Studio Sessions

Sessions take place in West Roseville, California and are by appointment only.

I only offer studio sessions at this time. The controlled studio environment lets me create consistent fine art lighting and the polished black-background style I’m known for. If you love the clean, timeless studio look, this is the perfect fit.

My specialty and experience is working with dogs, so that’s my primary focus. That said, I’m happy to photograph other domestic animals on a case-by-case basis, depending on their  temperament and whether a studio session would be suitable for them. Feel free to reach out and we can chat about it. 

Whether you just want to be in a few photos with your dog, or do a full session with them, I offer custom sessions to help you achieve your goals. Please note, I only photograph adults (18 and over) and I do not photograph people alone. 

For insurance and safety reasons, minors (under 18) are not permitted in the studio.

Dogs come in all personalities from silly and playful to anxious and reactive and they are all welcome to be themselves in our studio. We are not looking to capture perfection, we are looking to capture the dogs we love. With that said, a little bit of fun and positive training leading up your dog's session can go a long way to helping the session go smoothly. 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. If you are working with your dog on some basic commands, always be sure to use positive reinforcement training. Negative training methods may impede your dog's ability to relax and express their natural personality. Check HERE for tips on preparing for your session.

Most dogs do well in the studio, even nervous ones. Many clients are convinced their dog won't sit still, but my portfolio of hundreds of images tells a different story.

That said, studio sessions aren't the right fit for every dog. Dogs that are highly anxious, easily startled, very sound-sensitive, or wary of new people and environments may find the experience stressful. Studio lighting produces a small popping sound that can catch some dogs off guard, and the camera and studio space itself can be a lot to take in.

If you're not sure whether a studio session is right for your dog, I'd love to talk it through. I offer no-obligation consultations, as well as in-person studio visits so your dog can meet me and explore the space before their session day.

Use the contact form or send an email to get started. From there, I'll walk you through everything you need to know, and you'll choose your date and time from the available calendar. Sessions take place Friday through Sunday, with a limited number booked each week. Once you've selected your date, you'll sign a portrait agreement and pay the session fee to secure your spot.

A little preparation goes a long way. In the weeks before your session, work on basic cues like sit, stay, and down using short, positive training sessions. A solid sit and stay makes a real difference. Bathe your dog two to three days before (not the day of) to let their coat settle, and make sure nails are trimmed. On the day of the session, give them moderate exercise a few hours beforehand to take the edge off without tiring them out, and feed a smaller meal so they stay alert and treat-motivated. Plan to arrive five to ten minutes early for a short walk or potty break before coming inside. Full preparation details and tips are sent once you are booked.

Unfortunately, I 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 the studio’s cruelty-free standards. I offer high-quality and healthy treats that are soft and tasty. I am sure your dog will love them! Please let me know if your dog has allergies, food intolerances, restrictions, dislikes, or health concerns. Sessions can also be done without treats if your dog is on a restricted diet or you have health concerns.  

While fun accessories or themed outfits might be popular at the moment, my goal is to create portraits that feel timeless, not dated by current fads. In many cases, the use of outfits and accessories clash with the fine art style we are trying to achieve. The heart of each session is focused on capturing your dog’s natural beauty, personality, and presence, without distractions, so the final portraits remain as meaningful years from now as they are today.

I work exclusively with a black backdrop as I find it creates a timeless, dramatic look and fine art style to portraits. Along with simple seating, this helps remove distractions and bring the focus of each portrait on the dog. Check out the Portfolio page for examples.

Sessions typically run 30 to 60 minutes depending on your dog or how many dogs you're bringing. From your session, around 30 to 35 images are selected and prepared for your ordering appointment, which takes place via Zoom one to two weeks later. That's where we go through your images together and choose what to order. Products are typically delivered within four to six weeks of placing your order.

All prints and products are purchased separately and there is no minimum purchase. You choose only the products you love. We have custom artwork starting at $595, as well as curated combinations for those that want to make the most of the experience. Clients generally choose to invest in the range of $1,000 to $3,000+ on their artwork, to get the most out of the session, but how much you choose to spend is entirely up to you. We also offer in-house no-interest payment plans. Check the Products page for available options and starting prices.

Choosing the right images and products is harder than it looks. Without knowing how a photo will be printed and displayed, it's easy to make choices you'll regret. The ordering appointment is where I guide you through which images work best for which products, what sizes make sense for your space, and how everything comes together. It's also where I can put together packages and pricing that fit what you actually want; something that's harder to do through an online cart.

Quality Guarantee

All prints and artwork are produced with archival-quality materials and inks. Wall art includes a UV finish to protect against yellowing, fading, moisture, and abrasion. Unframed fine art prints are designed to last a lifetime when properly cared for and framed, but are guaranteed through delivery only, as we cannot control handling, care, or framing after that point.

All artwork arrives at the studio first, where I personally inspect every piece before repackaging for pickup. If you discover a manufacturing defect within 7 days of pickup, I will replace it at no cost. Damage resulting from handling, improper storage, or framing after pickup is not covered. Please note that retouching and editing style are applied at the photographer's discretion per your signed contract and are not covered under this guarantee.