Before Your Dog Portrait Experience

Capturing your dog’s personality isn’t about forcing a pose or rushing through a checklist.

Before Your Session

Dog Profile

At time of booking your session, you’ll complete your Dog Profile so I can learn about you, your dog, and your relationship before you even step into the studio.
Custom Color Palette

You’ll receive a 16-page Custom Color Palette with my top 3 backdrop picks, customized to your dog to make color selection simple and effortless.
Background Selections

You’ll pick your 2 favorite background colors in an online form, and I’ll have your first choice ready in the studio before you arrive.
Session Prep

I help you prepare yourself and your pooch for every step of the session. With 5 years of photographing dogs under my belt, I’ve learned a thing or two!

- Grooming: A visit to the groomer can boost your dog’s confidence and help their coat look polished. Eyes free of extra fluff help me capture personality in the eyes — a key to soulful portraits.
- Pedicure: Well‑trimmed nails help keep attention on your dog’s expression and body language in the final images.
- Bath Timing: Plan baths 1–7 days before your session depending on your dog’s coat — this helps keep fur looking its best without risk of rolling in yard messes afterward.
- Exercise: Give your dog some activity — a walk or a quick play session — to release extra energy so they’re calm and focused in the studio.
- Eye/Face Care: A quick wipe to remove eye goop or debris helps enhance eye contact in photos (and I always clean up minor bits in editing if they show up).
- Brushing: A final brush helps remove loose fur and tangles so your dog looks polished without fuss.
- Favorite Goodies: Pack your dog’s favorite toys, treats, and comfort items. Familiar smells and objects help them settle in and bring out natural reactions that make the portraits truly feel like them.
- Outfits: Feel free to bring up to three wardrobe options — sweaters, bandanas, or cute outfits your dog loves. We’ll choose what works best with your background selections when you’re here.

— Rooney’s mom, Esme

The session itself is relaxed and dog-led, allowing your dog’s personality to naturally come through in a calm, distraction-free space.

After the session, everything is handled with care—from selecting the strongest images to guiding you through artwork options.

I’ve found it’s best to have your dog be able to sit and wait (or stay) before their session. It’s important for them to be able to sit on the backdrop by themselves without running after you!
Many dog parents are pleasantly surprised at how quickly I’m able to capture a split-second sit and stay. Just practice up beforehand and your dog should do just fine!
Sh!t happens.
Before your session, make sure your dog uses the facilities outside to start the session with an empty bladder. There’s time for another potty break halfway through the session.
If your dog does have an accident, I’ll clean up the mess while you take them outside. The session will resume after but cannot guarantee adding additional time to the end of the session.
Two weeks after your session, you’ll get an email with a gallery of your edited images to swoon over. Can’t narrow it down? No worries—you can purchase extra images for $35 each or go all in and order the whole gallery.
These photos aren’t meant to live in your phone’s camera roll—they’re meant to be shown off! You can order prints, wall art, or even custom apparel straight from your gallery.
I’m happy to reschedule when given as much notice as possible. Rare circumstances will allow for full refunds.
Check out the Cancellation Policy for all details.
You can always contact The Dog Photog if you have specific questions or circumstances.