Pet and People Portrait FAQs - Dallas-Fort Worth Photographer

I serve the greater Dallas - Fort Worth Metroplex and into north Texas with my pets and people portrait services. 

No he/she wont! Safety is always my number one concern when it comes to photographing people with their pets in public locations.

If you're like me, your dog's everyday collar and leash might be a little ratty. I've got you covered. I have a classic brown latigo leather collars of all sizes and leashes that that you can borrow for your session. 

I'll show you how to hold the leash in an elegant way to minimize it's appearance in the picture (see image below).

This was exactly the case with this joyful family. They had recently lost their other dog just a few weeks before our session. I suggested they bring her collar to the session and we incorporated it into their family portrait; the woman is holding it in her right hand. 

A trained dog is not required, I have a lot of experience photographing shelter animals that have limited or no knowledge of even basic commands.  Besides, I’m also a retired dog trainer so I've got a few tricks up my sleeve. I’ll come armed with tasty treats, squeaky toys and patience, patience, patience!

That's ok. I don't force myself upon dogs. I've done entire sessions without once petting the dog. Hard for me, but it's what the dog wanted and needed to feel safe. 

My goal is to provide a relaxed, casual and no stress atmosphere for you and your pet. There is never any pressure to get "the shot". We're going to get what your pet is willing is give us and we'll take as long as we need to in order to capture great images.

I approach pet photography in the same way I do dog training using positive reinforcement and patience to encourage the animal to be a willing and active partner and enjoy the session.

There is never an extra charge to include your pets in your family, senior or children's' portraits; the more, the merrier! 

You get to decide and we'll talk this through in your pre-session consultation; options include your home, a local park or other interesting outdoor location (I’ve got a long list of location ideas to review with you). Of course my historic old town Carrollton studio is always an option and works no matter the time of day or weather!  

Yes! With the exception of very few cameras, the vast majority of them capture in color and the black and white conversion happens in post processing. That being said, if you know in advance that you want all black and white images, I will give you specific instructions on what colors to wear.

If you may want a few images converted to black and white, that's ok. Most images can handle the conversion well and I hand edit, controlling each color channel separately, so can adjust anything that jumps out or just doesn't look right.  

Early morning and early evening provide the best light for outdoor photography, but if the day is overcast, or the location is well shaded, then any time of the day will do.

In the Texas summer, my favorite time of day is early morning to beat the heat. In the cooler months, late afternoon is a great alternative. Photographs taken mid-day, without shade on bright, sunny days will not return good results. Indoor studio photo shoots are fine any time of the day or evening.

You can relax, we’ll just reschedule your session! I leave openings in my calendar to accommodate rain days, so we'll get you rebooked as soon as possible. 

Yes! I have done an outdoor family session with a cat, but the cat was used to being outside and walking on a harness. I would not recommend this for an indoor cat so suggest for them, we do a studio session.  

Absolutely, in this case I usually come to you, or your stable. If your dogs are well-behaved around horses, do bring them along as well and we'll capture the entire family! 

Yes! Please contact me right away as I prioritize Silver Sessions. Senior and end-of-life pet portraits are some of the most poignant and meaningful images I take and are a beautiful way to honor your pet while they are still with you and provide a lifetime memory after they’ve gone. Read more about my Silver Sessions. 

About a week or so after the session, you'll come to the studio in old town Carrollton for your viewing and ordering appointment. I'll show you the best of the best of all the images we captured, with one or two fully retouched so you can see what your finished portraits will look like when all the pixie dust has been added. 

I'll take you through a process to winnow down to your absolute favorites and then you'll decide how you'd like to enjoy them in your home. I have samples of all the products available to you and this is when you'll place your print order so please make sure that all decision makers are present at this exciting appointment. 

Once that's done, I start the retouching and will order your prints, wall art and albums, delivering them to your home four to five weeks later. 

Yes! Whether you purchased a 5x7 print, a 36" wall canvas or a Digital Negative package, every image that leaves the studio is fully retouched. I like to call it my "pixie dust" because enhancements are sprinkled around the image to make them sing. 

Standard retouching includes open / closed eyes on both people and pets, eyeglass glare removal, animal eye and nose touchups, drool and slobber removal, clothing stains that occurred during the session (i.e. from slobber), stray hair removal, skin smoothing, blemish removal, teeth whitening (for animals upon request), distraction / small object removal from background and overall enhancements. 

Not a problem; your satisfaction is guaranteed. I strive to provide a 5-star experience from start to finish so you can invest your time and money with confidence. 

A professionally created raw image is just the start of my service. Each image that is delivered is examined and retouched by hand to make a good image great. As a matter of policy, I only provide the very best images to my clients and therefore do not release unretouched images. 

• Until I lose some weight
• Until it's warmer, cooler, more green...
• Until the hair grows back on my dog's leg where the vet shaved it 
• Until...until...until...

Don't. I've never had a client regret having their pictures taken of, and with their pet - only that they waited too long to do so. Tomorrow is never guaranteed, don't take it for granted. 

Yep, we all do. But do you have any where you're truly connecting with your pet? Touching, petting, and holding them with both arms? Do you have an image that says everything about your relationship and how much you love them? You can't capture that in a selfie. Let a professional photographer help you create those everlasting memories. 

Yes, I have both liability and indemnification insurance and can provide a certificate upon request. 

You can get detailed information, including pricing and next steps to schedule your session by visiting the Contact Me page of the website. 

I offer a wide variety of print products so you're sure to find something to suit your tastes. Many family and pet portrait clients order an album to hold all the favorite images from their session along with something for the wall like a Story Print (with multiple images from their session), or a single image printed on canvas, metal or acrylic. Family pictures make the perfect, personalized gift; small tabletop keepsakes are available for gifting or to enjoy on your desk at work, bedside table or bookshelf, or you can print yourself with the purchase of a Digital Negative package.