Welcome to the Experience for Dogs
This page is your go-to guide for everything you need to know before your session!
From what’s included and how to prepare, to helpful grooming tips, accessory suggestions, and day-of advice. It’s all here to help you and your pup feel confident, comfortable, and completely ready.
Whether it’s your first session or you’re coming back for more, I want this to be fun, relaxed, and totally pawsome from start to finish.
What’s Included in Every Session:
Pre-Session Planning Call or Text Chat
We'll connect however you’re most comfortable (phone, text, or email) to chat about your vision, location ideas, and everything you’re hoping for. I want to hear all about your pet and what makes them special!
A Relaxed, Pet-Focused Session at Your Chosen Location
Whether it’s a favorite park, your backyard, or a cozy corner of your home, my sessions are designed to be fun, laid-back, and totally you. No pressure, just play!
Yummy, Healthy Treats
I come stocked with tasty, pet-safe snacks to keep tails wagging and ears perked.
Styling Guidance + Posing Tips
Not sure what to wear or how to pose? I’ve got you covered with tips and tricks to make sure everyone feels confident and comfortable (including your pet!).
Leash Editing (When Possible)
Your pet’s safety comes first, so most sessions are done with leashes on but don’t worry! I use careful editing techniques to remove leashes in images where it’s feasible, so all you see is your pet shining bright.
Fully Edited Digital Images + Print Rights
You’ll receive a gallery of beautifully edited, high-resolution images ready to share, print, and treasure forever.
Step 1. Booking Your Photo Session
Once you’ve submitted your inquiry form, we’ll connect to chat through your session options. Together, we’ll choose the perfect date, time, and location to bring your vision to life.
From there, you’ll just need to sign the session agreement. Once that is in, your session is officially booked and on the calendar!
Let the countdown to adorable memories begin!
Step 2. Pre-Session Questionnaire
Before your scheduled session, you’ll receive a questionnaire asking more about yourself and your pup(s), what you like to do together, and more. This is where I get more information about food allergies (for the dogs) and any behavioral things I should know about. This is when we will begin determining the photo location for your session.
Step 3. Your Photo Session
On photo day, we keep it easy-going especially for your pup. I always start slow, giving your dog plenty of time to check things out, sniff around, and warm up to both me and the camera. Whether it’s their first time being photographed or just a new place to explore, my top priority is helping them feel safe and at ease.
We’ll take a short stroll, let them get comfortable with the environment, and follow their lead. No forced poses or pressure just gentle encouragement, tail wags, and lots of patience.
My sessions are designed to feel more like an adventure than a photo shoot. That way, we can capture your dog’s natural expressions, goofy quirks, and joyful spirit in the most authentic way possible. You don’t need to stress about behavior, training, or “getting the shot.” Just show up, be yourselves, and I’ll handle the rest.
Step 4. Final Editing Process
Once your session is complete, I’ll carefully review all the images and select the very best the ones that tell your story most beautifully. This approach keeps the experience stress-free for you: no need to sort through hundreds of photos or make tough choices. You’ll simply receive a thoughtfully curated gallery full of the moments that matter most.
From there, your images are added to my editing queue. During this process, I bring each photo to life enhancing color, removing distractions, and highlighting all the little details that make your pup unique. Turn around time varies by season and workload, but I’ll provide you with an estimated delivery date so you know what to expect.
Step 5. Your Online Gallery
Once your final edits are complete, you’ll receive a link to your very own online gallery filled with fully edited, high-quality images that tell your dogs story. From here, you’ll be able to download your photos in both high-res (perfect for printing) and web-res (great for sharing), as well as browse a curated store with professional print and product options.
Your gallery will stay live for one full year, but I always recommend saving your images in multiple places (like your computer and cloud storage) so they’re safely tucked away for years to come.
Step 6. Time to Turn Photos into Keepsakes!
Your gallery isn’t just for looking it’s also a one-stop shop for turning your favorite images into wall-worthy art. Choose from gorgeous prints, albums, framed pieces, and more right from your gallery.
Want to print somewhere else? Totally fine! Just make sure to use the high-res files so your images stay sharp and beautiful. Need advice? I’m happy to help!
Step 7. Enjoy What Matters Most
Now for the best part—enjoying your images. Whether you frame them for your walls, create a stunning album to flip through, or share your favorites online, these photos are meant to be seen and loved.
They tell the story of a dog that deserves to be celebrated every single day. Don’t let them sit forgotten on a hard drive—bring them into your world and let them bring joy for years to come.
