Session Guide

Hey there fur lover!!

Welcome to pet photography as it should be. Fun, relaxed and personalized to the needs of you and your pet.

I am so glad you are here, and I can’t wait to create images that celebrate your pet. .

You will never be alone in your pet photography experience.  I'll be with you every step of the way, from planning your session to hanging your artwork.  I deliver a truly boutique experience that culminates in a personalized experience you won't forget, natural and expressive images you'll love, and five star artwork to last generations.  

I invest heavily in my pet photography clients. I’m all in. Here are just some of the perks you’ll enjoy when you work with me.

  • $50 donation to Pet Haven MN, a foster based animal rescue. This is from my own pocket, not yours.

  • Triple satisfaction guarantee. If you don’t love your images, I’ll return your session fee. If you don’t love your artwork, I’ll buy it back. If you artwork fades, I’ll replace it.

  • Lifetime session fee. Pay your session fee once and return any time. For your (not your pets’) lifetime.

  • Studio assistant. My amazing studio assistant Marlena will help you and your pet feel comfortable throughout our session.

  • Fur - obsessed expert. I love what I do. It’s my passion and my calling. And I’ve been doing it for years!

  • Personal attention. I will give you my full, undivided attention. I’ll be sure you’re comfortable with every part of the photography experience. You’ll always know what comes next.,

  • Private ordering appointment. We’ll meet at my pet friendly, cozy studio in Hopkins. Together we will review your session images and choose your favorites. Using HomeView technology, we can see what your artwork will look like in your home, on your walls, at different sizes. I’ll help you customize your artwork by picking the perfect color frame so it works with your style and decor.

  • No limit on session time, no matter how many animals are involved. The more pets the more love! I would never penalize my clients for having more than one pet. There’s no extra cost for more than one pet, and there’s never a time limit on custom sessions. It takes as long as it takes to get great images while keeping everyone happy and engaged.

  • Low key and fun experience. Life is way too short to stress over pet photos. I refuse. Sessions are fun, relaxed and easy for all beings.

  • Animals first, always. Need I say more?

Just like every pet is unique, not all pet photography experiences are the same. Here is what you can expect when you work with Pawsh Photography.

  • Step 1: The Consultation

    We will meet together, usually via zoom or over the phone, so we can get to know each other., talk about your furry family, and chat about availability, location options, and mutual expectations for your dream pet photography experience. We will talk about how you plan to enjoy your images after your session. I'll of course address any of your concerns.

  • Step 2: Session Day

    This is where the magic happens. Leave all of the worries to me and just enjoy the experience. I promise it will be a fun and relaxing experience for all of the beings involved. We will get great images, even when your pet might not behave as you think they should (hint: they are animals and I expect them to act like it!).

  • Step 3: Reveal and Ordering Appointment

    At this appointment, about a week after our session, you will see the session images for the first time. Together we will narrow down your favorites, view product samples, and finalize how you wish to enjoy your images in your home, cabin or office. You'll also place your order at this time.

  • Step 4: Artwork Delivery

    About 4 weeks after you pay for your order, we will reach the moment we've been working toward since we first met: the day you receive your stunning, archival quality custom artwork! There's no better way to show your pet how much you appreciate them than with beautiful art, ready to display in your home, cabin or office. Endless smiles each time you pass by your pet's gorgeous portraits are included a no extra charge ;-)

Part of the fun of pet photography is documenting the connection between pets and their human families. You want to be comfortable and stylish, and if you are like most of my clients, you aren’t sure what that means. Here are some ideas.

What to wear

for pet photography sessions

Yes, please, for pets:

  • Outfits. If you want to photograph your pet in an outfit, please be sure it has an opening for a leash. I recommend we photograph some images with outfits and some without, so you have variety. That summery dress might not look as fun in January.

  • Harness. I am not able to edit out harnesses. If your pet needs a harness for control while we walk in the park or move in the studio. it’s no problem. Most clients remove the harness for the photos.

  • Collar. For studio sessions, collars are optional unless we need them for control with a leash. For outdoor sessions, collars or harnesses are required so we can utilize a leash. I can remove leashes in the final image edits if you wish. If your pet normally wears a collar I recommend leaving it in the photo, as it is their normal attire.

  • Props. If you have meaningful items with which you’d like your pet photographed, let’s discuss. I can accommodate most requests.

Yes, please, for humans:

  • Textures. Knit sweaters, denim, wool and thermal photograph well.

  • Color. Go with your personality here. If your wardrobe is mostly bright colors, feel free to wear them on session day, and bring a plain textured layer to wear over it. If you prefer a neutral palette, go with that.

  • More about color. Yes, to going with your personality. And also…. consider your dog’s fur color.

    • For orange dogs, blues, greens and creams look best.

    • For brown or cream dogs, consider a monochromatic palette and wear brown, cream or khaki with some texture. A cream colored shirt with a brown cardigan looks fantastic. Green also works well, so long as it is not neon green.

    • For black dogs, jewel tones look best. Think burgundy, emerald, Gray also works for a more monochromatic look. Please do not wear black if you have a black dog.

    • For white dogs, any color works,

    • For brindle, spotted or merle dogs, look for the dominant color in their fur and use the recommendations above.

  • Layers. Add visual interest and comfort with layers. Combine a plain color or subtly patterned tee with a textured over layer.

  • Shoes. If we are outside, we will be walking on trails that can be muddy and dusty. I often take “shoe shots” so please bring the photogenic shoes in your bag and change into them when we arrive at our photographing location.

There are few things to generally avoid for pet photography attire.

