No need to stress about taking the perfect photo or a big story of the day, just a quick check in so HO knows all is well and you havenāt fallen, hit your head, and lying unconscious on the kitchen floor
Good tips! Thank you! I am a creature of habit, so if I choose a time of day and then stick to it, it would help! I too donāt carry my phone around with me all of the time. Thank you for the process you do, that is what Iām looking for!
We send daily photos for the HO who is downunder to wake up to (time zones etc). Hereās a sample to show just normal doggy moments an owner might appreciate.
Yep, these are great. My girl sleeps a lot during the day so most of the photos are just snaps like that. They still make me smile because I know that means she is comfy, happy, and relaxed in her home!
I also take photos of the pets eating their food, or a short 10 secs video of purring/running aboutā¦. just normal stuff really to show that the pet isnāt pining or withdrawn.
Donāt forget, every homeowner is different. I admit I havenāt had any sits where the HO did not want photos, but I do see some HOs specify in the Responsibilities section that an update every few days is fine - so going crazy with photos is not a given expectation. In my 15+ sits, I have generally sent one update a day including a photo or two and a little summary of what weāve been up to. I am terrible at videos! And I also find them tedious to do - Iād much rather just interact with the pets than photograph or videotape them.
@Silversitters exactly right . Iāve had owners who wanted every single day without fail and others who say God no, just when you feel like sending. Itās all part of the sit process to set these requirements through communication before the sit begins, so easy.
We had one host say no need to send photos or updates I know what my dog looks like . Just contact me if you have any problems or questions , apart from that enjoy your stay and see you when we get back .
I was just making the distinction between the terms habit and responsibility. I was not suggesting that sending daily photos is a required responsibility, Iām one of those hosts that aligns with those in @Silversitters post. We know what our pets look like. Contact us if any problems otherwise we donāt need to be updated on a daily basis.
When I started watching TV there was only black and white and one of those antennas that you had to twist around to reduce the static and get a viewable signal.
If I wanted to warm up leftovers, Iād have to turn on the oven, throw the leftovers inside and wait at least 45 minutes to eat. Nowadays itās 2 minutes in the microwave.
To be honest I find a lot of this blocking malarkey a bit childish unless itās absolutely necessary. I think itās better not to ignore people but if possible have a frank conversation. What are her intentions in contacting you? Be honest about what you expect of her behaviour. No reasonable person would continue to make contact if you clarify the situation. If after that she is still being unreasonable, then blocking is an option.
Many places I sat in did not have w-lan 
No photos asked for, no photos sent.