A.In case you are having trouble picking out the right outfit, here are some suggestions (scroll to the bottom to see a link to a pinterest board with outfits & colors).

◉ Earth tones & neutrals! They not only go well outdoors but they compliment my studio sets as well.
◉ If there is a certain color scheme in your home, feel free to tie your outfit in to match those colors.
◉ For industrial/city sessions, think edgy! Leathers, dark clothing, etc.
◉ Avoid plaid. Sometimes the smaller checkered plaid patterns can cause a distorted effect within cameras due to communication between the subject and the cameras sensors.
◉ Avoid bright colors, neon's, and shirts with lettering. For example, if you absolutely love pink or lets say you have an all blue wardrobe, aim for a softer pink color or a deep or navy blue as opposed bright!

A.Collars & Accessories

◉ If we are in the studio, I typically suggest removing collars all together.
◉ Collars: Try to avoid bright and neon colored collars as they typically do not compliment the natural colors in nature or the studio sets.
◉ Harnesses are much harder to remove from photos during the editing proccess so be sure to bring a collar that way we can switch when its time to start shooting.
◉ Bandanas: These can be used tactfully to hide collars. Be sure the colors/patterns are not too distracting (avoid plaid, bright colors, text). Choose bandanas/accessories that compliment your pups coat and the session location.

A.Try not to stress yourself by setting expectations of your pet. There is no right or wrong way for them to behave during your session, that's what makes them so unique. I have a "go with the flow" approach to my sessions. When we allow your pets to take it all in at their own pace without them picking up on any worries or stress from us, things tend to go much more smoothly for everyone.

Every session is different. Sometimes they come nervous and need a bit of time to take it all in before they relax and open up and other times they come in with full zoomies but eventually they do settle in. Whatever they do, however they act, it is nothing to stress about ahead of time, I promise.

Time: do not look at your session like a ticking clock. I have allotted enough time in your session to allow for your pet to settle in.

Accidents: It happens! Seriously, more than you know. In the studio, the first thing I will tell you is that if your dog has an accident, its normal. There are new smells, area's where other dogs have marked, etc. If it happens to you, welcome to the club!

If your dog doesn't sit when asked, that's ok! You do not have to do anything to make sure things are absolutely perfect. That is my job.

A.If your children are part of the session, it's important for everyone to be mentally prepared the day of your session. A lot of times, they don't understand how important these things really are to us until later on. Pumping them up and letting them know how excited you are for the session in the days and weeks prior, will get them excited too. Tell them how excited you are to have your dog along for photos. Let them help pick out their outfits or a new collar for your dog. Ask them questions like "do you think Max is going to lick the photographer to death" or "I wonder if we can ask her to get a shot of max catching a treat, wouldn't that be so funny?".

If your partner is part of the session, it's easy for them to begin to feel frustrated if the session doesn't seem to be going the way they think it should (revert back to "Expectations of your pet" above). But here's the thing...there is no right or wrong way.

We are there to have fun, enjoy each others company and just soak in this time together. If your dog doesn't sit when asked, that's ok! You do not have to do anything to make sure things are absolutely perfect. That is my job. Having this mindset and reiterating it others in the days and weeks prior to your session, will be a huge mental help for everyone so they are happy and excited on your session day.

More tips:

A nice long walk or run before your session will help tire and relax them.
Feel free to bring treats and/or toys you know they love. I always have these things on hand but sometimes they want nothing to do with my treats and toys so having something familiar might be the trick!
If you have more than one pet, bringing a friend to help is always a good idea. Though not required, an extra set of hands if needed, is never a bad thing. Keep in mind that too many people can be distracting, so limiting to one helper is often the best option.

A.Burning energy, treats, helpers...

◉ A nice long walk or daycare before your session will help tire and relax them.
◉ Feel free to bring treats and/or toys you know they love. I always have these things on hand but sometimes they want nothing to do with my treats and toys so having something familiar helps.
◉ If you have more than one pet, bringing a friend to help is always a good idea. Though not required, an extra set of hands if needed, is never a bad thing. Keep in mind that too many people can be distracting, so limiting to one helper is often the best option.

A.Nope! As mentioned above, I have more of a "go with the flow" approach. I have certain shots in mind at the beginning of each session and my goal is to allow these "poses" to unfold in the most organic way possible. I will have you and your pet in a certain area and suggest a certain pose to start. This one pose will turn into a series of natural interactions between you and your pet, allowing for those more candid, heartwarming moments to present themselves without much posing.

A.Once the session is complete, I will show you product samples. That way you can see, touch and feel the products and get an idea for what you might like the most.

Within a couple weeks of your session, I will reach out to schedule your reveal & ordering appointment which we will do in person or over zoom, whichever you prefer.

This is when you will finally see your portraits, we will sort through and choose your favorites and put together renderings so you can see exactly what they are going to look like on your walls.

This is when you will place your product order so we will want to be sure than anyone that has a say in products will be attending this appointment as well.