No such thing as a silly question
Everything you want to know before booking a session.
From how I handle nervous dogs to what happens at your ordering appointment.
Dog Photography Questions
My dog would never sit still, can you still get amazing photos?
Absolutely. I don’t need your dog to pose on command. I need about a split second of genuine expression, and I’ve spent 12 years getting fast at catching exactly that. High energy, easily distracted, total chaos machine — all are welcome.
My dog is nervous around new people. How do you handle that?
When I arrive, I ignore nervous dogs completely and let them come to me in their own time. I’ll be dropping treats on the ground to help them see that good things happen when I’m around. No pressure, no forced hellos. Patience is the whole game with animals and I have it in abundance.
My dog can’t be off leash, can you still get great photos?
Most of the dogs I work with are on leash… it’s actually safer that way.
I also use the leash to manage positioning and keep easily distracted dogs in the frame. The practical part: I remove leashes in post-production on every purchased image. So your dog stays safe during the session and looks completely natural in the finished artwork.
Can I be in some of the photos with my dog?
Yes, and I encourage you to do this. Some of the most treasured images from any session are the ones that capture your relationship, not just your dog.
Whether you want a proper portrait together, candid connection shots, or images where you’re “in but not in” the frame (present but not the focus) I’ll guide you so it feels natural rather than posed.
What happens at the ordering appointment?
About two weeks after your session, we’ll meet for a private viewing and ordering appointment – this can be in person or if you prefer, an online meeting. You’ll see 25-30+ images, and I’ll walk you through them using an app that helps sort everything into your favourites.
From there I’ll help you figure out how your favourite images could look in your actual space – size, format, placement. There’s no pressure and no rush. You leave knowing exactly what you’re getting and where it’s going to live.
Do you have payment plans?
Yes. Payment plans are available and can be arranged at your ordering appointment. A first payment is made at the appointment itself, with the balance split across typically two to three installments. Your artwork goes into production once the payment plan is complete.
How do I find the best dog photographer for me in Niagara, or nearby?
The right photographer for you isn’t necessarily the most popular one – it’s the one whose work genuinely moves you and whose process feels like a good fit. Here’s what to look for:
Portfolio first. Does their style resonate with you? Would you be genuinely delighted to see your dog photographed that way?
Read Google reviews. What clients say about the experience – not just the results – will tell you a lot about what to expect.
Look at the products they offer. Do they produce finished artwork you’d actually want on your walls, in formats that suit your space and taste?
Have a conversation. A quick phone call tells you whether you’ll actually enjoy spending time with this person, and your dog will pick up on that energy too.
Ask about animal behaviour. A good pet photographer should have genuine knowledge of how dogs communicate, especially if yours is nervous, shy or reactive.
For more detail on what to ask before you commit, here are five questions worth putting to any photographer you’re considering.
Ready to see exactly how this works?
Horse Photography Questions
What if the weather doesn’t cooperate?
I work with a limited number of clients each month specifically to accommodate weather changes and allow for reschedules. If conditions aren’t ideal on your session day—whether it’s rain, extreme heat, or poor light—we’ll simply reschedule. Your comfort and your horse’s wellbeing always come first.
Can I be in some of the photos with my horse?
Yes, and I’d love that. During our planning call we’ll talk through what feels right — formal portraits together, candid moments, or images where you’re “in but not in” the frame, like a hand on their neck or leading them through a scene. Those quieter images often end up being the ones people treasure most.
My horse is nervous around new people or equipment, how do you handle that?
I’ve worked around horses for many years and understand that some need time to settle. When I arrive I’ll give your horse space to observe me and get comfortable with my presence and camera. We can start with simple, calm interactions before moving into any structured poses. Patience is everything when working with horses, and I have it in spades.
Where will my session take place?
It depends on your horse and what you do together. Most often, we’ll work at your home barn and the surrounding area. But if your horse is comfortable being trailered, we could venture further to a favourite spot of yours. And if your horse needs to be around their buddies to feel settled, we’ll definitely stick closer to home. We’ll figure out what works best during our planning call.
How far in advance should I book?
Equine sessions are accepted on a limited basis, so I recommend reaching out 4 to 6 weeks in advance where possible. That gives us time to plan thoughtfully and work around both our schedules and the best season for your vision.
What happens at the ordering appointment?
About two weeks after your session, we’ll meet for a private viewing and ordering appointment – this can be in person or if you prefer, an online meeting. You’ll see 25-30+ images, and I’ll walk you through them using an app that helps sort everything into your favourites.
From there I’ll help you figure out how your favourite images could look in your actual space – size, format, placement. There’s no pressure and no rush. You leave knowing exactly what you’re getting and where it’s going to live.
Want to see how an equine session works?
Gift Certificates
Do you offer gift certificates?
Gift certificates are available in two options and make a meaningful gift for anyone whose dog or horse is at the centre of their world.
The Session Gift ($295) covers the full experience — a planning call, a 60 to 90 minute session in studio or on location, and a private viewing and ordering appointment. Artwork is purchased separately at the ordering appointment, so this works best for someone who is ready to invest in finished pieces for their home.
The Session + Artwork Gift (starting at $595) includes everything above plus an 8×10 image block – a print mounted to a solid wood block and laminated for protection – and a beautiful standalone piece in its own right. If the recipient prefers, they can put that credit toward wall art, a print collection, or a storybook album instead. The choice is entirely theirs at the ordering appointment, and you’re welcome to add to that credit if you’d like to give them more to work with.
Looking for a meaningful gift for someone whose dog or horse means everything to them?