Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Do you photograph animals other than dogs?

A. We specialize in dogs, so we only photograph dogs. 🐾

Q. Do you offer outdoor photo sessions?

A. Green Paws is exclusively a portrait studio. We do not offer outdoor sessions at this time.

Q. Do you photograph people?

A. Whether you just want to be in a few photos with your dog, or do a full session with them, we offer custom sessions to help you achieve your goals. Please note, we only photograph adults (18 and over). Get in touch for session rates with people and their dogs.

Q. Can I bring my child to the session?

A. For insurance and safety reasons, minors (under18) are not permitted in the studio.

Q. Can I bring my own treats?

A. Sorry, we do not allow outside food or treats in the studio. When working with dogs in a studio environment it is important to provide novel high-value treats, while also avoiding treats that are crumbly, smelly, messy, or do not meet our studio’s cruelty-free standards. We offer high-quality soft and tasty treats that we are sure your dog will enjoy. Please inform us of any allergies, food intolerances, restrictions, dislikes, or health concerns.

Q. Are there other backdrop options?

A. I work exclusively with a black backdrop as I find it creates a timeless, dramatic look that removes distractions and brings the focus of each portrait on the dog. Check out the Portfolio page for examples.

Q. How much should I plan to invest for artwork?

A. All prints and products are purchased separately and there is no minimum purchase. You choose only the products you love. With that said, clients generally choose to invest in the range of $1,500 to $3,000+ on their artwork, to get the most out of the session. We also offer no-interest payment plans. Check the Products page for starting prices.

Q. Can I purchase the digital files from the session?

A. Green Paws is a full-service studio, specializing in creating custom artwork. We believe portraits of your dog belong on your wall and not on your computer or phone. Our goal is to craft beautiful and timeless artwork for you to proudly display in your home and cherish for years to come. A digital file is not a finished product, it is the source material used to create the finished artwork. Of course, we do understand that you may want to share your images online or have them on your phone or computer to view as well, so we include a matching web-ready file with every purchase. In addition, digital images, with limited print release, are included in our Signature Collections. We always recommend printing artwork through us, so that we can ensure your artwork is of the best quality possible, which can only be achieved through professional photo labs. To produce the best results, images are professionally retouched and color calibrated to our labs. It is also important to us that our work is represented on high quality and animal and Eco-friendly materials.

Q. How long after the session can I see the images?

A. Ordering appointments take place via Zoom, one to two weeks following the session. Your ordering appointment is designed to help you narrow down choices, and pick the right products for your needs and budget.

Q. Does my dog need to be trained?

A. To get the best results, it is important for your dog to have some basic commands, such as sit, stay, and down. They do not need advanced training and they don’t need to hold a sit for more than a few seconds at a time. Though it is highly encouraged to work with your dog on these commands prior to doing a session, we can still accommodate dogs with little or no training. However, the quality and quantity of final images may be impacted by lack of training/cooperation. Always be sure to use positive reinforcement training when preparing your dog for their session. Negative training methods may impede your dog's ability to relax and express their relaxed and natural character. Check HERE for tips on preparing for your session.

Q. What if my dog is deaf or blind?

A. I have worked with many deaf, blind, and deaf and blind dogs. The first step is to make them comfortable and then work with them based on their individual personalities and needs.

Q. What if my dog is anxious or nervous?

A. Studio portrait sessions are not suited to all dogs. Dogs that are generally very nervous, startle easily, are clingy, coddled, or wary of new things/people, may not do well in a studio session. Dogs that are very sound sensitive may also find the experience overwhelming. The studio lighting makes a small popping sound that some dogs may be sensitive or react to. Dogs may also become nervous of the camera itself or the studio space. Please request a no-obligation consultation, if you would like to discuss whether a studio session is right for your dog. We also offer in-person studio consultations that allow your dog to visit and get to know me and the studio ahead of time.

Q. Can I bring props or clothing for my dog?

A. We do not encourage dressing up dogs or having them pose with props. If you have a special accessory or outfit, we can incorporate those in a few photos. Dogs must be comfortable and familiar wearing any clothing or accessories prior to the session. The focus of the session will be on capturing the natural beauty of your dog to produce timeless portraits.

Q. What is your experience?

A. I have been photographing dogs professionally since 2010. I have a background in animal behavior and hold a Master's degree in Physical Anthropology (specialization in Primatology). Over the past 20 years my focus has been on canine behavior and psychology. I have also earned my Master of Photography degree though PPA (professional Photographers of America) and Master of Animal Imagery through AIM (Animal Image Makers). See my About page for more about my credentials and experience.

Q. Do you guarantee your products?

A. We have a 100% satisfaction guarantee on our products. If you are not completely happy with your artwork, we will replace it at no cost to you. All our prints, canvas, and metal artwork are made with the highest quality materials and archival inks. Wall art includes a UV finish to guard against time, yellowing, fading, moisture, and abrasion. We cannot guarantee unframed prints, since we are unable to control the quality and timing of framing.

Q. What if my prints get lost or damaged?

A. Corresponding digital files of any image ordered are backed up and archived, so we can replace any of your artwork, at a substantially reduced cost.