Please avoid, for the pets:

  • Brightly colored leashes. They reflect color and make it difficult for me to remove them in the editing process. Any neutral colored leash is perfect.

  • Ill fitting outfits. If you want your pet to wear an outfit, that’s no problem. Please be sure it fits so that your pet can walk and see normally.

Please avoid, for humans:

  • Unflattering outfits like gym clothes, low cut tops, short bottoms, baggy clothing.

  • Color. Some colors do not photograph well - deep black, bright white, anything neon (especially hot pink, magenta, bright green)

  • Color, with your dog. Please do not wear colors that clash with your dog’s fur.

  • Accessories. One or two accessories is fantastic; in general less is more when it comes to accessories. I’ll ask you to remove your large watch, and the cell phone in your pocket. Please avoid wide brimmed hats and sunglasses.

  • Shoes. If you would like a photo with feet and dogs, please bring photogenic shoes.

Preparing for your pet photography session

If we are photographing your dog, please give them some exercise before our session. Not too long, just enough to burn off some energy. If it’s warm outside, give your dog a bit of time to recover before the session, to lessen the chance of them panting during photo time.

If we are photographing your cat or rabbit, keep their normal routine, and bring them to the session in their carrier. If they need a refresher on how “fun” the carrier is, leave it out in their living space about a week before our session and let them sniff and go in and out as they wish.

Planning a grooming session? Plan at least a few days - a week is better- before our session. A bath for the canines the night before or day of the session is just fine.

Feed your pet about 1/3 to 1/2 of their normal meal if it is close to our session time, so they aren’t too full. We will likely bribe them with treats during our session.

What to bring on Session Day

For the Humans:

  • Directions to the session location

  • Water

  • Small mirror and hairbrush

  • Makeup, if you want to touch up

  • An outfit change if you wish (I have a changing tent for outdoor locations and a changing room at the studio.)

    Additional items for outdoor locations:

  • Bug Spray

  • Sun screen

  • Sunglasses (remove for photos)

  • Appropriate seasonal layers

  • A bag or backpack to carry everything

For the pets:

  • Neutral colored leash

  • High value treats + toys

  • Outfit and props if desired

  • Collar, harness or both

    Additional items for outdoor locations:

  • Waste bag

  • Water and portable water dish

  • Winter sessions: booties, jacket as needed

  • Flea and tick collar or treatment, if desired

What to Expect on Session Day

If our session is in studio, my amazing studio assistant Marlena will greet you and help you and your pet get settled in. We will review the session plan that we created during our consultation call. I’ll show you how to hold the leash so it’s in the correct position for me to edit out after our session. If your pet doesn’t need a leash we will remove it entirely.

If you have a cat or other small animal, they will likely hide under my studio furniture. Plan a good ten minutes of warm up time- your pet needs this time to acclimate to their new environment. Once I see them relax into their new surroundings I’ll use treats, catnip spray and cozy hidey places to keep them relaxed and happy during our session.

We will create images from three different backgrounds. Marlena and I will change the background during your session, which is a perfect opportunity for you and your pet to take a break. You can go outside if needed.

Sessions last about 45-75 minutes for one dog and 60-90 minutes for two or more dogs. Small animal sessions last about 90 to 120 minutes. The pace is set by your pet so your session might be longer or shorter than that.

If our session is outdoors, we will agree on a meeting spot, usually the parking lot. It’s helpful but not required to arrive about ten minutes early so your dog can sniff and walk around, especially if it’s a new location to them.

My amazing studio assistant Marlena and I will meet you. We will review the session plan that we created during our consultation call. I’ll show you how to hold the leash so it’s in the correct position for me to edit out after our session.

We’ll make sure we have everything we need, and then we’ll hit the trail.

We walk from location to location within a park, stopping at about 3-5 different locations. to take photos. We pace ourselves to the needs of your dog, giving them ample time to sniff and settle into each place we photograph. You’ll see me lying flat on the ground, making silly noises and generally looking ridiculous. We use treats, toys, sounds and favorite humans to get their attention. We never force, and it’s always light and fun.

Sessions last about 45-75 minutes for one dog and 60-90 minutes for two or more dogs. The pace is set by your dog so your session might be longer or shorter than that.

Curious about what a pet photography session entails?

Here’s a video from a session in the studio with two dogs. Notice that the dogs are up and down, and we work with the dogs’ natural instincts.

Digital Darkroom Magic

Leashes.  All the cool dogs are wearing them!  In fact, almost every dog I photograph is leashed during our session to comply with location requirements, and a bit of control.  The reason you don't see the leashes in any of my photographs is because I remove them with a bit of unicorn fairy dust during the post session editing process. Otherwise known as Photoshop.  Shhh... it's our secret.  

Wall art and Albums

I specialize in beautiful, heirloom quality products that celebrate the joy and connection between you and your pet.  

Most clients purchase an album and wall art. Wall art starts at just $250; desk displays at $500 and albums or legacy boxes at $1000.

High resolution digital files are also available for separate purchase.  Most clients choose to get complimentary digital files by purchasing standard sized wall art and an album. In addition to the full resolution files, you’ll get a personalized app for your smart phone or tablet. Perfect (or should I say purrfect) for humble bragging to friends and family.

I always include a watermarked digital file of any image you purchase - I like my Snickers' photos on my computer wallpaper and my social media profiles.  I'm sure you do too.  

What you purchase is entirely up to you.  All products are customized to your individual style and home decor.

I can’t wait to see you and your pet on session day.

In the meantime, please contact me with any questions or concerns.

See you very soon!