Hey there, I’m Kimberly!
I know and experience daily the way they lean into your legs just to be close, the way their tail wags when you get near - or sometimes even just look in their direction - their sweet, soulful stares...these aren’t just little moments. They’re at the heart of your story together.
At Kimberly Kingen Photography, I know your dog isn’t “just a pet.”
They’re family, your constant, the soul that makes your house a home. If you ever find yourself saying “I’ll miss you and see you later” at the door or giving up your favorite spot on the couch or side of the bed so your pup can sprawl out (or feeling sad when they choose their bed instead of snuggling up next to you), you’re in good company.
With patience, creativity, and a no-pressure approach, I create portraits that feel natural and deeply connected - images that celebrate the joy, quirks, and soulful bond you share. My work is about more than pretty pictures and being super posed; it’s about honoring the love and magic your dog brings into your life, in all the ways they show up, so you can hold onto it forever...
but enough about me - let’s get to the good stuff.
The Difference
Not all photography businesses are created equal.
Here's what you can expect from Kimberly Kingen Photography:
Your dog has only one job: to be a dog! I'll take care of the rest. Years of experience and patience in working with a variety of personalities and behaviors - along with my own bag of tricks - means there is no need for anyone to be an obedience school superstar or even leash-free to have a successful session or to create the images you're dreaming of!
Our time together is all about creating art from the heart, with a primary focus on fine art albums, wall art, heirloom folio boxes, and other tangible artwork. Each product is meticulously sourced and promises the industry's best of the best in beauty and craftsmanship.
I'm with you every step of the way to deliver a truly boutique experience that culminates in a personalized experience you won't forget, natural and expressive images you'll love, and artwork to last generations.
The Experience
Step 1: Pre-Session Planning Call
Forget awkward intros! Grab a cup of coffee for you - and if your pup is like mine and wants attention at the most inopportune times - a lick mat for your BFF. We'll get to know each other and chat about everything from location options to session expectations and how you'd like to enjoy your images after your session, be it a wall of envy-inducing portraits or a slobber-proof album (yes these actually exist - and I can confidently say that our albums are also stunning)!
Step 2: The Session
It's your dog's moment, and spoiler alert: perfection is not the goal. Whether they strut up like a seasoned pro, rolls out of the car a mastermind of mischief (epic dirt rolls are always a possibility and welcomed), or comes in hot like a tornado of fur and questionable decisions, we're rolling with it! I’ll be there to document the split-second moments that will make "This is exactly who he/she is!” along with the love and adventures, big and small, that you share.
Step 3: The Ordering Appointment
This is the moment it all comes together, and the first time you'll see your portraits! (Cue the happy tears and uncontrollable smiling.) Together, we'll meet virtually to choose all your favorites, explore stunning product options, and design artwork that feels like it belongs in your home.
You'll also place your order at this time and bring your images to life in a way that feels intentional, beautiful, and totally you.
Step 4: Artwork Day
Just like that, the day you've been waiting (and maybe obsessively refreshing your inbox) for is here! Once your artwork arrives, I'll reach out to schedule your pickup. And the best part? Everything comes display-ready! No DIY disasters or confusing assembly instructions, just pure custom artwork that’s ready to be loved.
Brace yourself: an extreme case of can't-stop-staring-at-my-dog-in-print syndrome may occur.
What Clients Are Saying
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“Kimberly took a very thoughtful and detailed approach in preparing for a photo session with me and my pet. This was especially meaningful to me given my pet isn't exactly easy going and I wasn't sure how the session would go. I truly appreciated the pre-session questionnaire and felt my responses were incorporated into our session in terms of how Kimberly engaged with me and my pet. The session was very natural (low stress!) with a lot of flexibility and recommendations, which I appreciated!”
~Stacy, Remy’s Mom
The Artwork
Discover the handpicked pieces that bring new energy to your space.
Artwork & Investment
Kimberly Kingen Photography specializes in the finest, heirloom-quality products that celebrate the joy and love between you and your pet for generations to come. I constantly adjust my print offerings to find products that meet my quality standards and that I personally love and use to showcase my pups, Nala and Teddy.
