INFORMATION & BOOKING
birthday & gotcha day photo sessions for dogs & cats
Time flies, let's celebrate the milestones! Whether you prefer simply documenting the milestone or a more elaborate setup with themed decor and playful props, Birthday photo sessions offer flexibility with optional add-on props and accessories. Whatever you envision, I am here to help bring it to life.
Let’s work together to create a collection of images that are not only beautiful but treasured reminders of these fleeting years. My goal is to provide you with a personalized experience that results in timeless photos you'll look back on for years to come.
What's your vibe?
clean & classic
in studio
keep it simple
In Studio
the works
in studio
go outside
on location
meaningful art for your home
to TREASURE FOR A LIFETIME.
All artwork ordered through the proof gallery is produced at a top-tier professional photo lab, ensuring the highest quality results.
Whether you're looking to create an heirloom album to relive memories or a statement piece for your home, you can trust that each print will be made with attention to detail and craftsmanship. All printed items come with matching digital file.
ALBUMs
CANVAS WRAPs
FLOAT frames CANVAS
GALLERY FRAMEd prints
GICLEE or Standard PRINTs
note cards
printable DIGITAL FILES
things to consider
Which session length is best?
It depends on how much variety you want and how you intend to remember the images. Want lots of variety with/without accessories and a cakes smash to produce an album? Book a Full. Want a few portraits (close up portrait and full body) and to be in a couple images with them? Book a Mini. Just need one festive portrait for social media? Book a Nano. Note: Nano sessions are so short they are not recommended for first time clients.
how far ahead do i need to book?
Do you want to have the images by a specific date or just commemorate the milestone? Once the session is done it takes one to two weeks for your proof gallery to be ready so you can select images and place an order. After selection/orders it can take two to three weeks for final images to be ready. Also consider delivery time if you are going to order any custom props/accessories for the session.
what props/accessories work best?
Most importantly, give thought to what your pet is comfortable with. Hats are cute but not all pets will tolerate them (they can be next to them). Balloons are festive but they often pop and that's scary. Bandanas with words are cute but can be hard to read. Same with word banners. Shiny, metallic hats/banners can be reflective and not show up well.
session details
Birthday and Gotcha Day sessions are regular sessions with the option of add-on props. You are welcome to supply your own props and accessories or access the photographer's inventory (or it can be a little of both). This does not need to be decided before booking. After booking we'll communicate more about your vision/goals for the session.
Full Session
$350
- 60-90 minute session
- In Sacramento studio or on location (travel fee may apply)
- Comes with 5 high res (printable) digital files and the option to purchase artwork and additional digitals through the proof gallery.
Mini Session
$175
- 30 minute session
- In Sacramento studio or within 25 miles of Sac
- Comes with 3 high res (printable) digital files and the option to purchase artwork and additional digitals through the proof gallery.
Nano Session
$80
- 15 minute session
- In Sacramento studio only
- Comes with 1 high res (printable) digital file and the option to purchase artwork and additional digitals through the proof gallery.
BOOKING
celebration SESSIONS for pets
When you are ready to book your session, the next step is to click the Start Your Booking button below and fill out the Session Request form. Then we'll email a custom booking proposal to you. This step has a scheduler and collects a deposit to secure your date.
If you have questions, or are unsure which session is best for your needs, please send a message in the contact form at end of this page.
add-on options
prop and accessory inventory
You can supply your own props and accessories or you can choose from the photographer's inventory of hats, bandanas, bow-ties, banners, letter boards, confetti and cakes (many hand made). This can be decided after booking.
studio backdrop options
Select from our studio backdrop seamless papers; classic grey, black or white, or a pop of color.
additional resource links
Looking for top quality custom bandanas, bow-ties and more?
The Foggy Dog, Hella Cool Dog Co, Cutest Little Party (Etsy)
Looking for custom dog-safe cakes?
Bay Area: Mishka Dog Cakes
Sacramento: Leash & Collar Dog Boutique, Paws and the Palette,
Cake toppers: Cake Pups (Etsy)
Throwing a party and looking for a planner? The Barkday Planner
Miscellaneous:
Woof Board Dog Charcuterie Boards
Confetti The Flair Exchange (Etsy)
Tassel Garlands The Flair Exchange (Etsy)
Have a great resource that you don't see here? I'd love to add it!
studio or location
My studio is located near downtown Sacramento in the vibrant Oak Park neighborhood. If you prefer an outdoor location, we can chat about the options. I travel for sessions throughout the greater Bay Area and Tahoe areas. A travel fee applies for locations further than 25 miles from my studio.
A cozy studio space.
In the Oak Par neighborhood of Sacramento
3400 Broadway, Sacramento, CA
FAQ - more coming soon
I don't think my dog has the attention span for a full session;
A.In my experience, the opposite; the longer a dog is able to spend time in the studio the more comfortable they get and begin to show true personality. Some of my favorite portraits are captured at the end of a session.
I'm worried my dog won't cooperate, is that a problem??
A.No problem! Whether your pet is energetic or shy, we'll work in a way that makes them comfortable and yields beautiful images! In fact, many of my portfolio images that look calm were actually a pause in the midst of zoomies. There really is no one trick that works for every personality or energy level but one of my favorite parts of pet photography is that each session is a unique journey. I love the process of discovery and getting to know your pet's personality.
I have multiple pets. Can they all be in the session?
A.Yes, of course! I do suggest giving thought to your goals and priority. Ideally in a multi-pet session I'll try to get posed and candid photos of them together (if they are comfortable with that) and individually. But it helps to know your goal so I know best how to use our session time.
What is included with the session?
A.Each session comes with your choice of a select number of digital files or a spending credit towards artwork. All artwork comes with the matching digital file.
Do I get all the images taken?
A.No. The session does not include all images taken. The proofs you'll view in the proof gallery are not retouched but all Images ordered are retouched. I do not release un-retouched images and the watermark in the proof gallery is to discourage screenshots.
Where does the session take place?
A.The studio is located in Sacramento in the very dog-friendly Oak Park neighborhood.
How long does a session last?
A.Full sessions typically take an hour for one pet, but are not timed. I'll usually block two hours and we'll go with the flow, getting a variety of shots until we feel the session is complete.
Mini-sessions are limited to twenty minute appointments. Nanos, Pop-Ups and pet Photo Booth events are ten minute sittings.
Does my dog need to be well-trained?
A.No, your dog does not need to be well trained. Generally speaking, my goal is not to get photos of a 'perfect sit', I want to capture your pet's personality.
I encourage bringing high value treats and toys (like a ball). I work in a pretty casual manner and pets often do better than owners expect. It's really a fun process.
Do you photograph people with their pets??
A.Absolutely! Usually a session focuses on your pet but you are welcome to jump in for a few shots and if your priority goal is to get shots of you together or the full family, that will be how we focus our session time.
How far in advance do I need to book my session?
A.Studio sessions are available Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and one reserved Saturday a month. There will always be more flexibility during the week and it will depend on the season (Fall books fast).
Still have questions? Contact me!
"We have the canvas of Zeze hanging in our dining room and my Mom said it brings her so much comfort every single day. That photo really makes us all feel like he is still here with us."
—Megan B.