Mother’s Day Portrait Event
Kimberly Kingen w/Bosly’s Backyard
We are so excited you’ll be joining us for this special portrait event!
If this is your first time, or you just need a refresher, please read through my guides below.
You can always contact me at kimberly@kimberlykingen.com with questions or concerns.
The background color
for this event will be off-white.
*The color may vary slightly due to lighting adjustments made depending on your pup(s) coloring.
As two small business owners and proud dog moms, Kimberly Kingen & Kim Theobald connected and drew inspiration from our respective pups, Bosly & Nala.
The goal was to collaborate and bring what our businesses offer to other dog parents. Focusing on the connection you share is always a priority to both of our individual small businesses.
Step 1 - Complete Photo Questionnaire, Contract
&
Read Through Guides Below
If you haven’t already, I kindly ask that you complete the questionnaire & contract as early as possible before our session. This allows me to read through your answers and prepare accordingly.
Your Experience
Step 2- The Session Itself
Your collaboration session will begin with a little time for your pup to acclimate to the space. We will allow 5-10 minutes for your pup(s) to get a few wiggles out, explore the space, and allow them the opportunity to sniff around before we dive right in.
The timing for starting the photos will depend on your pup’s energy level & if they need more time to investigate.
During the photos, capturing your loved ones' personalities and the connection you share is my priority. To achieve this, our time together will be more relaxed regarding posing and giving the dogs breaks when needed using fear-free & positive reinforcement methods.
If you are being photographed with your pup, please soak it all in - every lick or snuggle, how soft their fur feels under your fingertips. Let all of that love in your eyes and heart lead how you feel, and any worries about how you look or how your dog will behave will hopefully slowly melt away. When we go with the flow, the result is often the best candid moments documented and a more enjoyable experience overall.
Step 3 - The fun part that is often overlooked!
You’ll receive a link to schedule your virtual or in-person consultation before the event.
What you will do with your photos is one of the most important aspects of a photo session experience & often overlooked in comparison to getting ready decisions.
This complimentary service is offered to show you samples of the products available for this portrait event. I highly recommend in-person consultations to see these samples in person, if possible.
Click here for my current collaboration product guide.
Tips to Help You Prepare for Your Photo Shoot
Your Pup(s)
Prepare high-value treats: If your dog is food-motivated, the *special* treats you know your dog loves will help get their attention if other methods aren’t as stimulating for them. Please note, we will wait to bring out any treats until necessary so it doesn't become their primary focus or obsession. :)
Grooming: I recommend using a trusted groomer and avoid trying anything new you might not like right before our photos. If your dog typically has bangs that covers their eyes, it's best to have that trimmed to make their eyes visible & shine in the photos.
Other items to bring with you: If you know there is a squeaker/lovie toy/favorite ball that your pup adores and want it in any of the photos, feel free to bring it with you. :)
Light exercise before the session is recommended. Avoid activities that will completely wear your dog out for the day, especially since we will have some play time and fun included as part of our collaboration! **If you prefer your dog’s tongue to not be out for photos, the above tip is especially important.
For Humans
Go with the flow: Similar to kids, dogs set the tone. If they need a break or would rather cuddle & give you kisses in that moment instead of looking at the camera, that’s what we’ll do. :) My best advice is simply enjoy time with your pup(s), give affection or interact with them as you normally would so that the photos reflect your relationship & connection, & I will give gentle instruction or suggestions as needed.
Dress in clothes you love that are comfortable. If you feel comfortable & confident, it will show. If you are being photographed with your pup(s), I will ask you to sit, stand and sometimes lay down for photos, but overall I care more about your comfort and will work to get the best photos I can. What you wear is ultimately up to you and your style.
Clothing Patterns & Logos: Avoiding very thin lines (common on dress shirts, skirts/dresses & tees) or large & distracting graphics/logos is always recommended. Your beautiful faces should be the focus!
Give yourself plenty of time: Due to the schedule of these events, all reservations are prompt. If you are new to Bosly’s Backyard, there is a free parking lot in front of the building. Parking is often busier on the weekends so allowing yourself extra time is advised. Please do not ring the buzzer before your session start time.
FAQs
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One-on-one time for play & photos with you and your pup(s) at Bosly’s Backyard.
You will be able to preview your photos via a private online gallery. *Please note that digital portraits and/or printed products can be purchased separately and are not included in your session. For additional information on a few of the current product offerings & pricing, please see the information included above, or contact Kimberly Kingen with questions.
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I get this one, A LOT. The truth is, taking photos with your camera phone and a professional session are two very different experiences. Clients are often amazed afterward at how well their dog did and the photos we created together. We will use your pup’s biggest motivators and a few tricks up our sleeves to make it fun for your pup while also getting their attention.
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Everyone I photograph is so nice and wants to help, which I very much appreciate! :)
Getting your pup(s) attention will be my job. With only one of us making noises or holding a treat/toy near my camera, your pup will not confused where to look. Avoiding overstimulation will also help to reduce your pup feeling stressed or anxious.
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For the beloved wiggly butts, I recommend incorporating leashes or slip leads and will have a few on hand. During solo photos of your pup, I may need your help to keep them in place and will instruct how during our session. During the photos of you together, with safety in mind, gently sitting on the leash or tucking it behind often works well.
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Ideally, right next to them, slightly off-camera. We will see how they do with your nearby first. If your pup is sitting calmly, but they can’t take your eyes off you, I will kindly ask you to go over by the front desk to chat with Kim and her staff while I see if I can get a little one-on-one time and photos of your pup looking directly at the camera.
Typically, the fewer people around or requesting your dog’s attention, the less overstimulated or distracted your pup will be.
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Absolutely. I’m happy to set up a custom payment plan based on your need. Once all payments have been made, your order will be delivered.
My entire experience is set up intentionally with only a session fee due beforehand because I never want anyone to feel pressured into making a purchase or investment you aren’t 1000% in love with, especially before you’ve even seen the photos.
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"Fantastic experience working with Kimberly on pet photos.
Highly recommend, she’s super communicative and our pup loved her. Prints are gorgeous and safely packaged for us to bring home.”
~ Oliver’s Mom & Dad
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"Kimberly was fantastic putting the dogs at ease while she captured incredible photos of them!
Kimberly is great! We weren't sure how our two active pups would do at a professional photo shoot. Her passion for what she does and for animals is readily apparent. We can't wait to work with Kimberly again and highly recommend her to anyone looking for photography services.”
~ Jack Ryan & Munchkin’s Mom & Dad
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“Kimberly is a dog lover (like me) which put me at ease immediately.
My dog was quite comfortable in her presence and she captured some beautiful moments for me, both of him alone and us together.”
~ Duncan’s Mom
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“Kimberly was very welcoming and kind. My pup Rupert took to her immediately and was very comfortable the whole time (that’s probably the most important thing for me).
She captured some great moments and was cognizant of the poses I had requested. Rupert and I had a blast!”
~ Rupert’s mom
Still have questions about our collaboration? Feel free to contact Kimberly Kingen directly for anything photography related.
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