Making the intangible tangible

I love it when the hoomans join the fun!  I encourage you to be in at least some of the images, since it's my goal to capture the connection and joy between pets and their humans.  Before I was a pet photographer I was a human photographer, and I know how to photograph humans and pets. This is a handy skill when I'm asked to photograph multi generation fur loving families with their pets! This is your session and we will focus on family, pets or a combination. It’s up to you.

Absolutely!  Some of the most fun and fetching photos happen when dogs are just being dogs.  As for leashes, almost every dog I photograph is on a leash for safety (animals first, remember?) and I provide complimentary leash removal during the digital editing process.

Yes! Pets are welcome too.

Drawing on my experience and matching neverending patience, I work with the dog's temperament on the day of the session- from rambunction to reactive.  I take a no pressure, relaxed approach to our session.  In fact, more often than not I ignore your dog when they first come into the studio or arrive on location.  This is intentional.  It gives your dog time to sniff me and determine my threat or play level; and it does the same for me -from a place of neutral energy I can assess your dog's energy.   Your session lasts as long as we need to get good images, so there is always plenty of time to adjust to new people.  After your dog is settled, we can start the session.  There is never a requirement for your dog to sit, stay or perform in any manner.  

One of the biggest benefits to hiring a pet specific photographer is that we know how to work with all dog temperaments- even the "hyper" or anxious types.  No matter your dog's temperament, we will get gorgeous portraits that are jam packed with personality.  Your dog is not the only one who has tricks up her sleeve.  th an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Absolutely!  Most cats are - it's in their nature.  I work with the cats' personality and natural instincts.  I always allow at least 15 minutes of studio time for the cats to hide.  Once they are feeling comfortable, I offer a variety of cat friendly tricks to keep them happy and engaged.  Catnip spray, treats, hiding places during the session and sparkly cat toys are all part of the process.  If you have more than one cat and you want them photographed together (but they won't sit together during the session) I offer complimentary composite images- I'll put them together in one image during the digital editing process.  

Yes!  And that is all the more reason to book a session right away.  I'll do my best to rearrange my schedule to accommodate more immediate needs.  If you would like this session to be in the comfort of your own home we can do that.

Not well, no.  Even Photoshop has its limitations. Large harnesses hide so much of the dog's chest that it's nearly impossible to accurately rebuild those pixels.

Gentle leaders can leave unsightly shadows or pull on the dog's skin, so those are also challenging to remove.

For these reasons I am not able to remove gentle leaders, harnesses and head halters.  If you don't like the look of these items in your final images I recommend not using them.  If your dog needs them for control. we can  walk around with them on and remove them long enough for photos.  We will discuss these details during our initial meeting.

If you want to photograph your dog outdoors, I have a location list that ranges from rustic and rural to urban.  Based on your decor style and color preferences I'll make recommendations.  If you have a sentimental location or a perfect spot in mind, I'd love to hear about it.  

If you want to bring your dog or cat to my Hopkins studio, that'd be amazing too.  I'll customize the background colors to your style and preferences- black or white and and two other colors or patterns is typical.  

About a week after your session we will meet in my Hopkins studio for your reveal and ordering appointment.  There is nothing more rewarding than seeing your delight as you view the photos of your pets for the first time on my large screen.  I keep tissues on hand for this appointment- I've cried tears of joy with many clients.  (It's OK- love is a good thing!)  At this appointment we will narrow down your favorite images, talk about how you wish to feature them in your home, cabin or office, and finalize the must have products.  You will also place your order at this time From there your custom artwork order moves into the production process.

I focus on creating beautiful heirloom quality custom artwork of your pet in a variety of styles and finishes.  Signature wall art like fine art prints hand crafted in Italy, modern gallery wraps and rustic framed prints made right here in Minnesota are client favorites.  Most clients purchase wall art and a customized album.  Albums range from traditional style to a unique bookshelf album display.  You can also add desk displays for bragging rights at work (even if work is down the hall).  

All artwork is customized to your style and decor.  

Please note that prints, products, and digital files are not included in your $300 reservation retainer. and are purchased separately at your ordering appointment.  

Your pet's session deserves more than to sit on USB or hard drive!  Technology changes rapidly (remember CD-ROM's?). Your local drug store printers are notoriously sub par in both quality and color accuracy.  If you wish to share images I offer complimentary watermarked social media files that match ordered product images.  

That all said, high resolution digital files are available for purchase.  You can also get the digital files for free when you purchase a signature framed print and an album (or buy the digital files for steep discount when you purchase a different style wall art and album,)  Most of my clients take advantage of this generous offer.

There is no minimum purchase requirement on products following your session.  Wall art starts at $700 and albums start at $1700.  Most clients invest in wall art, an album and a few boutique add on's.  Since you can choose what you want to purchase, investments vary from client to client.  What you choose is completely up to you.  I just want you to love it!

Separate from the product investment is a $350 session fee, payable once in your lifetime. That’s the lifetime of the human, not the pet. Return any time and I’ll waive the session fee.

A successful portrait session is an investment of both time and money, so it's important to make the right choice for yourself.

Know that I am all in - I invest heavily in my clients and their pets, and the local pet community.  Pets are cherished family members who are loved to the moon and back, even when they stake claim to 2/3's of your bed!   One of my guiding principle is animals first, and you will witness this from the first time we meet.  There is no time limit on sessions, and there is never any additional cost for more than one pet.  (The more fur the better in my book!)  I work with your pet's temperament and natural instincts to get amazing images.  I never expect them to act like anything other than the beautiful animals they were created to be.  I'll guide you through the entire pet photography experience and am here to address your concerns and answer your questions.  It's important to me that you're informed and comfortable with the proces.  And also that we have fun!

I fully support animal rescue organizations, and I donate my time often.  I also donate $50 from your session to a local animal rescue.  It's my way of giving back to these crucial organizations.

My clients also appreciate the quality and variety of the products I offer.  

Whether you're ready to join the pack by scheduling a session or have questions, I'd love to chat with you during a quick, no obligation introductory call, I'm available to help. You can reach me at 612-387-6569 or send me an email at lisa@pawshphoto.com.

I can't wait to meet you and the special animals in your life

With patience, humor and a good dose of fun. Yes, it can be controlled chaos to wrangle that many beings at once, but that rambunctious energy is where the fun lies. I once photographed 5 puppies, six kids and two adults in the same session…. so fun!

I have a few digital tricks up my sleeve too, so that everyone looks their best. I keep the session fun and light. And you will never see me tying a dog to a tree- they are treasured family members and are treated as such. They even get their own portraits, just like their human family.