Frequently Asked Questions
Scroll below for general session information and pet session information.
General Session Questions
What’s Included in a Session?
Every Session Includes:
Short pre-consultation over the phone to help you prepare (learn what to wear, locations, what to bring, etc.)
Session time
One-on-one posing guidance
Digital download of high resolution images with a Reprint Release
Dog portrait sessions include treats and water for your dog
Prints and wall art available for purchase separately
Easy wall art, print, and photo product ordering options: Order through your online gallery or schedule a complimentary ordering session for assistance with picking the right wall art and photo keepsakes for your home
How do I schedule a session?
Sessions are held by appointment only and are typically booked at least 2 weeks in advance of the session date.
To schedule, please submit a request through my contact form. I'll be in touch within 1-2 business days to learn more about your portrait needs. (Please check your spam folder if your don’t see a response!)
We'll schedule a short complimentary phone consult to learn about your needs and help you prepare for your session. To hold any session date, I kindly ask for a signed contract and a deposit - both which can be submitted online for your convenience.
What if it's raining?
When booking an outdoor session, we will choose your primary date and a back-up rain date. In the event of inclement weather, I will reach out the day beforehand to talk to you about using your back-up date instead. If the back-up date also doesn’t work, I’ll work with you to find a different date for your session!
How do I choose a location?
It's a big decision, but I'm here to help with plenty of recommendations. Sessions are available at my dog-friendly studio near Polaris Mall or on-location. During our session-planning call we'll discuss the look you're after, any special needs your family and dog might have (mobility challenges, anxiety, etc.) and scheduling constraints on your part (e.g. mornings only). With all that in mind, we'll settle on the perfect location for your session.
I need my images by a certain date, when should I schedule?
To make sure that you have your images in plenty of time, I typically recommend that you have your session at least 3-4 weeks in advance of when you need the images. (In case you need to make prints, this should give you time to order them and get them in!)
Please keep in mind that my schedule fills up quickly especially during peak portrait seasons like fall and the holidays, so if you have a particular date in mind, be sure to schedule in advance.
How long will it take to receive the digital images?
Digital images from your session will be available for download within 2-3 weeks of your session.
Do you offer prints, wall art or albums?
Yes! I love helping clients create artwork to enjoy in their home. After your session you can order your favorite items through your online gallery or schedule a complimentary ordering session for assistance with picking the right wall art and photo keepsakes for your home.
Do you offer gift certificates?
Yes! Gift Certificates are available in any amount requested. They are great gifts for loved ones, expecting parents, anniversaries, birthdays, gotcha days, holidays, or just because! To purchase, please use the contact form and let me help you prepare this special gift.
What forms of payment do you accept?
I currently accept credit cards, check, cash, or Paypal. Credit card payments can be made online for your convenience. Products are to be paid in full upon ordering. Payment plans are done entirely at my discretion. Deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Dog Session Questions
My dog doesn't know sit or stay. Is that a problem?
While basic commands are always helpful, I can adapt to your dog’s needs, skills, energy level and personality. And rest assured, I have a large variety of tricks, unique sounds, and tasty treats to grab their attention–even if it's just for that split second while I capture each image.
My dog can't be off leash. Can I still do a session?
Yes! Absolutely! Believe it or not, 95% of the dogs that I photograph on-location are on a leash. Leashes not only keep your dog safe, but they're also important for following local laws when photographing in on-location. Thanks to the wizardry of Photoshop, leashes will be removed from most final images.
What about harnesses or gentle leaders, can those be edited out?
Photoshop does have its limitations. Super-bulky harnesses hide so much of the dog's chest that it's not possible to accurately rebuild those pixels in post-production. Gentle leaders can leave unsightly shadows or pull on dog's skin, so those are also a challenge to digitally remove. If your dog normally wears one of these for walks, I recommend using it while walking to our location, but also bringing a flat collar to use for the actual session.
My dog is nervous or super reactive to other dogs/people/bicycles. How can we do a session?
If your dog is nervous or reactive, we can choose a location that suits his/her temperament. I have a few out-of-the-way locations that receive very little dog or foot traffic, or we can have a session in my private dog-friendly studio.
Can I be in the images, too?
Absolutely! I love capturing pets and their people together. It’s one of my favorite parts of what I do.
What if it's raining?
When booking an outdoor session, we will choose your primary date and a back-up rain date. In the event of inclement weather, I will reach out the day beforehand to talk to you about using your back-up date instead. If the back-up date also doesn’t work, I’ll work with you to find a different date for your session!
Do you photograph pets other than dogs?
Yes! While the majority of my pet clients are of the canine variety, I do photograph horses on location and cats in at-home sessions.
Have more questions? Please send me a note using the contact form!