Session Guide
Inside this guide, you’ll find help tips to prepare for you pup’s portrait session!
Hey there, I’m Kimberly!
Your dog's biggest fan and proud pawparazzi (the good kind)!
At four years old, the only library books I wanted were about being a zookeeper. By twelve, I was collecting Rolling Stone covers, dreaming of being Annie Leibovitz. I've since married those two passions, and I truly love what I do.
But the real reason I do this work is Nala (that's my sassy girl there in the middle with my parents' dogs). This portrait holds even more importance now that all three of them have passed.
Loving and losing her changed me, and being on the other side of that loss, now with Teddy by my side, is exactly why I don't just want to photograph your best friend. I want to capture the portraits that instantly bring back their personality: their little quirks, the details that were only theirs.
Pretty pictures are great. But I want more than that for you.
Keepsakes that won't get lost when technology changes, and that'll make you smile years from now. Enough about me — let's get into the fun stuff and prep for our time together!
Session Day Tips
Your dog only has one job: to be a dog!
I'll take care of the rest. As long as your dog is comfortable and enjoying a fun, positive experience, we will get beautiful, personality filled portraits!
Trust that what I see is very different than what you see as a pet parent. (I know it can feel like a whole different level of chaos when you're stepping into the role of ringleader in what appears to be a three-ring circus.) The most important thing is that you relax and go with the flow. Your dog will feed off your energy.
Most people don't believe their dog will ever behave well enough, long enough, or at all for me to get good photos, and even more tell me it's also because their dog cannot go off-leash. The great news is that neither is a requirement for your session! It's completely OK if your dog isn't on her best behavior the day of our session or if she wants to show off how quickly she flunked puppy school. And don't stress if he/she isn't sitting pretty or looking at the camera in every image. (Can you say boooring?) If I need your dog to be in a certain position or spot, I'll let you know and we'll take our time and reset.
Please don’t worry or stress out if they aren’t looking at the camera as much as you think they should. The truth is - great pet portraits don’t always have to be looking directly at the camera. I’ll get a better feel for your pet’s personality and comfort zone while we’re together - creating portraits based on those two things - resulting in truly unique portraits and a less stressful environment for everyone. I’ll also get their attention or ask for your help for those into the camera portraits when needed.
Take a look at the photo below between the pup and her mom. The pup was looking to her mom for support with an adorably crazy side tongue..she was a very nervous girl at first and, with some patience, let her full personality shine by the end of the session. It’s such a sweet moment that complements the into the camera portraits we created together.
Your Session Day!
It's your pup's big day!
Your session is strictly a stress-free time. Your dog will set the pace, and we'll take plenty of breaks. Don't be concerned if he doesn't want to sit or if he's more interested in the sights and smells than the camera.
I promise that even if it feels like your pup is not listening or if we need to set up a shot multiple times, it's totally fine.
In fact, I expect it and prefer personality filled portraits over “perfect.” Your pup constantly looking at the camera is absolutely not needed.
Most importantly - your job is to relax and trust that we're creating incredible images...because we are!
“Going from obsessive ball play to posing for photos in bow ties was no easy feat. Kimberly created a safe and playful environment that supported capturing the full personalities of my pups and I. I followed her direction and trusted her experience photographing dogs. We had fun and got great snapshots that will last a lifetime. During the selection and editing process, Kimberly was communicative and quick to respond to any questions. “
~ Duke an Prince’s Mom, Kyra
About the Ordering Appointment
About two-three weeks after your session, we'll meet again over Zoom for you to view your images for the first time. You'll laugh, you'll cry...OK, but seriously, it happens every time!
Together we'll view your session slideshow, choose all your favorites, view product samples, and finalize how you wish to feature them in your home.
You'll also place your order at this time.
Before you know it, the moment you've been waiting for since we first spoke is here: delivery day! Once your artwork arrives, I'll contact you to arrange a time for your artwork pickup. All wall art arrives completely ready to display throughout your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there anything special I should know in regard to grooming?
