Session FAQs
What is included in the Session Fee?
The Session Fee includes our time before the session to prepare, the time together during the session, and the processing of your photos in my "digital darkroom”, including basic editing and color correction.
Epic Sessions also include a second meeting - an In-Person Image Reveal and Ordering Session (can be virtual) where you see and select your favorite images for your custom artwork and keepsakes. For Express Sessions, the Image Reveal and Ordering Session is done on the same day.
There are no Prints, Products or Digital Files included in your Session Fee. Everything is sold a la carte so you can get exactly what you want. For all ordered images, complimentary leash removal, full editing, and retouching services are included to clean up any eye boogers, distractions, or other issues. I want your images to be amazing!
There is no minimum order requirement. On average people invest $1,900-$3,500+ on their art and other specialty items.
What areas do you work in?
I am based in Annapolis, MD and the majority of my sessions are in Annapolis, DC, Baltimore, Northern Virginia, and the Eastern Shore (Maryland and Delaware).
Not local? I will travel anywhere in the world for a photo session! Please note that there is a small travel fee for locations beyond 30 miles of zip code 21403.
Do you offer Mini Sessions?
Express Sessions are my version Mini Sessions where you get to pick the location and date (so it’s actually better than the Mini Sessions I used to offer where I picked the location and date).
Express Sessions are perfect for people who are looking for only a few great photos of their pet or a family photo. We prioritize the image(s) you want, take them, look at the best ones, and order your Prints and Products, all in the same day.
Express sessions are also perfect for people visiting Annapolis who want to have a special experience and custom images from their vacation.
What if my dog can't be off leash? What if my cat doesn't go outside? What if...
I’ve heard lots of “what if” questions, and the good news is that I’ve been able to solve most every challenge tossed at me. Safety and comfort are my #1 priorities. Plus, there is this magic thing called Photoshop which is my secret weapon for removing leashes so it appears as if your pet was running free!
As for indoor sessions, I bring my own “sunshine” so I can photograph in almost any environment. This goes for outdoors too - If we need extra "sunshine" I always have some.
If you have a specific “what if” question about your pet, please reach out so we can chat. You can book a call, or email me.
I’m concerned that my pet won’t behave during the photography session and you won’t get any good photos. What if I hate all my photos?
This is the #1 fear that people have. No matter if your pet is wiggly or aloof, the most important thing is to capture their true personality. I have seen it all and have some tips and tricks for getting beautiful images, regardless of how your pet behaves. And if you don’t connect with any of the images of your pet that I capture, we can re-shoot. I want you to be 100% thrilled with your experience and the final product.
Where do pet photography sessions take place? Can you photograph my pet in my home? Do you have a photo studio?
We do not have a studio where you come to for your photo session. The location of your photo shoot is your choice. Cats are typically photographed at their home where they are most comfortable, and dogs can be photographed in your backyard or inside your home. I always bring studio lighting with me on location, so I can photograph in any environment.
Some of our most popular location choices around Annapolis include beaches like Sandy Point State Park, parks such as Quiet Waters, or even downtown at City Dock or at the Naval Academy.
Other locations that I have done photo sessions at include the monuments in DC, the National Arboretum, Patterson Park, horse farms in Davidsonville, St. Michaels, Easton, Rehoboth Beach and Bethany Beach - basically, anywhere you want!
If you don’t have a specific location in mind, we can plan a location together based on your personal aesthetic and vision.
Is unlimited really unlimited for the Epic Session?
While there is no set time limit for Epic Sessions, in my experience with the attention span and patience of animals (and people!) sessions last around 2-3 hours. We will spend an early morning or late afternoon together aiming to capture everything on your wish list.
These are the best times of the day for photography, allowing us to take advantage of the beautiful light during sunrise, sunset, and the golden hour.
During your Image Reveal, I will show you all of the best images from our time together. This number varies, but is typically around 35-45+ images.
How many pets can I bring to a photo session? Can I include my friend’s dog too?
Express Sessions work best with one pet so I can capture as much variety as possible in a short period of time. If you have more than one pet and want an Express Session, let’s chat – depending on your goals, having more pets may be ok (for example, if you are looking for a family photo).
Up to three pets are included for Epic Sessions. Additional pets can be added for $50 each.
For all of my sessions, if the pets are from different families, separate sessions should be booked.
Do you photograph families or just pets?
I love taking family photos that feature your pets front and center. I like to take a mix of images of everyone looking at the camera (I’ve got some tricks up my sleeve to get the attention of both dogs and cats!) and ones where you are all loving on your pets. The images I take of the special bond between you and your dog, cat, or horse are often top favorites from the entire photo session.
Do you offer Gift Certificates for pet photography sessions?
Yes I do! If you are looking for a special and unique gift for a friend or family member who loves their dog or cat, giving them a pet photography session is a perfect choice. Whether it is for a birthday, holiday, or just because, recipients can have their photo session at a favorite location or in their home anywhere in the Annapolis, Baltimore, MD, DC, VA or Eastern Shore area.
Learn more about our Gift Certificates here.
Can I schedule an emergency or urgent photo session for a senior or terminally ill pet?
Absolutely. I always prioritize bookings for senior or sick pets. Please email me or set up a call so that we can work together to get you on my calendar as soon as possible. I'm based in Annapolis and can travel anywhere quickly in Maryland, DC, Baltimore and Northern Virginia.
I’m ready to book my pet photography session. How do I get started?
Amazing! I can't wait to meet you and your pet. To reserve your session in Annapolis or another service area, just schedule a quick call here so we can plan your perfect experience.
Do you offer pet photography for Veterinary Practices or other Commercial Businesses?
