Welcome
Your pet deserves to be remembered beautifully.
I'm TJ, owner and photographer at Atelier Lens LLC. I come to you — your home, your yard, your pet's favorite park — with professional lighting and a calm, patient approach. The result is a museum-quality portrait that captures your pet's real personality, not a posed studio shot.
This guide will walk you through exactly how to prepare so we get the best possible images together. Read it once before your session and you'll be set.
Section 01
Timing & Natural Light
Natural light is the single biggest factor in a stunning pet portrait. Harsh midday sun creates unflattering shadows and causes pets to squint. The best sessions happen in soft, diffused light.
- Golden hour: The hour after sunrise or before sunset gives warm, directional light that makes fur textures glow.
- Overcast days: Clouds act as a giant softbox — even, shadow-free light that's flattering for every coat color.
- Open shade: A shaded porch, tree canopy, or north-facing wall gives beautiful soft light at any time of day.
- Avoid midday sun: Direct overhead sun (10am–3pm) creates harsh shadows under the eyes and chin — we'll reschedule if needed.
Section 02
Choose a Familiar Location
Pets are most relaxed — and most themselves — in places they already know. A familiar environment means less sniffing, less anxiety, and more time capturing real personality.
Your backyard
The ultimate comfort zone. Your pet knows every corner — that confidence shows in the images.
A favorite park
Great for active dogs. Familiar smells keep them engaged and natural rather than distracted.
Inside your home
Perfect for cats and senior pets. Soft window light indoors can produce stunning portraits.
Pro tip: If your pet has a favorite spot — a sunny window ledge, a worn armchair, a patch of grass they always nap in — tell me before the session. Those spots make for the most authentic portraits.
Section 03
Treats, Toys & Calm Energy
Your energy sets the tone. Pets read us constantly — if you're tense or rushing, they feel it. The goal is a relaxed, playful session, not a perfectly obedient one.
- Bring high-value treats: Something they don't get every day — small pieces of chicken, cheese, or their absolute favorite snack. These are attention gold.
- Don't feed a big meal first: A slightly hungry pet is a motivated pet. Skip the meal right before the session so treats stay exciting.
- Bring a favorite toy: A squeaky toy or feather wand held just above the lens gets natural, alert expressions that posed commands never will.
- Stay calm and positive: Speak in your normal voice. Avoid repeating commands — it creates anxiety. Let me guide the session pace.
- Let them sniff me first: I'll always take a few minutes to let your pet get comfortable with me before any camera comes out.
Section 04
Grooming & Preparation
You don't need a professional groom — but a little prep goes a long way. Clean, brushed fur catches light beautifully and reduces retouching time.
- Brush your pet 1–2 days before (not the morning of — it can leave static).
- Wipe eyes and nose clean of any discharge.
- For dogs: a bath 2–3 days before is ideal. Same-day baths can leave fur flat.
- For cats: most cats groom themselves — just check for any matting.
- Remove any temporary bandanas or costumes unless they're a permanent part of your pet's personality.
- Trim nails if they're clicking — it helps with posing on hard surfaces.
Section 05
What to Expect on Session Day
01
I arrive & set up
I'll arrive 10–15 minutes early to assess the light and set up any portable equipment. Your pet can stay inside until I'm ready.
02
Meet & greet
I spend a few minutes letting your pet sniff me, get comfortable, and decide I'm not a threat. This is not wasted time — it's the most important part.
03
We shoot
Sessions run 60 minutes. I work at your pet's pace — if they need a break, we take one. Forced poses produce stiff images; patience produces magic.
04
Delivery
Your edited gallery is delivered within 5 business days (priority) via your private Pixieset gallery. Print ordering is available directly from the gallery.
Section 06
Choosing the Right Print for Your Home
A digital file is a backup. A print on your wall is a heirloom. Here's how to think about which product is right for your space.
- Canvas wrap: Warm, painterly feel. Great for living rooms and bedrooms. Wraps around a wooden frame — no additional framing needed.
- Fine art print: Archival paper with exceptional detail. Best for framing. Ideal for black-and-white or selective-color images.
- Metal print: Vivid, modern, and moisture-resistant. Perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, or any high-humidity space.
- Framed print: Ready to hang. Classic look that works in any room. I can advise on frame color based on your image tones.
Quick Reference
Session Day Checklist
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