Frequently Asked Questions

 

How long is a portrait session?

A portrait session usually lasts an hour and a half. This provides enough time for our furry friends to get comfortable and to capture a wide range of images. Your satisfaction is guaranteed.

 

Where do photo sessions take place?

While most of our sessions take place in a casual studio environment, we also do sessions at outdoor locations. We can even come to your home or another location (additional charges may apply). The studio or an enclosed outdoor area affords us the opportunity to go leash and collar free, letting your pet run and play in a location we know to be safe and without too many distractions. If you need help deciding we can make a few recommendations and develop a plan together.

 

How do I schedule a session?

You may use the

Contact Us form on our site, call us at 925-979-5301, or email us at info@muddypawstudio.com - we look forward to hearing from you!

 

How do we prepare for a session?

We suggest you take your pet out for some exercise prior to the session and that you do not feed them too many treats beforehand.

Feel free to bring along any favorite toys and small, bite-size treats. We always have treats and toys on hand so don’t feel obligated to do so, unless your pet has particular food allergies.

We always have treats and toys on hand, but if your pet likes to travel with his or her own amenities you may want to bring a comb or brush, treats and/or toys.

Although not a requirement, a grooming session will ensure your pet looks its best. However, a grooming session on the same day as your photo session may be a bit overwhelming for your pet, so we suggest scheduling a grooming session a few days before your photo session.

 

My pet is older, has health issues or other special needs, how do you make them comfortable?

If you have an older pet suffering from arthritis or other health issues, it can be reassuring for them to have their favorite bed to lie on during a session. Often we can place it below the backdrop so they can smell their familiar bedding and rest comfortably. We also keep some beds on hand for our friends with joint or other pain issues. Let us know about any other special issues and we will work together to create the proper environment for your pet.

 

Do you do photo sessions with pets other than dogs or cats?

Yes, we enjoy working with all types of pets.

 

How do sessions work if I have multiple pets?

It depends on your preferences. Pending the relationship between your multiple pets, we would love to photograph them together and on their own. Give us a call and we can come up with a plan together.

 

May other family members take part?

Most definitely, we encourage family to participate. If you like we can plan the session so we include photos for a new pet announcement or your annual holiday cards, which you may also order through us.

 

What should family members wear if they are taking part in the session?

Our photography style is clean and uncluttered, with a focus on the subject and subject character rather than on elaborate extras.

Family members should dress comfortably - matching solid color polos work well with jeans or khakis (e.g., blue shirts and tan pants). Patterns and logos should be avoided. Your shoes may show in the photos so we suggest business casual footwear or other shoes that are solid colors that are also similar. We are happy to chat with you further about this in advance of the session so you feel well prepared.

 

How do I decide what package is best for me? There are so many print and art sizes, formats, and options. What will look best in my home and where?

We are delighted to meet with you in person, visit your home, show you some samples, and work with you to choose the best package option. Most importantly, the entire experience should be fun and exciting.

 

What happens after the photo session?

Muddy Paw Studio processes your shoot and loads your photos into an online private proof gallery for convenient viewing. Please allow up to 3 weeks to receive your private online gallery.

When scheduling your session we will also set up a follow up session at your home or other convenient location, where we can review your proof gallery with you, make recommendations, take wall measurements, and help you select the best possible images for production. Pending the complexity and size of your order, your prints and products should arrive within 3 weeks of placing your order. Payment for your order is due at the time it is taken.

 

How long does it take before I see my prints, art and products?

Please allow up to 3 weeks from the date of placing your print/art order.

 

How many photos do I get from one sitting?

A 60–90 minute sitting will usually provide approximately 40–50 final choices for your online gallery.

 

Do you offer gift certificates?

Yes, we do gift certificates for all our products and services. Should this be a surprise for a friend and loved one, additional paperwork on the day of the shoot may apply to the owner of the pet.

 

I am running late on my holiday card planning, Christmas gifts, birthday gift, etc....can you put a rush on my job?

We will certainly work with you and try to accommodate you if your project needs to be put on rush. Overtime and rush rates apply.

 

What if I need to cancel or change my session date or time?

Should you need to reschedule, we ask for one week's notice prior to your scheduled portrait appointment. A $50 rescheduling fee will be applied for reschedules with less than one week's notice.

 

How much does a session cost and what does it include?

Depending on your needs, our standard pet portrait sessions start at approximately $350. We have additional package options that include a variety of prints, canvas gallery wraps, and other exciting products. Half of the session fee is required as a deposit when booking a sitting. This can be made by check, credit card, or check. The sitting is only guaranteed once the deposit is received.