How to Prepare
For You:
Being well-rested (yes, that goes for both of you!) and picking your outfit ahead of time can make a big difference in how relaxed and confident you feel during your session. Think comfy, true-to-you, and coordinated with your pups not matching unless that’s your vibe. I’m always here to help with outfit ideas, too!
All you have to do is show up, love on your pup, and soak in the moment. I’ll take care of the rest!
Some important things to consider for the Humans!
Please remember to remove your keys and cell phone from your pockets! While I may be able to fix some of the ugly bulges, I can’t promise to fix them all and extensive re-touching can be difficult! I’ll try to remind you at the time of the session as well.
These are the type of things that distract from and spoil your photos!
For your Dog:
Before the session, give your dog a chance to burn off some energy with a walk or playtime. Bring along a small bag with their favorite treats, toys, water, and any accessories you want to include.
Try to arrive a few minutes early to let your pup sniff around and get familiar with the space. I always begin our session with a relaxed introduction chatting with you while your dog gets used to me and my camera. Some dogs take a little longer to warm up, and that’s totally okay. I’ll keep things calm and quiet to help build their confidence naturally.
What to bring:
We recommend you bring water and a collapsable bowl as well as any other accessories you might want to include in the shoot (i.e. bow tie, bandana, flower crown, scarf, clothes, etc).
Keep in mind that their harness may be in the photos, so we suggest, if possible, a flat, muted color collar and leash instead, so that it’s easiest to remove in post-production. A long lead is also welcome
Check out "Lets Talk Gear" Below
Accessorize: (If You’d Like!)
Your dogs natural charm will always be the star of the show but a favorite bandana, flower crown, or seasonal touch can add a little extra personality and flair. If you’d like to include accessories, be sure to let your dog get used to them ahead of time so they feel confident and comfortable on session day.
Keep it cozy, simple, and true to your dog's vibe. And if accessories aren’t your thing? No worries at all their adorable self is more than enough.
Grooming:
I recommend giving your dog a good brushing about two days before the shoot even if they don’t have long hair to freshen them up and remove loose fur. For breeds that require regular grooming, try to schedule their grooming session 3-4 days before the photoshoot. Grooming on the same day can sometimes tire them out, and we want your pet feeling their best and full of energy! Oh, and on the big day, don’t forget to check for any little eye boogies or stray hairs those details really help the photos shine.
Share Your Vision:
I’d love to hear about any specific ideas or poses you have in mind for your session! While I can’t promise every shot will turn out exactly as you envision, I’m all about giving it my best shot and bringing your ideas to life. Don’t hesitate to share Pinterest boards, photos, or just chat with me during the session—I’m always excited to try new things and make your vision a reality.
Let’s Talk Gear:
During your session, we may switch between your dogs usual gear such as flat collars, martingales, harnesses, or gentle leaders depending on what keeps them safe and comfortable. Safety always comes first, so if your dog needs to wear a harness, that’s totally okay! While some gear like harnesses or gentle leaders can’t always be fully edited out of photos, we’ll use poses, angles, and other tricks to keep the focus on your dog not their accessories.
If your dog tends to slip out of flat collars, martingales are a great, secure option and tend to photograph better than harnesses. We’ll go over all of this during your planning session so you feel confident and prepared.
Color Coordinating With Your Dog
The right outfit can complement your dog’s coloring and make your portraits pop. Here’s how to match your vibe to your pup’s look:
• Golden Retrievers / Yellow Labs
Warm tones like forest green, burgundy, or navy add depth. Avoid beige or yellow that blends in too much.
• Black Dogs
Almost anything goes! For contrast, try bright tones like teal, mustard, red, or white. Avoid all black unless you're going for a dramatic look.
• White or Cream Dogs
Bold colors like royal blue, emerald, or deep plum stand out beautifully. Avoid light neutrals that can wash out.
• Brown / Chocolate Dogs
Earthy tones like olive, rust, mustard, or deep red work well. Avoid anything too close to their coat color (like brown or beige) to prevent blending.
• Gray or Silver Dogs
Soft pastels or jewel tones like navy, lilac, or dusty rose add beautiful contrast.
• Multi-colored / Merle / Spotted Dogs
Stick to solid colors! Choose a tone that complements the dominant color in their coat.
• Dogs with bright eyes
Pick an outfit that mirrors their eye color for extra connection in the photo — blue, amber, or green work great for this!