We offer commercial pet photography for veterinary practices, dog and cat boarding facilities, dog trainers, dog walkers, pet boutiques, and more, across our local areas of Annapolis, Baltimore, DC, Northern Virginia, and will also travel for a custom photo session. Click here to explore our Business Photography services
Do you photograph pets year-round? How far in advance should I book my photography session?
The most popular time for pet photo sessions in the mid Atlantic area is in the spring when the cherry blossoms are blooming and in the fall when the leaves start to turn colors.
If you know you’d like to have a photo session during the spring or fall, it is best to book 4-8 weeks in advance, as the available slots can fill up quickly.
Please note that due to my other job working as an Expedition Guide in Antarctica, I am typically not available for photo sessions between December and March.
Product FAQs
Are there Prints, Products or Digital Files included with my session fee?
There are no Prints, Products or High Resolution Digital Files included in your Session Fee. Everything we offer for purchase is a la carte so that you can get exactly what you love and what works best for your home, priorities, budget, and aesthetic.
How much do people usually spend on their Prints, Products and Digital Files?
There is no minimum order requirement. I only want you to purchase what you love. Clients typically invest between 1,900-3,500+ on custom artwork including Folio Boxes, Session Albums, Custom Frames, Metal Wall Art, Canvas Wraps, Holiday Cards, Notecards and Small Frames.
Will you remove leashes in the images before you print them? What other retouching or editing services do you offer?
Yes! Leash removal and basic retouching are included with your order. I’m actually a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to preparing your images for print, and will remove eye goobers, and any other distractions so that your image looks it’s best.
More complicated edits such as head swaps are possible as well.
Do you have Wall Art that will match my personal style?
We offer a variety of different options such metal prints and canvas wraps that fit both modern and traditional decor styles. We also partner with a local Annapolis, MD frame shop so we can custom frame your photo to match your personal style.
Our Signature Frame style is your favorite images printed on fine art (think watercolor) paper, double matted with a black inner mat and a museum grade thick white mat, finished off with a frame of your choice.
Do you offer art installation services?
We do! We partner with a professional art installer who is based in Easton, Maryland. He happily travels to Virginia, Baltimore, Annapolis, DC and parts of the Eastern Shore to come to your home and hang your images so that you don’t have to do a thing except enjoy your photos!
This service is complimentary with wall art collages and large statement art pieces.
What if I want to print my own Wall Art and not have you do it?
You are more than welcome to purchase your High Resolution Digital Files and print your own Wall Art, small prints for your desk, and coffee table books. I will retouch, color correct the files, and share my favorite online photo printers with you. Once you purchase your High Resolution Digital Files, you can use them for anything personal - you can even print your favorite photo onto a blanket, mug, calendar, phone case, or use it for your holiday card.
Small Business FAQs
What size and type of businesses do you work with?
Most of my commercial work so far has been with local and national Veterinary Practices as well as other pet related businesses of all sizes - from solopreneurs like dog trainers, to small and medium sized businesses like pet boarding facilities and pet boutiques, to national brands who make products for dogs and cats.
I would love to branch out to non-pet businesses like hotels, restaurants, or retail stores looking for soulful and joyful images to connect with their audience. Is this you? Let’s chat.
What are your prices for commercial photography, art & décor, and image licensing?
Final pricing will depend on the scope of the project and your needs. From a headshot, to a few select images for your website or wall, to a full library of images that are updated regularly, I’ll make working together easy by offering all-inclusive pricing so you can maximize the use of your images forever.
Do you offer headshots?
Yes! With or without animals, a professional headshot is a must. Do you hate having your picture taken? I've been told from people that the headshot I gave them is their favorite of all time and they are never changing it!
Do you license images you’ve already taken or do I need to have my own photo shoot?
For stock images that don't look like stock, image licensing is an easy way to elevate your brand without a custom photo shoot.
I have a full library of dog, cat, owners with their pets, and veterinary practice images that are available for licensing for product packaging, magazines, brochures, pamphlets, magazine ads, websites, trade show displays, artwork for your office space, and anything else you may want or need. Please get in touch with information about your project so I can curate some options for you.
Do you have more commercial portfolio images I can view?
Absolutely! I am happy to send you galleries from any projects that you want to see more of. Message and let me know what you want to see.
What other services besides photography can you provide to my small business?
To make sure your customers have the best experience and connect emotionally with your business, it's super important that everything looks and feels consistent—from your website, to your brand video, to your social media.
Big companies usually have a team dedicated to this, but smaller businesses often juggle multiple vendors (web designers, social media managers, etc.), which can sometimes lead to a fragmented visual presence. I can help with that! I keep an eye on the big picture, collaborating with everyone to create a consistent aesthetic and vibe across all platforms and media. This cooperation also ensures I’m taking photos that are really needed to make your business and brand shine.
And if you're a one-or-two-person business, building your website on Squarespace or Shopify, designing brochures in Canva, and handling your own social media, I can show you some easy and affordable ways to make your brand look great, even if you don't have a ton of custom photos yet.
I also do simple graphic design for things like holiday cards, brochures, rack cards, and displays for events. And if you need more complex graphic design, brand videos, or a website, I can recommend people I trust.
Want to hear more and see some examples of how I've partnered with other businesses beyond photography? Reach out and let's chat!
I’m interested, what is the process to get started?
I know you are busy with your business, so I make the process as easy as possible. The first step is letting me know what your needs are, if you have a specific project in mind, or if you have any questions.
Message me with questions or information about your project and I’ll get back to you, or, if you prefer to hop on a quick call (sometimes it’s faster and easier just to chat it out), you can call me at 410-990-1058 or schedule a time for me to call you.
