What does a session with Piper look like?

Each Piper’s Pix session is fun and relaxed, in keeping with the more natural, casual style of my photography. My tote bag is filled with camera and lenses and I also bring some treats and toys for your dog and lots of fun noises. The only thing you need to bring is your beautiful subject and a little patience.

The session lasts about 1-2 hours with the first 10-15 minutes being the time spent getting to know your dog. I want your dog to be comfortable with me, and then to be stress-free with the camera. With some dogs this is very easy. With others, a short conditioning-course of treats is required to warm them up to the sound of the camera’s shutter and a lens following them around.

Where shall we do the shoot?

You may choose your own location or I can suggest some of my favorites. This is done based on the season, as well as the breed, size and color of your dog or pet. Since some locations are better suited to water dogs, big dogs, short dogs, black dogs, white dogs, etc. Cat sessions are done at their homes. Locations are usually in the Front Range of Colorado. Longer trips are happily negotiated.

Or you might consider a local park, favorite trail, your dog’s favorite swimming hole, stomping grounds, etc. … wherever your pooch is most familiar and happy, or whatever locale has particular meaning to you. A well-varied location is always preferred — a location that provides a variety of backdrops: field, river, trees, etc. — plus your backyard of your home.

Since natural light is always the best, I do most of my shooting outdoors. Obviously, outdoors is optimum for light, but indoor shots can be perfectly wonderful when curtains and blinds are opened. If indoors, please be prepared to de-clutter or move some furniture or objects that could prove distracting in the shot. Although wonders can be done in post-processing, it requires far less labor and time to eliminate such distractions at the scene rather than in post-process.

Because natural light is such a critical element to photography, weather and time of day can factor into the shoot as well as the location and even certain rooms in your home. I will work with you to find the best possible location and conditions for the session.

There are no worries if you have hyper dog. I not only take photos of dogs, I am comfortable working with dogs. It may take some extra patience and a little more time, maybe a good walk beforehand, but we’ll get there. As for wild, unruly pooch of course, a little obedience certainly helps … but again, these aren’t formal “studio” portraits. These are moments capturing memories for a lifetime.

I will work with any humans who want to be included in photos with their pets. Humans just add to the fun and quirks of the sessions.

Seniors and older dogs, cases of failing-health are always fit into the schedule. These are special sessions where we take whatever time is needed to capture images that honor your dog’s life and his/her bond with you. Nobody wants to lose their companion but when it is inevitable we always want to have pictures to remind us of our life with our pet. I give honor sessions priority over all others. They will always be my priority.

I accept only a limited number of sessions per month so that I have time to devote to post-session work/retouching on the images and can ensure each client receives the best possible photos of their dog. Please email me via the contact page about availability to begin the booking process.

Again, remember that weather can play a hand, and occasionally sessions have to be rebooked due to inclement weather. If you have any other questions, feel free to contact me.

*Prints and products are purchased separately.

$150 includes:

1-2 hours of photographer’s time and expertise on location 20-60 proofs in your private on-line proof gallery Ordering from the a la carte price list of Piper’s Pix finest-quality prints and products.

Additional fees:

*** Travel fees apply for locations farther than 20 miles round trip at the cost of $.60/mile ***Add $50 for weekend and holiday sessions

***Add $20 for each additional pet within the same household

***For households of 4 pets or more, I will offer package rates.

Multiple locations are available at an added charge. These would have to be negotiated at the time of booking. A non-refundable fee of $50 is due at booking to reserve your shoot. The remainder of your session fee is due at the time of the session.