More than a photo shoot - why our pet portrait experience is different
When you think about pet portraits, you’re probably picturing the final image—something that captures their face, their personality, the thing you love most about them.
And that’s exactly what we’ll create.
But what surprises most people is how we get there.
Because it’s not just about taking great photos.
It’s about making sure the entire experience feels stress-free, personalized, and genuinely fun for you and your pet - from the first conversation to the moment your artwork is in your hands.
It starts before the camera comes out.
Before your session, I come to your home to meet your dog in their own space. This gives me a chance to see their personality when they’re relaxed, and it also gives us time to talk about the kinds of images you’re drawn to.
During this visit, I’ll even help you choose clothing that photograph well so you can feel comfortable being in some of the photos. We’ll talk about exactly what we want to capture, colors that work with your home, and even where you might want to display the final artwork.
A Studio Space Designed Just for Dogs
No distractions. No leashes. No stress. My studio is a calm and safe space —so your dog or cat can settle in, explore freely, and be their true self. Another added bonus: we never have to reschedule due to weather!
The Right Session Length—Because Dogs Aren’t Models
Sessions last about an hour—just the right amount of time for your dog to have fun without getting overwhelmed. We work at their pace, with plenty of breaks in between.
A Dog Handler On Set, So You Can Just Enjoy
My assistant is a trained dog handler, working with me to keep your dog focused and happy while I capture all those moments. Your dog doesn’t need to be well-behaved - we have clever techniques for keeping your dogs engaged. You get to sit back and enjoy the show!
Not Just Your Dog—You Deserve to Be in the Photos Too
One thing I hear all the time is:
“I have a phone full of pictures of my dog… but none with me in them.” Yet many of my clients are nervous or uncomfortable with being in photos.
That’s why I guide you through gentle, natural posing that highlights your connection without ever feeling stiff or awkward. And if you'd prefer something more subtle, we can create storytelling images where you're present in the frame, without necessarily being the focus—like your dog sitting between your legs or resting their head on your lap.
I also help with what to wear at your in-home consultation - so when the session day comes, you feel prepared, comfortable, and confident. No guesswork, no last-minute scrambling. Just you and your dog, enjoying the moment.
Customizing the Experience to fit you
Every dog and every family is different, and I want your session to reflect that. That’s why our planning conversations aren’t just about logistics—they’re an opportunity to uncover what would make this session feel even more meaningful and personal for you.
Sometimes that means adding something extra.
A few recent examples:
One client was launching a new business and realized this was the perfect time to get a professional portrait of herself with her dog for her website - we included this as part of her pet portrait session.
Another client has a large extended family and wanted everyone included, so we planned a second session just for the big group portrait.
One client has four dogs - but felt overwhelmed by the idea of managing all of them at once. We broke the session into smaller sessions spread over time and created a custom-designed montage with color-coordinated backgrounds, so everyone had their moment to shine.
These kinds of creative solutions often come up naturally in conversation—and I’m always happy to collaborate on ideas that make your session feel more personal and complete.
Creative Expertise + Master Editing
From compositing multiple images to create the perfect family portrait, to cleaning up fur, drool, or distractions, I handle it all. I’ve got the skills to bring out the best in your dog - and you - no matter what happens in the moment.
Full-Service Artwork Planning + Hand Delivery
Most clients don’t know where to hang artwork or how big to print it. That’s why I take care of everything—from wall mockups using photos of your actual space, to helping you select your final images. And when your artwork is ready, I’ll hand-deliver it, ready to hang.
This isn’t just a photo session—it’s a celebration of your dog or cat (or chinchilla!).
It’s thoughtful, stress-free, and entirely centered on you and your pet.
Want to experience it for yourself? Book Your Consult.
Sara Huber us the owner and photographer at Paw Print Studio, a pet photography studio with locations in West Hartford, Connecticut and Norwalk, Connecticut. Sessions can be booked by reaching out for a free consultation: Book Your Pet Portrait Session