With many print and product combinations available, there's truly something for everyone! I'm proud to provide you with thoughtfully curated, beautifully handcrafted products of exceptional quality-procured from the industry's crème de la crème.
Most clients typically purchase a collection, which include a combination of digital and print credit to allow you to purchase what you truly love.
Popular print items include a combination of a fine art album or heirloom folio boxes, wall art, and boutique add-ons. Each order is custom-designed to their individual style and home décor. Finished artwork and albums are purchased during your ordering appointment. Most clients invest between $1000-$3000 in their final artwork.
Small print bundles start at $395. Wall art starts at $445. Collections (including digital options) begin at $1,000. Albums begin at $2199
Your total investment depends on how many portraits you desire and how you wish to enjoy them after your session. What you choose to order is entirely up to you because you're only purchasing what you absolutely love!
The Sessions
At Kimberly Kingen Photography, we celebrate all dogs (and animals) - from the wild ones with endless energy, to the shy or reactive/big feeling babies who need extra patience and space, to the sweet seniors who move a little slower. However your dog shows up in the world, they are welcome here, exactly as they are. That’s why we offer both outdoor and studio sessions, each at carefully chosen locations that balance beauty, safety, and comfort. In-home sessions are also available for end of life sessions with terminal and ailing pets.
If you’re unsure which is best, I’ll guide you based not only on your style but, most importantly, on your dog’s personality & needs, ensuring their experience is comfortable and fun.
Outdoor Sessions
Outdoor sessions are perfect for creating memories in places special to you, natural or stunning city backdrops, and adventures with your side kick.
Studio Sessions
Studio sessions provide a controlled environment with less distractions - ideal for dogs (or humans!) who feel more at ease indoors.
Session Options & Rates
Outdoor, Studio, and End of Life Sessions for up to 4 subjects start at $250 ($300 on evenings & weekends).
Every session includes:
Print credit + 5x7 gift print
Thoughtful planning & adaptability so we can capture them at their very best.
End of Life Sessions
These sessions are always given priority scheduling for both the session and planning call. I do everything in my power to make these sessions happen as quickly as they need to.
These sessions can take place in my studio, your favorite place to go with your pup, or in your home.
But My Dog
Won’t Sit Still!
No need and no problem! I thrive on these unscripted, magical, entertaining, and sometimes chaotic moments. I honestly prefer them and feedback from my clients is that you do as well.
Rest assured, hundredths of a second (and a few of my own tricks) is all I need to capture gorgeous photos of your furry friend - and I will always give gentle guidance when needed.
While it is helpful to know basic commands, it is certainly not essential!
Whether your dog has perfected "stay" or takes the title of Best Wiggle butt.
Bottom line, you'll walk away from your session with a range of personality-filled portraits - and that has always been my preference and style over (a little too) perfectly posed portraits.
What Clients Are Saying
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“I’d never before considered paying for professional photographs of my dogs....but I did, and it was a GREAT decision. One of my dogs is a very reactive, nervous rescue; the other is a high-energy attention seeking Tazmanian devil. Kimberly was amazing. She was calm and allowed my reactive pup to get to know her on his terms, and he adored and trusted her almost immediately. She captured incredible photos of the dogs and asked me questions and truly listened to make sure she got photos that I was looking for. Kimberly's pictures of my dogs are a world apart from anything that I could have done myself. If you can, I cannot overemphasize how worth it is to get your pets (and/or you with your pets!) photographed by Kimberly.”
- Hollin & Chucho’s Mom, Corwin
Frequently Asked Questions
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Absolutely! Some of the most fun and fetching shots happen when dogs are just being dogs. As for leashes, many dogs I photograph are leashed for safety, and I provide complimentary leash removal during post-processing.
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Well, Photoshop does have its limitations. Super-bulky harnesses hide so much of the dog's chest that it's very challenging to accurately rebuild those pixels in post-production. Gentle leaders can leave unsightly shadows or pull on the dog's skin, so those are challenges to digitally remove as well. Because of that, harnesses, head halters/gentle leaders, etc. will not be removed and are best avoided if you don't like the look of them in your final images. If your dog normally wears one of these for walks, I recommend using it while walking to our location, but also bringing a flat collar to use for the actual session.
