A good walk or some playtime an hour before the session can go a long way. This helps burn off extra energy without leaving them totally wiped out. We want them relaxed — not exhausted.
Chewing (like a bully stick or bone) can also help calm nerves and be a great outlet for nervous or excitable dogs. That said, don’t stress too much. I’ve worked with all kinds of dogs — from zoomies to zen — and part of my job is to meet your pet exactly where they’re at.
If your pet has dietary restrictions, please bring their favourite treats; otherwise, I’ve got plenty on hand. Toys are always welcome too! And for safety, all pets must arrive on a leash or in a secure carrier. You’re also welcome to bring a favourite blanket or item that helps your pet feel at ease.
That’s completely fine — I don’t expect cats to follow commands. In fact, most of photographing a cat is simply waiting for them to do what they want to do.I always suggest bringing a few familiar comforts from home — their favorite toy, or a cozy blanket. These small touches can help them feel safe and a little more at ease.
When they’re ready, we gently guide them toward the backdrop. And when patience needs a little help? A sprinkle of catnip tends to work wonders.
If your pet has a special outfit, bandana, or accessory you’d love them photographed in — absolutely, bring it along! We’ll plan to capture a few shots with and without it, so you get a nice variety.
First and foremost: I give your pet space to get comfortable. A photo studio is a brand-new environment for most animals, so I always begin by letting them explore, settle, and warm up — no pressure, no rush.
Once they’re more at ease, we follow their lead. Some pets do best with play breaks or a quick walk outside, others need a little encouragement with squeaky toys or snacks. I bring a calm, positive energy to every session, which helps both pets and their people relax.
Frustration isn’t part of the process — trust that even if it feels a little chaotic, we’re still creating something beautiful.
Sessions are either 30 or 60 minutes, depending on the package you choose. That gives us enough time for a calm, enjoyable experience — even if your pet needs a few breaks.
I offer a wide selection — from clean, classic options like white, black, and grey, to vivid colors and soft, serene tones. We’ll choose the backdrop(s) that complement your pet’s coloring and personality, or suit the mood you’re after.
Wiggly, distracted, or shy pets are more common than not. Whether they’re full of energy, a little nervous, or easily sidetracked, there’s no need to worry — they don’t need to “perform” to be photographed beautifully. I’ve worked with everything from energetic puppies to shy seniors. Sessions are calm, low-pressure, and paced with your pet in mind.
My focus is always on capturing the heart and personality of your pet — that’s where I put most of my time and energy during a session. If I’m confident we’ve created beautiful images of your pet and there’s still time left, I’m happy to take a couple of quick portraits with you included.
Not a problem at all — many pets do! Whether it’s for safety or peace of mind, I can easily remove leashes during the editing process. You’d never know it was there. What matters most is that your pet feels secure and relaxed — the rest is just Photoshop magic.
Your private online gallery will be ready approximately two weeks after your session. All images are delivered in high-resolution colour, with a carefully selected few also provided in black and white.
From there, you’ll choose your favourite 5 or 10 images (depending on your package) to download. Additional images can be purchased directly from your gallery if you’d like more.
You’ll also have the option to order professional-quality prints and products through the same gallery, created by a trusted photography lab for beautiful colour, detail, and finish.