FAQ

Q. What if I have more than one dog?

A. Additional dogs are $35 each. Fee covers additional time and effort, individual shots of each dog, as well as shots of dogs together (when achievable).

Q. Do you photograph animals other than dogs?

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

Q. How much should I expect to invest in artwork?

A. Your investment is completely up to you! All prints and products are purchased separately and there is no minimum purchase. You choose only the products you love. With that said, most clients invest in the range of $500 to $2,000+ on their artwork. Check the Products page for starting prices.

Q. How long have you been doing this?

A. I have been working with and photographing dogs 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. Can I be in the photos with my dog?

A. You are welcome to be in a few photos with your dog. Let us know ahead of time, so we can and we can plan your session and be sure to include a few shots during the session. The maximum we can accommodate due to space is two adults and two 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. Do you offer outdoor photo sessions?

A. Green Paws offers studio portraits only. We do not offer outdoor sessions at this time.

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

A. You may bring one or two items for a few photos, but we do not encourage dressing up dogs or having them pose with props. The majority of the session will focus on the natural beauty of your dog. Please note: we do not post sneak peeks or provide social media files for images of dogs with clothing and/or costumes.

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 criteria. We offer soft and tasty treats that we are sure your dog will enjoy. Please inform us of any allergies, restrictions, dislikes, or health concerns.

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

A. Green Paws is a full-service portrait studio, specializing in fine art prints and products. Our goal is to create 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 merely the source material used to create the finished artwork. Of course, we do understand that you may want to share your images or have them on your phone or computer to view. We therefore provide you with a low-res digital file of any image you purchase to share on social media, or enjoy on your phone or computer. We keep the printable digital files and archive them for you, because it’s our job to ensure your artwork is of the best quality possible, which can only be achieved through professional photo labs. It is also important to us that our work is represented on high quality and Eco-friendly materials.

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

A. Ordering appointments take place one to two weeks following the session and are done virtually via Zoom.

Q. How long do you keep the images?

A. Following your ordering appointment, all images from your session are archived and backed up. You may request to schedule future ordering appointments at any time to purchase additional artwork (archive retrieval fees may apply if no initial ordering appointment was scheduled).

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 training. Though the quality and quantity of final images may be impacted by lack of training. Always be sure to use positive reinforcement training when preparing your dog for their session.

Q. What if my dog is very 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. The studio lighting makes a small popping sound that some dogs may be sensitive or reactive to. Please request a no-obligation consultation, if you would like to discuss whether a studio session is right for your dog.

Q. What are your COVID safety precautions?

A. The studio is equipped with an air purifier. Masks are not required, but one can be provided upon request if you choose. All clients are required to confirm their session at least 24 hours prior by responding to a few simple COVID screening questions. Clients displaying any symptoms of illness, whether Covid related or not, will be asked to leave the studio.

Q. Do you guarantee your products?

A. We have a 100% happiness guarantee on all our products. If you are not 100% happy with your artwork, we will replace it at no cost to you.