THE EXPERIENCE

Absolutely! As a lifelong animal lover, I can’t imagine life without them. Over the years, I’ve shared my home with both dogs and cats. (my cats were a big help in my early photography years.)

Today, we share our lives with two wonderful Goldendoodles, Lexi and Amos. One adores posing for the camera, while the other prefers to avoid it — but as the dogs of a pet photographer, they don’t get much choice!

I’ve been photographing animals my entire life — from dogs and cats to even a pet raccoon & squirrel. About 20 years ago, my husband encouraged me to focus on animals exclusively, and in 2012 I launched my pet photography business. With over two decades of experience, I’ve captured countless portraits that have become treasured heirlooms for pet owners.

My portraits are not snapshots, they are commissioned works of fine art. Each session is designed to create heirloom pieces that honor your pet’s personality, spirit, and legacy.

From the careful planning and photographing to the extensive editing and collaboration with professional print labs, every detail is intentional.

Unlike casual pet photography, my work is crafted to live on your walls as timeless artwork, not on your phone. The result is a piece that elevates your companion into art, something to be cherished for generations.

Each portrait session is a commissioned work of art, created to live on your walls — not your phone. My focus is on heirloom fine artwork that honors your companion and becomes part of your family’s legacy.

Every commission involves up to 20 hours of dedicated artistry, from planning and photographing to careful post‑editing and collaboration with professional print labs. The commission fee reflects this extensive process, as well as the expertise I bring — including a deep understanding of animal behavior and the use of top‑of‑the‑line equipment and techniques.

This investment ensures that your session results in timeless artwork, crafted to be displayed and cherished for generations.

Yes. To reserve your commissioned session, a 60% deposit is required at the time of booking. The remaining balance is due 15 days before your session date.

Please note that artwork and prints are paid in full directly to the professional lab and are not eligible for payment plans.

This structure ensures your date is secured and allows me to dedicate the time and artistry needed to create heirloom portraits of your beloved companion.

Most sessions are designed for one or two pets, which allows me to create the most refined artwork. If you’d like to include more than two, an assistant will be required, and an additional per‑pet fee applies.

It’s also important that your pets are comfortable together so the session remains safe and enjoyable.

While the focus is always on creating heirloom portraits, I have photographed as many as 11 dogs in a single session — so with the right preparation, larger groups are possible.

A little preparation goes a long way in helping us create timeless portraits. Here are a few simple steps:

• Practice basic commands like sit or stay — helpful, but not required.

• Grooming matters: clean eyes, brushed coat, trimmed nails, and a fresh look help your pet shine.

• Burn off energy with a walk before the session so they’re more relaxed.

• Keep them a little hungry so treats are motivating — avoid a big meal right before.

• Expect plenty of rewards: after the session, they’ll likely be full of snacks and praise!

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My goal is to capture your pet at their very best, so these small preparations ensure a smoother experience and more refined artwork.

A leash may be used to ensure your pet’s safety and comfort during the session. For pets who are energetic or curious, it helps keep them secure while I capture the perfect portrait. Calm or well‑trained pets may not need one at all. My priority is always your pets well‑being, and together we’ll decide what works best to create beautiful artwork.

Sessions are always tailored to your pet’s individual needs. Some pets are natural models and may be photographed quickly, while others need more time to feel comfortable. Whether playful, shy, or somewhere in between, we follow their pace to ensure the best experience.

On average, sessions last between 45 minutes to one hour — though sometimes the perfect portrait can be captured in just a few minutes, and other times it takes a little longer.

The goal is never the clock, but creating artwork that truly reflects your pet’s spirit.

No — studio lighting is completely safe for pets. Professional equipment is designed to diffuse light, so it’s never a harsh beam directly into their eyes. I carefully control the lighting to ensure your pet’s comfort and safety at all times. You can relax knowing that their well‑being is always my top priority.

Most dogs don’t sit perfectly still — and that’s completely fine! I use play, treats, and gentle guidance to keep them engaged, and I love capturing their natural movements. Commands like sit or stay can help, but they’re never required. With patience (and a slip lead for safety), we’ll create beautiful portraits no matter your pet’s personality. Cats, of course, do things on their own terms — and that’s part of the fun!

Yes — with extra precautions. If your dog is reactive toward other dogs but comfortable with people, we can photograph in the studio. If they’ve shown aggression toward humans, we’ll photograph them safely on a leash at a quiet outdoor location, and I’ll edit out the leash or handlers.

Your pet’s safety — and everyone’s — is always the top priority, and the portraits will still be beautiful.

Yes. While dogs and cats are most often my subjects, I also create heirloom fine art portraits of horses and other companion animals. Each session is tailored to the unique personality and presence of your pet. Whether that means capturing the elegance of a horse, the charm of a rabbit, or the soulful gaze of a cat.

My goal is always the same: to elevate your beloved companion into timeless artwork that honors their spirit and becomes part of your family’s legacy.

Creating heirloom artwork takes time. Each portrait is carefully refined over many hours — adjusting light, removing distractions, and perfecting every detail — so the final piece truly reflects your pet at their very best. Because this is a commissioned fine art process, editing is spread across several days, and finished artwork is typically ready within two weeks.

My focus is on creating timeless artwork for your walls, not just a collection of files. After your session, you’ll be able to view a curated selection of portraits and choose the ones you’d like to commission as heirloom pieces. With each artwork you purchase, you’ll also receive a complimentary digital file for sharing.

Once you place your order, it is sent directly to the professional lab. I personally review and approve each image before it goes into production. Lab production typically takes 3–5 business days, though this can vary depending on the piece.

After production, your artwork is shipped via the method you select — standard or express. Shipping times range from overnight to two weeks depending on the carrier. While delivery speed is ultimately determined by USPS, FedEx, or UPS, I monitor each order closely to ensure your heirloom artwork arrives safely.

Booking a session is simple. The first step is to complete the booking form on my website — this helps me learn about your pet and your vision for the session. Once I receive your form, we’ll confirm availability and select a date that works best for you.

To secure your session, I require a signed contract and a paid commission fee of $500. This commission includes a $200 artwork credit toward the heirloom pieces you select.

Payments are accepted by credit card.