Good Questions About Pet Photography

Not at all.

Most dogs don’t arrive with a résumé of formal training, and that’s perfectly okay. I work with pets exactly as they are. Wiggles, sniffs, head tilts, zoomie pauses and all. My sessions are designed around patience, timing, and letting personality shine through naturally.

Some of the best portraits happen between the “good dog” moments.

Yes, safely.

My garden studio is fully fenced, so dogs can explore and move freely once we’re inside. Leashes are used to get to and from the shooting areas, and I can remove them in post if needed. Safety always comes first, followed closely by comfort and joy.

They hold a very special place here. Sessions are unhurried, flexible, and adapted to your pet’s comfort level. We take breaks, use supportive props when helpful, and follow their lead.

The studio and gardens are ground-level with no stairs required, making access easy for senior pets or those with mobility challenges. If your pet has a good day, we honor it. If they need extra gentleness, we honor that too.

These sessions are often some of the most meaningful work I do.

Yes. Cats, bonded pairs, horses, and yes, chickens are all welcome.

I’ve photographed everything from quiet companions to curious barnyard personalities, and each session is tailored to the animal in front of me.

Some animals are best photographed in their own environment. In those cases, I may come to them. If you’re unsure whether your pet or situation is a good fit, just reach out. I’m always happy to talk it through.

Yes. While most sessions take place in my studio and gardens, I do offer on-location sessions for specific settings and seasons.

Think tulip fields, the beach, or other locations that are a meaningful fit for your pet. These sessions are planned intentionally and scheduled around light, weather, and your pet’s comfort.

If you’re dreaming of a particular location, just reach out and we’ll talk through what’s possible.

Most sessions last about an hour.

That gives us time to let your pet settle in, explore, and ease into the process without rushing. Some pets are ready right away, others take a little longer. We move at their pace.

A leash, a favorite treat or toy if they have one, and a willingness to relax.

I have treats, toys, and plenty of experience guiding the session, so you don’t need to overthink it. Simple is best.

Your pet’s comfort (and yours) always comes first. During the summer, if temperatures reach 85° or above, I strongly recommend rescheduling garden sessions. In cooler months, if temperatures drop to 40° or below, we’ll also plan accordingly.

The good news is that my indoor studio is climate-controlled, with both air conditioning and heat, so we’re able to photograph comfortably year-round. If outdoor conditions aren’t ideal, we can pivot to the studio or reschedule for a better day.

I want every session to feel calm, safe, and enjoyable for everyone involved.

Absolutely.

Some clients want a few images with them and their pet, others prefer portraits focused entirely on their animal. There’s no right or wrong choice. We’ll talk about what feels most meaningful to you.

You’ll see your portraits during a Gallery Reveal appointment after your session. Before you leave the studio, we’ll schedule your reveal so it’s already on the calendar.

I love welcoming clients back to the studio for their reveal whenever possible. It’s a relaxed, personal way to experience the portraits and talk through artwork options together. That said, Zoom reveal sessions are always available if that’s the better fit for your schedule.

This is where you’ll choose your complimentary print and explore artwork for your home, with guidance and support throughout.

After viewing your gallery, I’ll help you select images and artwork that fit your space and style.

I’ll walk you through sizes, finishes, and placement so you can make confident choices. My goal is to help you end up with pieces you’ll love seeing every day, not overwhelm you with options.

Every client is different, but most invest between $1,200–$2,500 on finished artwork for their home.

I won’t lie, it’s an investment. But it’s the kind that tends to grow more meaningful over time.

Yes. Every image you purchase as finished artwork includes a high-resolution digital artwork file, suitable for personal use and printing up to 10 inches.

Additional digital artwork options are available if you’d like more flexibility for sharing or archiving. I’m always happy to walk you through what’s available so you can choose what feels right.

My studio is located in Salem, Oregon, with an indoor space and a fully fenced acre of gardens designed for pets.

Once you book, you’ll receive detailed directions and what to expect.

If you’re hoping for a specific season, earlier is better.

Spring blooms, summer gardens, fall color, and holiday sessions all fill quickly. Senior sessions and milestone moments are best booked as soon as possible.

If you need to move your session, just reach out as soon as you’re able. I’m happy to reschedule when possible and will always prioritize what’s best for your pet.