faq

Answers to some of my most frequently asked questions!

There's a lot to consider when you're choosing a photographer let alone a pet photographer! Below is a list of the questions that I receive most often along with my answers. If you have a question that I have not covered, please feel free to reach out and ask! I'm here to help!

My dog cannot be off leash. Is that ok?

Absolutely! I'm a very firm believer in safety first. I don't let my own dogs off leash in public and would never ask you to let yours off either. In most cases, the leash can very easily be edited out without much hassle. So please, don't let the leash hold you back from scheduling a session! It's perfectly fine!

The image below is a photo of my own boy taken at the beach. As you can see, he's clearly leashed and I was able to remove it through editing. It's a very easy process. Harnesses on the other hand? I very rarely try to remove harnesses. It's very difficult to match the fur patterns when it's all hidden under the harness.

What if my dog is reactive to other dogs and/or people?

Just like humans, I understand that every dog has its own unique personality and set of quirks. My own boy Finley is reactive towards other dogs so I have to be mindful of where I take him. I completely understand the struggle. With that said, as long as there's open communication between you and me, there's no reason that your pup can't have a session of its very own! I'm more than happy to give your pup the space he or she needs to feel safe and secure.

I photographed this sweet girl named Georgia a couple of years ago. This was a Celebration of Life session after she had just been diagnosed with osteosarcoma in her leg. Her mom was devastated and really wanted a photo session, but knowing that Georgia was reactive, she was concerned about booking one. I reassured her that it would all be ok and that I'd work around her and her needs. What was the end result? A photo session that went about as smooth as any other session I've done and her mom got the beautiful photos that she was hoping for.

What if my dog doesn't have any formal training?

I won't lie and say that a dog knowing how to sit, lay, and stay doesn't make my job easier, it's absolutely not necessary! The vast majority of pups that I've photographed have minimal training so please don't think that this automatically "disqualifies" you from being able to have a session of your own. We will absolutely be able to get beautiful photos regardless. We just may need to get a little creative about it is all! And, to be honest... some of my favorite photos are the candid moments where the pup is just being himself all goofy and aloof! These sessions are meant to be fun and light hearted after all!

Can I / Do I have to be in the photos, too?

I never force anyone to be in the photos if they don't want to. However, I always highly recommend it! This is especially the case during the Celebration of Life sessions when your time remaining is so limited. I'm 100% not a fan of having my photos taken, but I always opt to have photos taken with my pets. Those photos are something that I always cherish and I'm so grateful that I have them. With that said, please know that I never share photos online without your permission. These photos are for you and while I'm always grateful for those who are so willing to share, I absolutely do not require that.

Is there an extra fee for more than one dog?

I'm finding that the majority of houses are "multi-pet" households (mine included!) and as such, I do not charge any extra fees for multiple dogs.

What is your availability?

There's really no way to know for sure what my availability will be at any given point. It truly varies mattering on the time of year. Spring and fall are far busier than winter as an example. With that said, I highly encourage people to reach out as soon as they've decided they'd like to have a session. I always feel that sooner is better than later.

Also, I do make urgent end of life situations a priority and try to get those in right away. The boy pictured below is named Archie. We did his session on Christmas Day as his family was preparing to say goodbye to him shortly after. He was such a young pup, but was diagnosed with cancer. This was such a heartbreaking session.

Where will our session be held?

Once you've decided that you'd like to schedule a session, the planning begins. We'll discuss what type of photos you're looking for and what your pup's personality is like. We'll discuss if he has a favorite place to go. We'll work together to pinpoint the perfect spot whether it be an open field, wooded trail, the beach, or even your home if that's what you'd prefer!

Do you make house calls?

I work with a lot of senior and terminally ill pets who cannot get around very well or are just more comfortable in their own backyard. This is absolutely fine. I want your pup to be as comfortable as possible during his session.

How long does it take to get the photos?

Generally speaking, anywhere from 1-3 weeks is  a good rule of thumb. I always try to deliver them as quickly as possible as I know the excitement of wanting to see them! Photo editing is a very time consuming process though and I always want to give each photo the attention it deserves! Regardless of time frame, I always do my best to keep in touch along the way.

Do you offer any payment plans?

I'm more than willing to work out a payment plan in order for you to get your session in - especially for urgent end of life sessions. While I know that photos aren't a necessity, I do believe that they're very important. Photos are essentially moments in time that you cannot get back. If money is tight for you, please still reach out!