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Standard outdoor & studio sessions start at $250 (& $300 for evenings & weekends).
If you have no idea which one you prefer or would be best, no worries! You may choose from a diverse outdoor location & studio list that ranges from quiet and serene parks to stunning skylines.
I'm happy to offer suggestions based on the health, personality and likes or dislikes of your pet. If you would like to choose your own location that is sentimental and a place you like to go with your pup, you can absolutely upgrade.Please note that selecting in-home only (without another location) are for terminal pets only. If your dog is a highly reactive (no judgment, my pup has big feelings too), our private studio option or a few of the quieter parks on my list would work best.
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Drawing on my experience and patience to work with a variety of behaviors and temperaments, from rambunctious to reactive, I take a no-pressure, relaxed approach to our time together. Your session never requires your dog to sit, stay, and behave for hours (or even minutes) on end. One of the benefits of hiring a pet-specific photographer is that we know how to work with "hyper" models and still deliver gorgeous portraits jam-packed with personality. Your dog is not the only one who has some tricks up his sleeve!
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Absolutely! I’ve heard countless times from my clients that having these images of their loyal companions is a tremendous comfort as they grieve and helped through that transition. Legacy Sessions are reserved specifically for aged or ailing pets, and due to their nature, they are given scheduling priority whenever possible. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you think your session is urgently needed.
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At Kimberly Kingen Photography, my average client investment ranges from $1500 to $3,000; however, I offer options to accommodate a range of budgets. On the lower end, some spend around $500, choosing a small gift prints or desktop displays that they can frame on their own for their desks or
bookshelves. At the upper end of the scale, others want it all and invest several thousand on stunning albums, wall art and/or heirloom folio boxes, and an array of boutique add-ons to keep on your work desk or gift to the grandparents.
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Kimberly Kingen Photography clients highly value tangible products; however, to provide the best of both worlds, each ordered product includes the matching watermarked social media file of that product's image(s). Matching high-resolution files of ordered product images are complimentary with product purchases totaling $995 or more. Digital collections (with a print credit included) are also available starting at $1000. Individual digital portraits ($250) can also be purchased after a $250 print order.
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Absolutely. We can discuss setting up a customized, no-interest payment plan for you.
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For more than two pets from the same household, a fee of $50 per subject/pet applies.
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Roughly three to four weeks following your session, we'll meet again for your virtual ordering appointment. There's nothing more rewarding than seeing your face as you view the photos of your pet for the first time! During this appointment, we'll choose your absolute favorites, talk about how you wish to feature them in your home and finalize your must-have artwork. You will also place your order at this time. At your ordering appointment, I require payment in full for your order.
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My sessions focus on creating beautiful, heirloom-quality custom artwork of your pet in a variety of finishes and styles to suit your home. Wall art pieces, like modern float frame fine art prints are client favorites, and many love adding their remaining portraits to a fine art album, an heirloom folio box, or as boutique add-ons. Do you believe in a go big or go home approach? If so, my popular signature collections offer both variety and value.
Is this Right
For Me?
It is not an exaggeration to say that to my clients, their pets are more than just pets; they are cherished family members loved to the moon and back, even when they stake claim to two-thirds of the bed.
My photography experience is for you if you:
Value a truly boutique experience with my help every step of the way.
Desire natural and expressive portraits that capture the heart of your pet.
Appreciate tangible, heirloom-quality artwork that will last for generations.
Crave responsiveness and clear communication in workflow, processes, design strategies, and client support.
A successful portrait session is an investment of both time and money, so it's important to make the right choice for yourself. Whether you're ready to join the pack or have some questions, I'd love to chat with you during a quick, no-obligation intro call. If, however, you're 100% ready to roll, you can schedule your session by contacting me at kimberly@kimberlykingen.com or by phone at 312-971-0805
I can't wait to meet you and the special animals in your life!
