Pet Portrait FAQs - Dallas-Fort Worth Pet Photographer

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.

Yes! 

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!  

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! 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.  

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. 

I offer a wide variety of print products so you're sure to find something to suit your tastes. Many 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. Small tabletop keepsakes are available to enjoy on your desk at work, bedside table or bookshelf, or you can print yourself with the purchase of a Digital Negative package. 

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 leash removal (when animals are solo, when you're posed with your pet holding a leash, I pay extra attention to an elegant hand and placement to minimize it's presence), open / closed eyes, eye and nose touch ups, animal drool and slobber removal, tear and mouth stain reduction / removal, animal teeth whitening (upon request), and distraction / small object removal from the background along with other general 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. 

I often photograph cats in the home for this very reason. With shy cats, I plan extra time in the session to allow them to acclimate to me being around and then photograph with a long, telephoto lens so I'm a good distance away. Eventually they relax and I'm able to capture all the normal cat things that we love about them. 

I love photographing all pets, so bring 'em on! If you love 'em, I want to photograph them! 

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. 

• 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. 

Digital photos are at constant risk of loss due to theft, file corruption or disc failure. Prints have presence and the professionally produced products that I offer are all archival and protected against fading and creasing.

A wall canvas or other tangible image in your home draws the eye every single time. It’s easy to dismiss the importance of a physical print when you’re not actually faced with one, but once you unwrap your print, feel the weight of it in your hands and see the light shining from its surface, you’ll see what I mean.

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

In accordance with state and local laws, 8.25% sales tax will be calculated on the total amount due for your session fee and print product purchases.

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

I serve the greater Dallas - Fort Worth Metroplex and into north Texas with my pet portrait sessions.