Is a photo session right for me?

  • What if my dog isn’t trained?

    No training is required! I often rely on sounds and the smell of treats to get dogs’ attention. I’ve worked with everyone from very young puppies, to both deaf and blind dogs, and there’s always a way to make a connection!

  • Is it safe to bring a puppy without all of their shots?

    The studio gets cleaned after every pet, toys get rotated and washed regularly, clean water bowls, floors mopped. In addition, when a young puppy or kitten is scheduled, the floors also get steam cleaned and shoe booties worn to make sure there is no chance of picking up any germs from the ground.

  • Can I bring an exotic pet?

    Absolutely! All pets of every species are welcome, no one is too big or too small to photograph.

  • Can I be in the photos with my pet?

    Yes! I love giving pets center stage but I encourage owners to take photos with their pets as well. These are precious moments that you will cherish for years to come.

  • What if my cat doesn't travel well?

    Although I’m setup to accommodate cats in studio, some cats don’t adjust well to traveling or being in new places. In that case, I often bring equipment to clients’ homes where they are most comfortable and relaxed. Small apartments are fine as long as you can shift furniture to open a space of about 6-8 ft squared.

  • Do all dogs do well in the studio?

    Being in a studio environment is foreign to most dogs, so I always warm dogs up gently by letting them explore and sniff around, giving them attention and treats, and slowly introducing the lights from a distance, paired with special treats. Once I’m confident that your dog is adjusted, we move in front of the lights.

    Most dogs acclimate through this process but if for whatever reason your dog can’t get comfortable with the lights, we can reschedule and try again, pivot to an outdoor shoot with natural light, or I can refund your deposit.

How to prepare for your shoot

  • How do I book a session?

    Once you fill out the inquiry form (or email me directly), we’ll choose a date and time for your session and I’ll send a deposit link to hold your reservation.

  • Do I need to get my dog groomed before the photo shoot?

    It’s certainly recommended to either have them groomed or bathe your pet before the photo shoot (some people schedule grooming haircuts one week before the shoot date so that the cut can “settle”). Remember, your photos will last forever so you want them to look their best!

  • Can I bring my kids to the session?

    Friends, partners and kids are all welcome to join you during your session. Just remember that pets can be easily distracted or frightened by noises, so use your judgment on who might aid the session and who might take away from it. (And keep in mind that sometimes having your partner there makes all the difference in the world for your pets’ confidence.)

  • What should I do on the day of my session?

    It’s always a good idea to walk your dog before starting a session! They should go to the bathroom and get some of their energy out. If you puppy is too young to walk outside, play with them at your home before heading over. A puppy play pen and wee-wee pads will be available in the studio. Cats will have access to a litter box.

  • Do I have to do anything during the shoot?

    Unless you request an animal handler to take your place, you will be your pet’s animal handler. I will give you direction where to stand and give you treats to give your pet in order to pose them in a certain way. Training isn’t required (however “sit” is extremely useful in the session). With untrained dogs or young puppies, I rely on sounds, noises, toys and treats to get their attention.

  • Do I need to bring anything?

    There will be toys, treats and water/ food bowls at the studio. If you dog is particularly motivated by a certain toy or treat, please bring them to the studio to make sure we can evoke their best reaction.

After the photo shoot

  • How quickly will I get to see the images?

    I'll upload all of the photos to an online gallery within 48 hours of your shoot. From there, you’ll mark your favorite images within the gallery and then schedule a finishing consultation back at the studio (Zoom sessions are also available if you’re not able to come in person). During that session, we’ll discuss how you want to display your artwork and what products are available.

  • Can I keep all of the unedited photos from the session?

    Like many other photographers, I only release retouched photos. I put a great amount of much time and attention into making each image perfect and sometimes they can transform through the process. With the ease and spread of social media, I’m careful not to release unedited images out into the world that would dilute my final product.

  • How do I get my final digital images?

    Final retouched photos will be sent in a new online gallery that will allow you to download them as part of your package (formatted for online use, 1080 pixels on the long edge at 72 ppi). You can use your photo downloads on the computer, email them to friends, upload to social media, etc. and print up to 3”x5” without losing quality.

  • How do I order artwork for my home?

    We’ll setup a finishing consultation shortly after your photo shoot so that we can discuss your artwork together.

    You can also preview several finishing options through the online gallery, including fine art prints with or without framing, canvases, acrylic prints, holiday cards and more.