Studio Experience Preparation Guide
Preparing for your studio experience
Welcome to Our Countryside Studio
Your studio session is a calm, unhurried experience designed around your dog, their personality, and the connection you share. This guide is here to help you feel comfortable and prepared, without pressure or overthinking.
There’s nothing you need to memorise or get “right”. Think of this as a reference you can return to if questions pop up. I’ll guide you throughout the session itself, and I’ll also check in personally the day before your session to answer any questions and talk through timing.
Our wee-mail inspectors and rescue dogs Sprite, Jesse and Henry
What to Expect in the Studio
My studio is a quiet, enclosed space designed to help dogs feel safe and settled. Sessions are paced gently, with plenty of room for sniffing, pauses, and natural movement.
Before we even head for the studio, we will spend some time outside in Luna's Circle playground which is just a few steps away from where you park your car. This allows dogs to decompress after a long drive, stretch their legs and go on their first sniffari of the experience.
Some dogs walk in confidently. Others take a little time to look around. Both are completely normal. There’s no expectation for your dog to perform or follow commands. I work with what your dog offers on the day, and some of the most meaningful portraits come from those in-between moments.
You’re welcome to stay close to your dog throughout the session. Your calm presence helps them feel secure, and I’ll guide you if I need you to adjust position or step back briefly.
Grooming and presentation
If your dog has a longer coat, I recommend scheduling grooming one to two weeks prior to your session. This allows the clip to settle naturally and avoids a freshly groomed look that can feel a little sharp on camera.
The most important area to pay attention to is the eyes. Having the eyes clear of fur makes a noticeable difference in portraits, as it allows expression and connection to shine through.
If your dog is short haired, please make sure you wash and dry them before heading to the studio.
A clean coat, tidy face, and natural finish photograph beautifully. Perfection isn’t required, character always comes first.
What to Bring
A few simple things can be helpful on the day:
A favourite toy or two
A small selection of treats your dog loves
A brush or wipes, just in case
Any meaningful items you’d like included, such as a collar, blanket, or something with personal significance
Meaningful items are always optional. If you’re unsure, it’s better to bring them along and decide together on the day.
Style and set choices
Studio sessions are designed to be simple and timeless, with minimal distractions so the focus stays on your dog.
You don’t need to decide on a particular style or look in advance. I’ll guide set and lighting choices during the session based on your dog, the mood that unfolds, and how the portraits may be enjoyed later as artwork.
If you’ve noticed certain portraits or styles you’re drawn to, you’re welcome to mention that, but it’s not expected.
Dress to Impress
For Your Dog
For studio sessions, simple is always best, and my recommendation is that dogs go collar-free once they're safely inside. There's something about removing a collar that helps a dog settle, and without it the portraits have a more elegant, timeless quality.
Of course, it's entirely your call, and I'll guide you on the day. If your dog does wear a collar for the session, plain and well-fitting works best, free from dangling tags or anything reflective, as these can cause distractions in portraits.
If your dog doesn't normally wear a collar at all, that's absolutely fine. Many of my favourite portraits are beautifully nekked.
For You
If you'd like to be included in a few portraits with your dog, what you wear can make a subtle difference to how the portraits feel overall.
There's no dress code, and nothing needs to be perfect. The aim is simply to choose something that feels like you and complements your dog and the studio environment.
For studio sessions, plain fabrics and simple silhouettes work best. Softer, darker, jewel or neutral tones photograph beautifully and help keep the focus on connection rather than clothing. It's best to avoid bright whites, bold logos, or busy patterns, as these can draw attention away from the moment.
Comfort matters too. When you feel comfortable in what you're wearing, it shows. Layers and natural textures like denim, cotton, or knitwear can photograph really well.
To take the guesswork out of colours, I have included a colour palette tool in the Client Lounge. Upload a photo of your dog and it will suggest tones that complement their colouring beautifully, so it's worth a look before you decide.
If you're unsure, you're welcome to bring a couple of outfit options along, or even send me a quick photo beforehand if you'd like a second opinion. And even if you're not planning to be in any portraits right now, I recommend bringing something suitable just in case. It's always nice to have the option on the day.
Helping your dog feel at ease
The best thing you can do for your dog on the day is to arrive calmly and without rushing. Dogs are very tuned in to how we’re feeling, and they take their cues from you.
There’s no need to practise behaviours, rehearse poses, or worry about whether your dog will “listen”. I work quietly and patiently, allowing space for curiosity, movement, and rest.
If I need your help during the session, I’ll guide you gently. Otherwise, your role is simply to be present and enjoy the experience with your dog.
After the session
Within two weeks of your session, we’ll meet again, either in the studio or via Zoom if you live out of the area, to view your photographs together and design your artwork.
This is where the magic happens:
- I'll help you find your favourite portraits
- I'll show how they'd look as finished artwork using your wall photos
- I'll help you decide how best to display your portraits, whether it's a feature wall piece, an artisan folio box or album, or a custom collection
This isn't just a photo session. It's the beginning of a legacy.
A final note
This experience isn’t about perfection. It’s about connection, presence, and allowing your dog to be exactly who they are in this moment.
If questions come up as you’re reading through this, or if you’re unsure about anything at all, just let me know. I’m always happy to help.
I’m really looking forward to creating something meaningful with you.