Frequently Asked Questions
Everything You Need to Know About Your Dog’s Photo Session
A dog photography experience with me is a little different to anything you’ve done before. I’ve gathered the most common questions below so you can get a feel for what the day is like, what to expect, and how to make sure your dog has the best time.
If you’re anything like my clients, you’re probably wondering how your dog will settle, what the artwork process looks like, and how we make the whole experience relaxed and meaningful for both of you.
If you don’t see your question here, just reach out, I’m always happy to chat and guide you through.
The Experience
Your session includes up to three dogs. If you’d like to include more, check the Signature Experience page for the current fee per dog, and that fee is added back as an artwork credit for your Design and Ordering Appointment.
With more than three dogs, you’ll have a wider variety of portraits to choose from at your reveal, design and ordering appointment, so your overall artwork investment may be higher simply because there’s more to fall in love with.
If a full group portrait isn’t realistic on the day, I can photograph each dog one at a time and then create a cohesive group portrait during editing.
If you’re bringing more than two dogs, please book the additional dogs in when you secure your date, it allows me to plan the session properly and, if needed, arrange an assistant to keep everything calm and running smoothly.
We chat through it together on a discovery consultation, either by phone, Zoom or in person here at the studio if you live locally.
Whether you have a new puppy, an energetic adult doggo, or a senior soul slowing down, I guide you toward the best experience, whether that’s studio, countryside, beach, puppyhood, legacy, or a petite experience.
Every dog is different, so I tailor the session to suit their temperament, needs and pace.
Unlike more generalist pet photographers, I specialise in photographing dogs, and I’ve built every part of my process around them.
My work is grounded in rescue stories, lived experience, and a whole lot of heart. I photograph dogs as the heroes of their own story, never as props in a styled shoot, or extras in a family session.
You’ll be welcomed at my private countryside studio in Wootton, with purpose-built dog spaces like Luna’s Circle. It’s calm, exclusive, and designed so your dog can relax, sniff, explore, and simply be themselves while we create beautiful artwork together, with gentle guidance, plenty of time, and no pressure.
After your session, I’ll guide you through your image selection and artwork design, so you’re not left guessing what to choose or how to display it in your home.
Absolutely. Many of the dogs I photograph are anxious, reactive, or total goofballs.
I work patiently, quietly, and intuitively, giving them time to settle. And here’s the thing many people don’t realise, dogs don’t need to “sit” or “stay” for beautiful portraits. They just need to be themselves.
Your job is to breathe and enjoy the moment. I’ll handle the rest.
Yes. Senior and medically fragile or disabled dogs hold a special place in my heart. We go at their pace, keep things calm, take breaks when needed and create a gentle experience that honours the huge love you share.
If needed, we create a Legacy-style experience, calm and gentle, with time for breaks and quiet cuddles.
These sessions often become some of the most meaningful images I create.
Studio sessions are usually around 60–90 minutes. Countryside sessions can go a little longer since we give your dog extra time to explore or warm up.
I never rush. The dog sets the pace, not the clock.
Of course. Many clients want a handful of portraits with their dog, and they often become the most treasured pieces. You don’t have to pose, look at the camera, or worry about anything. I guide you gently so the connection takes centre stage.
Thank you for your interest. As an animal rescue advocate, my photography is focused on supporting rescue dogs and partnering with rescue organisations to help them find loving homes. For this reason, I don’t create litter or stud images for dog breeders.
My work is dedicated to celebrating all dogs and raising awareness for dogs needing a second chance.
If you’re a proud dog parent, whether your pup is adopted or came into your life in another way, I’d be thrilled to create beautiful memories for you. Thank you for understanding and supporting the heart of my work.
Preparing for Your Session
A simple, well-fitting collar without tags works best. Harnesses cannot be edited out of fine-art portraits, so they’re best removed unless needed for safety.
If your dog must stay on a lead, no problem. Leads can usually be edited out.
