Invest in Timeless Portraits of your Pet

What if my dog won’t sit still or isn’t well-behaved?

This is the most common worry I hear, and please let it be the last thing on your mind! My sessions are designed to be fun, relaxed adventures, not strict obedience tests. I have plenty of patience and a variety of ways to get your dog's attention (plus a camera with a really fast shutter speed!). Some of the most beautiful and authentic portraits come from those joyful, in-between moments, not a perfect 'sit-stay.' We book up to 90 minutes for every session to ensure we have ample time for energetic or shy pets to get comfortable and be themselves.

My dog needs to stay on a leash, is that a problem?

Not at all. In fact, the safety of your pet is my number one priority. Most of the dogs I photograph remain on a leash for all or part of their session. Thanks to the magic of post-processing, leashes can be removed from any final artwork you choose to purchase.

Can I be in the photos too? What about my kids and other pets?

Please do! The connection between you and your pet is the heart of the story we are telling. Your Signature Session fee includes all pets and humans in your immediate household, because the whole family is part of your pet's chapter. These are often the images my clients cherish the most.

How do we choose a location for the session?

We will decide on the perfect spot together during your personalized planning consultation. I have a list of beautiful, tried-and-true locations that I know have gorgeous light and variety. However, I love making sessions personal. If you have a favorite local park, a meaningful trail, or even a special spot downtown that you and your pet love, I am always excited to explore it with you.

What should we wear for our session?

I recommend comfortable clothing in neutral or earthy tones that will complement the natural Michigan landscape (think blues, greens, grays, and tans). It's best to avoid busy patterns, large logos, or bright neon colors that can distract from the main subjects—you and your pet! I will send you a session preparation guide to make sure you feel confident and prepared.

What happens if the weather is bad on our session day?

If there is heavy rain, storms, or extreme temperatures that would make a session unsafe or uncomfortable, we will absolutely reschedule. Don't worry about clouds, though! An overcast day provides beautiful, soft light that is incredibly flattering for portraits. I always keep a close eye on the forecast and will be in touch with you if it looks like we need to make a change.

Are digital files included with the session fee?

Your $200 Signature Session Fee is a creative fee that reserves your date on my calendar and covers the personalized planning process, the photo session itself, and your gallery reveal. All artwork, including handcrafted albums, wall art, and digital files, is purchased separately at your ordering appointment. The great news is that a corresponding high-resolution digital file is included with every piece of wall art and every album you purchase, giving you the best of both worlds.

Do you photograph pets other than dogs?

While dogs are my most frequent clients, I truly love all animals! The most important factor for any pet is their safety and comfort. For pets like cats, an adventure in a secure, familiar place like your backyard can be a wonderful option. If you have another type of pet you'd like photographed, please reach out! We can discuss the possibilities and create a session plan that's perfect for them.

What are my options for displaying and enjoying the photographs from my session?

My entire process is designed to create beautiful, tangible artwork that celebrates your pet's chapter in your story and becomes a cherished family heirloom. I specialize in two main ways to enjoy your portraits: stunning, custom-framed Wall Art for your home and exquisite, Handcrafted Albums that tell the full story of your session.

Whether you envision a single, impactful statement piece for your living room, a custom-designed gallery wall that grows with your family, or a beautiful album to enjoy on your coffee table, we can create the perfect option for you. We will explore all the beautiful product samples together during your personalized gallery reveal and ordering appointment, where I can help you visualize how your new portraits will look in your own space.

Why is custom pet photography a significant investment?

That's a wonderful question. When you invest in a custom photography session with West Oak Pet Photography, you are investing in a completely personalized, boutique experience from start to finish. The investment covers more than just the photo session itself; it includes my time and expertise in planning the perfect adventure, the professional editing and artistic retouching of every single image to bring out your pet's best, and the one-on-one guidance during the video reveal to design beautiful, handcrafted artwork for your home. My goal is to create timeless family heirlooms that you will cherish for a lifetime, and the quality of the service and final products reflects that commitment.

What if I only want a few digital photos?

I completely understand the desire to have digital files for sharing online and for your personal archives. My studio's primary focus is on creating beautiful, physical artwork that will become a part of your home and your family's legacy. Because I believe so strongly in the power of a printed portrait, every piece of wall art or handcrafted album you purchase includes its corresponding high-resolution digital file at no extra cost. This gives you the best of both worlds—stunning art to enjoy every day and the digital version to share and preserve. For those who wish to purchase only digital files, they are also available a la carte.