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!

The studio gets cleaned after every pet, toys only get played with once and they are taken home to be washed in the machine, water bowls are also only used once, then cleaned, and floors are vacuumed and mopped. In addition, when a young puppy or kitten is scheduled, the floors also get steam cleaned and shoes are either removed or covered with booties to make sure outside germs aren’t brought in.

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

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.

Although I’m setup to accommodate cats in studio, a lot of cats just don’t adjust well to traveling or being in new places. In that case, I recommend an in-home session, in which I bring equipment to clients’ homes where cats are most comfortable and relaxed. Small apartments are fine as long as you can shift furniture to open a space of about 8 square feet. If you’re not sure if your apartment will work, you can always email me photos to review so that we can make a plan together.

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 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.

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.

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!

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 boosting your pets’ confidence!)

Pets usually get more treats than usual during the photo shoot so it’s helpful to reduce their meal(s) that day. That way, they don’t overeat and are still food motivated.

Leave time for a walk before starting the 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.

Unless you request an animal handler to take your place (for an extra fee), you will be your pet’s animal handler. I will give direction where to stand and give treats to your pet in order to get them to pose 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.

Generally speaking, casually elevated looks good (think getting together with old friends). The most important thing is to be comfortable in whatever you choose. If you’re uncomfortable or fighting your outfit, it’ll show.

Avoid loud patterns or wording that might get cut off, as they might be distracting.

Try to bring clothes that are camera ready, without wrinkles. There’s a steamer there but it’ll take time away from the session.

Lastly, bring options! There’s a changing area in the studio, so if you’re not sure or something isn’t working, you’ll have a backup.

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.

And if the plan is for you to be in the photos, bring clothing options to change into!

I try my best to prep and upload all of the photos to an online gallery within 5 days of each photoshoot. 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.

Like many other photographers, I only release retouched photos. I put a great amount of 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.

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, 1200 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 3x5” without losing quality.

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.

You can print digital downloads as a 3x5” for your desk or side table without losing quality. Any larger and you’ll notice a loss of detail, sharpness and color.

I’m trained in the art of fine art printing through my masters’ program. I make all of my fine art prints myself, up to 16x24”. Through this process, I tweak each photo so that they are optimized for the media and size and can make sure they are as close to perfect as possible. It’s really a quality control system for me. I want every image to shine as they would in a gallery.

Most clients invest at least $800 in custom artwork but pricing for gallery framed fine art prints start at just $165.