Frequently Asked Questions:
What is a Meet & Greet appointment for?
A Meet & Greet appointment allows your animal a chance to check out the studio and get comfortable and familiar. While that’s happening, you and I will discuss and design your custom artwork what you can expect for your budget. In some cases, if all the stars align, we may even have your session right then and there, depending on both our schedules and other factors.
What if my pet isn’t trained?
When pets know how to sit, down, and stay on command, it certainly helps a session go easily, but it is absolutely not required. Most of the pets I work with have ZERO training.
What if my pet can’t be off-leash?
If our session occurs in a public setting and/or within city limits, or your pet does not have a squirrel-proof recall, your pet WILL BE ON LEASH. Their safety is my very first concern. Particular angles, lighting, and the amazing power of editing will help with the leashes.
Can my pet wear a harness or gentle leader?
If your pet usually walks in a harness or gentle leader, I recommend using it to walk between shooting locations, then swapping it for a regular flat collar for the photography. If you have a sighthound or other dog that can easily slip out of a flat collar, martingale collars work well and are more photogenic than harnesses.
My pet NEVER stops moving. Can you still get a picture?
All I need is 1/200th of a second or less. I also have several tried and true methods for getting pets attention, and will use as many of those as necessary to get beautiful portraits of your best friend.
My pet has all black fur, will they show up in pictures?
We can still get AMAZING portraits! I use lighting and equipment to bring out your pets best side, no matter their color.
What if my pet is really shy about people?
I can work with this! We’ll take our time to allow your pet the time they need to feel comfortable with me, the camera shutter, and the flash. Treats and toys usually help, and if they still don’t warm up, I can get pictures from a distance with a longer lens, or even have you in the picture while reassuring them.
Do I need to bring anything?
- Bring favorite toys, treats, or noise makers you know are attention getting for you pet. I have a variety of those also, but tried and true attention getters may be helpful.
- We will discuss any props needed during your design consultation.
- Bring a new or clean flat collar for photos, even if your pet needs to be on a harness or gentle leader for moving around.
- Bring your pets vaccination tags for location sessions!
How long is a session?
Sessions can be as short as fifteen minutes or as long as a couple hours, depending on your needs, your pets cooperation, and our session type. I don’t put a time limit on portrait sessions for this very reason.
Can I bring extra dogs or humans to our session?
While I’m sure your pet has a sizeable fan club, we want to keep things simple for our session. Please leave extra pets and humans at home, to ensure a calm setting without additional distractions. The only exception is if you’re actually having your entire pack photographed, and need an extra set of hands to help manage wrangle. If you’re not sure what’s appropriate, please call!
Where will the session be located?
Your session will be in my studio unless you and I have discussed and selected a location beforehand. Just in case you’ve forgotten, you’ll receive an email reminder a day or two ahead to confirm our appointment date, time, and location.
How many portraits can I order?
Clients typically have 20-30 final images from which to choose. We will only order artwork of images you absolutely love, and you may order as many as you desire for wall art, image boxes, and any of the other beautiful items I offer.
How soon until I can see my images?
One-two weeks after the portrait session, you can schedule another appointment to view your portraits and order your artwork. This will happen at the studio unless we opt to meet virtually instead.
Will the images be edited?
Yes. All images are edited in some way. Most of the changes are very simple, but they all go into making your portraits the best they can be. In the case of pets on leash, more intense editing is required.
How will I be able to view my images?
We will watch a short video of all the final images together, then we’ll go through each one. Don’t worry, I’ll help you pick out your favorites!! This typically happens in the studio, but is definitely a meeting that can happen virtually.
How long till it take for me to receive my images?
Your portraits will be available for pickup from the studio, or delivered to your home as soon as I have received them and verified that they meet my standards for quality. Depending on the items you order, this can take anywhere from one week to several. Continuing supply chain disruptions make it difficult to predict.
Will I be able to put these photos on my social media accounts?
Yes. If you order printed images, you also receive low-res digital files, specifically for sharing with family and friends through your social media outlets or email.
Do you accept credit cards?
Yes. You may pay for sessions and print products with cash, checks, or credit/debit cards.
What happens if there’s bad weather the day of the session?
For location sessions, I’ll be paying close attention to the weather for that day. Some challenges we can work through, but if safety is a concern (lightning and tornadic activity particularly), we will reschedule your session or refund your session fees (according to your Agreement).
This looks expensive, do you offer any discounts?
Some small discounts are available. If your budget and my services don’t line up perfectly, ask about these discounts at your Meet & Greet appointment.
How should I dress?
Particularly in location sessions, there is always a chance you will make it into your pets portraits, in which case, your clothing is important too! Choose an outfit that’s authentically “you” and that you feel comfortable, stylish, and confident wearing. Below are some tips that may help.
Yes to:
- Layers for visual interest. Mix and match: scarf, belt, jacket, vest, jewelry and cardigan.
- Textures like denim or a knit sweater photograph beautifully. Patterns are okay in moderation; less is more!
- Color: don’t feel compelled to stick solely to neutrals. While groups should be working with a unified color palette, feel free to add a splash of color!
No to:
- Gym clothes, low cut tops, super short bottoms, baggy or loose-fitting clothes.
- Bright white, deep black, bright red, or neon colors.
- Brimmed hats, because deep shadows suck. Transition glasses can also be problematic.
Disclaimer: every client is unique, as is every session, and not every response above will fit every situation. If you still have questions I’ve not addressed, please contact me! I will do everything I know to provide you a fabulous portrait session, and images you’ll love for life!