Frequently
Asked Questions
General:
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Yes, we would be more than happy to photograph your non-dog pet. Whether it’s a feline friend, equine companion, scaly reptile, or feathered friend, we believe that all pets deserve to have their unique personalities captured in photos. Each type of pet brings its own special challenges and opportunities for capturing beautiful and memorable images, and we would be honored to have the chance to create portraits of your non-dog pet. Let’s work together to create stunning images that you will treasure for a lifetime.
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Not to worry… sometimes the best shots can be candid shots. Patience, proper techniques and toys can be used to get the shot we are looking for. Once your pet becomes acclimated to the situation, they will have fun before they know it and smile for the camera.
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Let us tell you a little secret; this is very common. For all outdoor sessions, we may use unique leads that are easy to remove from images in post-production.
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Clients have come to us with a phone full of slightly blurred images or that the camera took just *after* the pet did its signature cute thing. When you work with a professional who understands pets, you’re not expecting the camera to get lucky and be there in the right place at the right time. So we create the right place and time, with expertise in lighting and speed, ensuring you’ll get the images you dream of.
We’ve never met a pet for whom we couldn’t create a set of fantastic images – if anything; you’ll have difficulty deciding between them!
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Make sure your pet is well-groomed and well-fed before the shoot. You’ll also want to make sure they have pottied. If your pet is nervous, consider bringing their favorite treats or toys to help keep them calm and relaxed. You may also want to give them plenty of exercise and playtime before the photo session. Read all our tips and tricks here.
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Yes, you can utilize photos from our sessions to promote your product or business, but this requires a commercial photo license. We offer a range of options. For detailed information on licensing and to discuss the best package for your needs, please refer to our Commercial Photography services page or contact us directly. We're here to help you find the perfect solution for your promotional needs.
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Yes, you're welcome to bring multiple pets to a session! Please note, however, that depending on the number of pets and the complexity of the shoot, an additional sitting fee may be applied. This ensures we can allocate the necessary time and resources to capture the perfect moments for each of your furry family members. For more details on fees and how to prepare for a session with multiple pets, feel free to contact us.
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Absolutely, children are more than welcome in our studio! We believe in capturing the special bond between pets and the whole family, including your little ones. Our studio is designed to be a safe and fun environment for children of all ages. If you have any specific requirements or need assistance during your session to ensure it's enjoyable for your children, please don't hesitate to let us know. We're here to make your family's experience memorable and comfortable.
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Booking a session is easy! Simply visit our booking page, choose your preferred service, and select a date and time that works for you. If you need assistance or have any questions, feel free to reach out to us directly.
Service-Specific:
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The Selfie Studio Experience is a fun, interactive photo session where you take the reins as the photographer! Equipped with professional lighting, a variety of backdrops, and playful props, you have the freedom to capture unique moments with your pets and family using your own camera or smartphone. It's a creative and enjoyable way to create lasting memories, all in a private, comfortable setting.
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In our Selfie Studio, we offer a dynamic selection of over 8 different scenes complete with props, curated monthly to ensure a fresh and exciting experience each time you visit. For those opting for our VIP studio services, we provide a variety of solid color backdrops along with posing blocks, stools, and specially designed pet furniture to enhance your session. Whether you're capturing casual moments or looking for something more styled, we have everything you need to bring your vision to life.
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Session durations range from 30 to 90 minutes, based on the selected service.
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Absolutely! You're encouraged to join in and be part of the photos with your pet, creating memorable moments together.
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Feel free to pack any favorite props, toys, or accessories you'd love to feature in your photos. Got a cherished blanket or bed your pet adores? Bring it along! And if your furry friend follows a special diet or has a treat they can't resist, make sure to pack those too.
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Watermarked proofs are provided via a secure online gallery, allowing you to select your favorite images for professional editing. Once edited, these images will be available for download through the same secure gallery.
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Yes, while your package includes a specific number of selections, you're welcome to choose additional photos for $35 each, which comes with a digital copy for online sharing. Additionally, you can purchase prints, gifts, and wall art directly from your secure gallery. For those interested, we also offer the option to purchase commercial licensing and printing rights.
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For our outdoor sessions, we serve areas within a 10-mile radius of our studio in Clive, Iowa. Locations beyond this will incur an additional travel fee. For commercial projects, Michel has extensive experience traveling across the U.S. and Europe.
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Location, location, location! Scenic places like the local park, lake or garden can produce compelling images.
The location also greatly depends on your pet’s confidence, age, and size. A studio environment would be best if you have a pet yet to have all the necessary shots.
Senior pets might also work better in the studio.
The best images will be when your pet is comfortable and self-assured, so keep that in mind when choosing your location.
Health and Safety:
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Our studio follows strict cleaning and sanitation procedures to ensure a safe environment for everyone. After each session, we thoroughly clean and disinfect all surfaces, props, and equipment. We also maintain regular deep cleaning schedules and provide hand sanitizers throughout the studio. Your health and safety, along with that of your pets, are our top priority.
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While we ask that pets be vaccinated for their safety and the safety of others, we do not require proof of vaccination. Our studio accommodates one family at a time, with no overlapping appointments, allowing us to thoroughly sanitize our sets between sessions to maintain a safe and clean environment.
Payment & Policies:
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Session fees are required at the time of booking and can be paid through our website. Should there be any additional sitting fees or charges, we accept cash or can process payment via debit or credit card on the day of your appointment.
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Yes, all sessions must be prepaid in full at the time of booking.
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All bookings are final, but we understand that life can be unpredictable. If you need to reschedule, we're more than happy to accommodate your request. Please contact us at least 72 hours before your appointment to make any changes.
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Absolutely, you can change the date or time of your booked session. Just make sure to inform us at least 72 hours in advance. Should you need to postpone, we'll be happy to credit your account for future use.
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The success of our outdoor sessions is significantly influenced by natural light and weather, making both the time of day and weather conditions key elements. In case of severe weather, such as blizzards or tornadoes, which might affect your ability to safely reach us for an indoor session, we will promptly get in touch to arrange a new session time. Ensuring your safety is our priority, and we want to avoid having you travel in hazardous weather conditions.
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If you anticipate being late, please give us a call as soon as possible so we can adjust our schedule accordingly. We'll do our best to accommodate you around our other bookings.
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Yes, we occasionally offer discounts and promotions. To stay updated, follow us on social media or join our mailing list for the latest deals and studio news.
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Yes, gift cards are available for purchase. They make a perfect gift for pet lovers and can be used towards any of our photography sessions. Visit our Gift Cards page for more details on how to buy one.