The session started out as a senior dog, nearing end-of-life session. We originally were going to just do photos of the older pup and, as always, I asked the whole family to join in.

Honestly, I love end-of-life sessions. Sometimes they're sad, but mostly I like to focus on the connection between the dog and its family. There's nothing - NOTHING - like the love between a human and their pet, and I love to show this in my images.

Of course, I always advocate for getting pet photos before they are getting too old, sick, or immobile. However, if you do have an aging dog that you haven't had great photos of, please do so. You will NEVER regret having photos taking of you with your pets.

This particular dog couldn't walk, so taking him out of his home was nearly impossible. And I do house calls! Some of my favorite images come from in-home sessions. It's comfortable, real, and relaxed. Kids, pets, and parents are more comfortable at home, so I get to focus on that in my photos.

Of courseeeee I did some photos of the old man by himself. He was a pro. :)

If you're in the Tulsa area and are ready to get portraits of your dogs (and family!!!) please check out the site and see if Snoots is a great fit for you. I'd love to meet and work with you all!

If you would have told kid me that one day I'd be paid to take photos at a dog's birthday party, I wouldn't have believed you.

If you would have asked me back then if I could pick any weird job in the universe, what would I make up?  I'd probably say something like "I dunno, taking pictures of dogs at their birthday parties?" because that's not a thing and I'd think I was making it up. Right?

I mean - you tell me. :)

Of course I do dog portraits all the time, but you'd be surprised at how many birthdays I get to do, too. It's the best thing ever!

This one was by far the most beautifully staged, though. The cake, the cookies, the decor, the little party hat. We had so much to work with and it was SO adorable.

This is Sunita. She just turned 1.

Mom had a dog friendly cake, but the humans ended up eating it instead. I'm pretty sure the cookies were only enjoyed by dogs though. ;)

Of course, we did a few dog portraits without the birthday stuff too. Even those turned out super adorable and everything matched.

Keep in mind when you're coming to your pet pics, that you may be in the photo as well - even if you just want photos of your pets, I may use you as a prop. That means I might have you holding them (like above), or a close up of them by your feet, or just your legs. You don't HAVE TO be in the photos in order to still be in the photos.

So dress to where you'll look good in front of the camera, and consider dressing to match your pet. Keep it simple because they're still the queens/kings of the show!

If you're in the Tulsa area, check out the website and see if Snoots is a good fit for you and your dog! (Or cat. Or horse. Or snakes. Whatever!)

We can do the photos in your home, in my studio, or outdoors somewhere.

This particular session was done in an apartment clubhouse, actually, so keep your options open too! There are some great random spaces for rent if you just ask!

Last weekend I set up a makeshift studio at BBD2 Diner and we had a fun little dog rescue fundraiser. 

BBD2 Diner has a pet-friendly patio, so there were plenty of pets coming in and out for brunch. I gave them pet photos in exchange for any donation amount to Skiatook Paws & Claws Animal Rescue. They could also drop off a bag of pet food as their session fee.

The restaurant also had a short stack special, where if you purchased any of their combos, they would donate a portion of that sale to the rescue as well.

It was such a fun day and we have plans in the works to do another one this summer!

Go follow me and the diner on facebook - there will be announcements when we get it on the calendar!

Here are some of the cute pics of the patrons!

SPACAR brought out a bunch of adoptable dogs too, so I let them have their time in the spotlight, of course!

If you're in search of a new dog or cat, please check out SPACAR (the link is at the top) - they do great things for so many animals!

Here are a few of the babies they brought.

When you book your session with me, I will send out our welcome packet - it has tips and tricks to help your session go smoothly.

Here are some of the more important ones.

Walk or play with your dogs right before your session

While they'll still be amped up when they get to me, burning off some of that extra energy beforehand will be help. A tired dog is a good dog.

Don't feed them

I always use treats as motivators, so I want them good & hungry! Even if they aren't usually food motivated, I bring some REALLY good smelling stuff, so I at least want to try it. Even if I don't give it to them, it is a good trick to make them look at my camera.

