DOG PORTRAITS

To Book: Contact Me

When and where does the session take place?

All sessions take place in studio for the time being at my Gardnerville location. 1452 US. Hwy 395 N. #B, Gardnerville, NV 89423

Session Fee $185.00

This 1+ hour session is for a single dog only. An additional dog from the same household may join for an extra $100.00. Sessions with multiple dogs can take at least 90 minutes or more. Your session fee secures your appointment on the calendar, but does not include any final images, printed or digital files. All products are purchased separately and start at $397.

How to prepare for your session:

Your dog should be clean for the session. They don’t need to have a bath the same day, but at least within a few days of their big photo shoot! For dogs that have long hair around the eyes, you will definitely want to have that trimmed or cleaned up prior to the session. We want to see those beautiful eyes and make sure we get good eye contact for the final images. Bring a comb or brush with you for last minute touch ups. You may want to schedule a groomer visit 2-3 weeks prior to our shoot to give a bit of time for them to look like “themselves”. I love scruffy pups, but I want you to be happy with their overall groom before coming in for a shoot.

My preference is to photograph your dog without a collar when possible. Usually this is done with a thin slip leash, then I remove in post processing. However, if your dog is not safe with just a thin lead, we will need a collar and leash. If you have a favorite collar, bring it. The leash will be edited out of the final image in most cases, but harnesses will not be edited. I don’t suggest a harness if at all possible because they are bulky and take attention away from your gorgeous dog. I prefer to photograph dogs ‘natural’ without any fashion distractions.

How many people/dogs can be in the shot?

Due to the limitations and size restrictions of my indoor studio space, I am currently only offering solo dog portrait sessions. I may be able to shoot a 2nd dog from the same household if they are medium to small in size for an extra 100.00. I ask that 2 handlers attend sessions with 2 dogs. Children are not recommended to attend the session unless they are of sufficient age to help as a handler and/or follow directions.

Treats treats treats!

Many dogs will turn their nose at the old familiar treat when in a new environment, so I suggest splurging on something that they will absolutely LOVE. Perhaps small pieces of chicken or hot dog. I ask you to bring your own treats due to any possible allergies. Also, if they have a toy that is their favorite. Please make sure the treats are small and preferably soft vs. crunchy with a lot of crumbs. We will need them to get the perfect expressions. If your dog is not treat motivated, then bring their favorite reward/toy.

What to expect:

You never know exactly what to expect with dogs, but I like to keep sessions very calm and relaxed. There isn’t any reason to be in a rush and sometimes it can take up to a half hour for a dog to finally start to ‘relax’ in a new environment. I like to let them wander around and sniff everything and get the idea that they are in a safe space. Some dogs take more time than others and that is ok!

I also work to get them used to the strobe lights and when we sense they are ready, I go for it and start taking some shots.

A note for the Moms & Dads out there!

It is important to try and stay relaxed and patient. Dogs feed off of our emotions and can definitely sense our anxiety or frustration. This is a time to have fun and let things candidly unfold. There is no need to rush. Remaining patient and calm is a huge factor to bringing down any anxiety with your dog. Bring a coffee or cocktail and have a great time! ha. We will all just do our best and roll with the punches.

Dogs will be dogs and there is no need to expect any dog to be perfectly still for pictures. They can move around and have fun. I will work to get the shots! But… it is always good to practice ahead of time if you have the opportunity. You can practice teaching your dog to jump up on big rocks and then giving him or her lots of treats, practice “stay”, or even fun tricks, like begging or head down. It’s all up to you! Working with your pup on basic commands is always a plus.

Exercise your active dog before the session!

All dogs need exercise and consider taking them for a walk or run before the photo session. It can help to burn off excess energy and make them more relaxed during the session. An exercised dog is usually calmer and more cooperative, which can result in better photos.

Can I just buy the high-res digital files?

The short answer is no. My digital files are color calibrated to match high-end fine art professional printers and they would simply not look the same and/or have the same quality if you tried to print them yourself at Walmart or Walgreens. I prefer to offer the highest quality products that will stand the test of time with acid-free papers, metal or canvas. These are pieces of artwork that will have longevity, value and compliment your home. They are also not meant to live on a thumb drive or computer. For every image purchased, you will receive a web-sized digital file for all of your social media sharing.

Client investment ranges between $600 - $5,000

~Product price list is available upon request

How do I view my images?

Within 1-2 weeks after your session, you will receive a gallery of the best selected images from our shoot. I narrow down the best of the best! Your proof gallery will stay active for 5 days so that you can decide on your selections and we can talk about the products you are interested in. This is the fun part! Once you have placed your order, I will work on getting the images fully edited and your product order submitted.

I will contact you when your images are ready for pickup at my studio location. Please allow up to 3 weeks turnaround, but often they are ready much sooner.

Do you have insurance?

Yes - I have liability and equipment insurance.

How do I make a payment and book?

Your $185 session fee is due upon booking. Please contact me to set up your time! I will take payment over the phone to secure your slot and answer any questions you have.

Cancellations & Rescheduling:

Things definitely come up and there are times we need to re-schedule things on our calendar. I ask for 5 days notice to reschedule your session at no charge - you are able to re-schedule only once. The new date must be scheduled within 3 months of your original session date. Re-scheduling your session with less than 5 days notice, will require an additional scheduling fee. If you are rescheduling due to illness, there will be no additional charge and your session will need to be re-booked within 60 days.

Cancelling your session with no more than 5 days notice will result in the loss of your session scheduling fee, but I will credit that amount to be applied to any type of future portrait product. Re-booked sessions must be within 6 months of the date of cancellation and will require a new scheduling fee to hold your spot on the calendar.

TERMS:

Your initial order must be placed within 3 months of our session. Your purchased, edited images will be stored for one year. Unedited images will be deleted 3 months after your session. If there are portraits you are considering purchasing at a later date, please contact me so that I can hold for an additional year.