1
Your pet should be bathed and brushed a day or two prior to your session.
Brushing your pet thoroughly will help the coat to shine and remove any mats/dead hair. If he's looking a bit "scruffy" around the face, a subtle trim around the eyes will help them be visible in your final images. Wipe away eye boogies, do your best to clean up tear stains, and trim nails to an appropriate length. If your pet gets professionally groomed, make their appointment with enough time to allow the coat to grow out to the length you prefer. Nothing is more stressful than trying a new groomer or grooming products and it didn’t go as expected.
What options do I have for enjoying my images after our session?
2
Kimberly Kingen Photography sessions focus on creating beautiful, heirloom-quality custom artwork of your pet through a variety of finishes and styles to suit you home. Whether you choose a large wall art piece to fill an empty space above your fireplace, a luxurious heirloom folio box, or small gift prints..I'm there every step of the way to deliver a personalized experience you won't forget, natural and expressive images you'll love, and five-star artwork to last generations...without the fear of losing your memories forever to technology gone wrong.
What about digital portraits?
3
Matching high-resolution files of ordered product images are gifted with product purchase(s) of $995+.
For those who wish to share their portraits via social media sites, email, and personal blogs, a complimentary matching web-sized social media file of every ordered product is included. You can also purchase individual digital portraits for $250 after a $250 print purchase.
How much should I plan to spend on products?
4
Because of the custom nature of photography and these products, the total amount spent from client to client varies greatly; however, most people end up wanting to purchase way more than they initially thought once they see their final images and the products. Please reference your product and design guide for detailed pricing and product information prior to your session.
What if I just want a few prints?
5
You deserve to have even small prints come as a finished piece of art, which is why l'm happy to offer them in my popular heirloom folio boxes, the most beautiful way to preserve your prints and a stunning alternative to fine art albums. These come in sets of 10 or 20 matted gift prints, which can be stored for safekeeping inside your gorgeous custom-designed box, removed for you to frame and display throughout your home, or gifted to your pet's favorite people.
My boutique add-on gift prints also present an alternative option for small prints. I am happy to discuss options on how to enjoy smaller prints of your favorite images in addition to those main event pieces at your ordering appointment.
Kimberly was super friendly and had a really positive vibe when we did our photo shoot, which put Marley at a lot of ease and allowed her to get some great shots. I really enjoyed the photo shoot overall and loved the high five photo that Kimberly got the two of us. She was also really helpful with choosing a frame option since I’m not really good at that type of thing!
~ Marley’s mom, Liz
Choosing a Collar
When choosing a collar for your session, I recommend a flat collar or a buckle collar, both of which photograph well. For sighthounds or dogs that can easily slip out of a flat collar, a martingale collar is a good alternative.
Collars should be clean and well-fitted. A collar that is appropriately sized not only helps it photograph better, but it's also crucial for keeping your dog safe during our session.
Joining in the photos (I always recommend being in at least a few) - You ideally want your dog's collar to complement what you'll be wearing so choose colors that create a cohesive palette for the most flattering look. Again, dress him to match the couch.
Please limit the number of tags on your dog's collar as they can be extremely distracting in your portraits. Text or personal information will not be removed from these, so please be mindful of the tag(s) your dog wears for his session.
Please remember that harnesses will not be removed during post-processing and are best avoided if you don't like the look of them in your final images.
Session Packing List!
Be sure to bring along:
A clean, well-fitted collar and leash.
Poo bags (because it happens).
High-value, irresistible treats.
Bandanas/bow ties, collar flowers, or other accessories your pet likes to wear.
Your pet's favorite toy(s), ball, frisbee, etc.
Anything special you wish to include.
Pet grooming wipes and/or a towel (especially if your dog gets frequent eye boogers and/or we’re heading to the beach).
A lint brush/roller.