Let me know of any issues

Does your pet have any allergies, sensitivities, or behavior triggers?  Let me know before your session so I can prepare.  This includes letting me know if something is either good or bad - if they are food aggressive, if they will ALWAYS look when you say "squirrel", if they can't have chicken products, etc.  These are all things I want to know before your session.

Groom them a couple of days before

If your dog requires grooming or a bath, please do this at least the day before your session, if not earlier. Bad haircuts happen and we want to avoid that last minute mess, but also grooming usually gets on the dogs' nerves and I want them as calm as we can when they reach me. PLEASE do not book grooming or give baths the same day as your shoot.

Be calm & quiet

Depending on the dog, I may need your help during the session, but it's usually just by holding the leash out of the way. If you talk to your dog, they will look at you, and unless it's for a specific shot, I want them looking at me. Don't make clicking noises or tell them to look at me. I've got some annoying tricks that will definitely make them watch me.

And please stay calm, even when you think your dog is misbehaving. I promise, I'm still getting great photos. If you are anxious and upset, your dog will be able to sense that and things will just get worse. Breathe, baby. I gotchu. :)

Leave distractions at home

Unless we're doing a full family session, please leave babies and children at home. They are full of chaotic energy and will hype up the dogs.

Likewise, unless we need them, please don't bring additional people or pets. Even small things are distractions for dogs and I want all that focus on me. Even if others leave the area, the dogs will look for them, so if you can, just bring who is essential to the session.

You don't need to have your session planned out before you book. I can help you decide the best place to take photos and what all we can do. But if you have ideas for the session, feel free to let me know! We can shoot anywhere around the Tulsa area, including my studio or your home. There are tons of options!

And if you're in Oklahoma or the surrounding states but can't make it to Tulsa, please reach out and we can discuss travel options. 

Have you thought about what you want to do with the images we create from your pet portrait session yet?

While I do sell digital files, I like my clients to walk away from their session with something they can see without opening their phone. My work is shot to be artwork, whether that's something you sit on your desk or something you hang on your walls.

I want everyone to have not only images that they can share at work, but also pieces that enhance their homes.

Here are a couple of my favorite options. 

My favorite product is the keepsake box.

It is a custom-designed box that holds 5x7 prints and, if you choose to purchase digital files, it holds your USB mounted on the inside as well.

The number of prints depends on the package you get, but at minimum, you'll get 15 prints with a digital matting. You can frame these or keep them in the box to display.

I love these because you can keep more images in one place, it is a unique conversation piece, and you can keep other items in the box as well (tags, nose prints, certificates, ribbons, etc).

Of COURSE I love the wall pieces.

I have huge images of my pets in my home and it always makes me smile. I have portraits I took of my pets that have since passed away and I'm so glad I got the images of them that I did before they were gone.

I have several options for wall art, including canvases, acrylic prints, and storyboards. 

I personally love a large collection of canvases together that you can build on over the years, adding in images of your family, your pets, your travels - the story of your life as artwork.

The storyboards are popular with my clients. It's one large canvas piece (up to 30x30) with a few of the favorite images on it. I custom design these to however best fits the vibe of the photos.

Please note the dog by the sushi sign....his name was Sushi so we had to find a great sign to shoot in front of.  (Thanks, In the Raw Sushi on Brookside in Tulsa!)

Another favorite with my clients is the hardcover album.  I have two sizes of albums to fit your needs, a smaller one at 6x9 and the big daddy 8x12. 

You already KNOW which one I like best because I love to see the huge photos of my pets when I'm looking at them. :)

You get to choose your favorite image for the cover and I'll design it to best fit on the book.

This is my girl, Tig.  I just wanted to post this photo here too because I have a 30x40 canvas of this image up in my entryway and it gets SO many compliments. I have had it up for a few years and am never tired of looking at it. 

Our pets are our children (and in my case, my only children) and deserve to be made into artwork. 

You will never regret getting a professional image of your pet. If you're in Oklahoma and would like some photos of your dog and/or family, please check out the rest of the website and see if Snoots is a good fit for you. I would love to work with you and your furry babies. :)