And if you’re worried about off-lead safety, you’ll love Luna’s Circle Playground, a fully fenced dog space where your dog can explore freely without a harness. If they’re a jumper or escape artist, we keep them safely on lead and create magic all the same.
Yes, paralysis ticks are part of life most places in Australia, so protection is essential.
Please ensure your dog is up to date with an effective preventative before your session and check them thoroughly afterwards. I maintain my property carefully to reduce risk, and Luna’s Circle Playground helps provide a safer, controlled environment.
Yes. Your dog must be up to date with core vaccinations to keep them, my dogs and other visiting dogs safe.
Keep it simple, neutral, and timeless. Think soft creams, earthy or jewel tones, comfortable pieces that let you move and cuddle your furkid without fuss.
Avoid busy prints and bright colours that pull focus from the connection we’re capturing.
After you book your experience, you'll have full access to my private online Client Lounge, where you'll find everything you’ll need to feel ready.
You’re in a countryside micro-climate, so we work around what the day gives us.
If it’s unsafe, we reschedule. If it’s drizzle, a moody sky or cloud cover, you might end up with the most breathtaking portraits.
Studio sessions are rarely impacted by weather.
TRAVELLING TO THE STUDIO
Not at all. In fact, many of my clients turn their session into a little getaway. Wootton sits in the hinterland on the beautiful Barrington Coast, and I have a curated list of dog-friendly accommodation and places to visit. See my curated list of dog-friendly stays nearby
Make a weekend of it, slow down, and give your dog a holiday too.
My studio is located on Squires Road in Wootton in the Great Lakes Region of the beautiful Barrington Coast.
Most clients tell me the drive feels like part of the experience, a chance to unwind as the scenery opens up into rolling hills, bushland and fresh country air.
If you’re travelling from further away, Newcastle, the Hunter, the Central Coast or even Sydney, many clients turn their session into a little getaway. I’ve put together a list of lovely dog-friendly accommodation options on my website, so you and your dog can settle in, explore the area, and make a weekend of it.
Yes, parking is available right at the studio location. I will send you a Google Maps pin before your session to guide you directly to the parking area.
The studio is located 2km up Squires Road, which is a council-maintained dirt road.
Yes, absolutely. Most clients bring along a partner, friend, or family member, and many choose to be in some of the portraits too. Having people your dog loves nearby often helps them settle more quickly, and it adds to the sense of the day being a shared experience.
The studio works best with a small number of people, so the space stays calm for your dog, so two or three humans in total is usually ideal. If you’re planning to include others in the portraits, just let me know ahead of time so I can prepare the space and guide you on what to wear.
Artwork, Bookings and Payments
You’ll return to the studio for your Reveal and Artwork Appointment within one to two weeks. If you live outside the region, we meet over Zoom instead.
This is when you see your gallery for the first time, often with a few happy tears and plenty of smiles, and together we choose the artwork that tells your dog’s story best.
This is also when you place your artwork order, with me guiding you through every step so the process feels easy and meaningful. Your finished artwork will be ready to collect or delivered to your home within 6-8 weeks of this appointment.
My artwork and print collections start at $990.
Most clients choose to invest $1,500 upwards, depending on the artwork they fall in love with.
There’s no pressure from me, ever. This is your dog’s story, your home, your heart, your budget. Payment plans are available to make things comfortable.
Yes. I offer interest-free payment plans so you can comfortably spread your investment over time up to 6 months. Ezi-Debit facilitates these for me. All that is required upon placing your order is a 20% deposit. The balance repayments are tailored to suit your lifestyle and budget.
Yes, beautifully printed and personalised. They make heartfelt gifts for birthdays, gotcha days, anniversaries or just because. You can find them in our online shop.
If you are keen to get started on your booking you can complete the contact form here:
Complete the contact form
Alternatively, if you'd prefer to have a discovery call with me first, you can do that here:
Book a Discovery Call
If you have any other questions from me, feel free to contact me.