Grand Rapids Pet & Dog Photographer
Pet Photographer Suggested Locations and FAQs
Pet photographer FAQs can sometimes only pertain to the Signature Session, please read carefully.
Locations
Locations are exceptionally important to the success of a photo session. We have three main concerns when scouting for a location:
- variety of backgrounds with areas of open shade within a small area, so that the images in your gallery won’t all look the same
- low foot traffic – sessions are just easier with less distractions from other people and/or dogs
- areas that are free of visual background distractions (such as buildings or other manmade structures)
Favorite Locations
These are some of our favorite suggested locations for dog photo sessions. Do you have to choose one of our favorite locations? Absolutely not - they are suggestions.
Prairie Wolf Park in Caledonia – Remains of an apple orchard at the front of the park, paved and unpaved trails – not too many people (especially when we do sessions in the early morning and evening).
Johnson Park (off 196, near Grandville – 10 min. from downtown GR) – Typically not a lot of people in the corner of the park we photograph in and a lot of variety in backgrounds – great place to photograph reactive dogs first thing in the morning.
Hager Park in Jenison – great place to photograph after the fall leaves are gone and before the green of spring comes out. Lots of green from pines and arborvitae toward the front of the park.
Downtown (west side of Grand River) – Blue Bridge down through Ah-Nab-Awen Park (evening sessions only) – great place for evening sessions if you want more color than a park and a little more of an urban feel to your photographs.
Downtown (east side of Grand River) – Blue Bridge – central area around Monroe, Pearl and Ottawa (weekend morning sessions only) – great place for morning sessions, if you want your photos to have an urban feel.
Kruse Park Dog Beach in Muskegon (travel fee for this session) – the north end of Kruse Dog Beach is a great place for a dog photo session – not too many people and Kruse Dog Beach is rather long, so typically not very crowded. There is a small travel fee for this location.
FAQs
Do you photograph reactive dogs?
Yes! We usually require a morning session, as there are less people and dogs in parks in the morning than the evening. We photograph a lot of reactive dogs and have had much success at Johnson Park first thing in the morning - during a lot of these session we never even saw another person or dog. It is also possible to do a reactive dog in his own yard, if photographing at a park is just totally not possible.
When do sessions take place?
We photograph 7 days a week - either early morning and/or early evening. We are limited to how many session we do a week, or we get too far behind on editing files. So, if there is a particular date you need for your session - it is best to book the session as soon as possible.
We avoid late morning to late afternoon sessions because the light is more contrasty at this time and less flattering for dogs and people alike. The exact session times depend on the season – how long or short the days are. You will receive an approximate time when you book and a firm time a few days before your session.
Can I be in some of the photos with my dog?
Absolutely! Family or 'Me and My Pup' images are an included option with all Signature Sessions.
My dog can be a bit on the nervous (stubborn, shy, naughty, aggressive, hyper - you fill in the _________) side. He will never cooperate for a session.
If your pups are anything like ours, they know basic obedience commands, but somehow always seem to forget when it comes to having their photo taken. It's all good - we get it. A dog is going to do what a dog is going to do - despite their training.
We've photographed blind and deaf pups, hyper pups, pups that won't sit or stand still, exceptionally shy pups, pups with severe anxiety, pups with no training at all - you name it and we bet we've photographed your pup's personality type. We are known for our patience and always spend some time before the session getting your pup comfortable around us and our camera gear (and the noises our cameras make) - we only use positive reinforcement techniques.
Do you photograph animals other than dogs?
In the past, we've photographed cats, horses, goats, Patagonian cavies, a few ball pythons, a couple bearded dragons, two emus and one duck. BUT we recently decided to focus on dogs - it is after all what we LOVE...dogs.
Is it possible to have a session in my yard?
We cannot stress enough how important locations are - especially locations that afford open shade, if you session date falls on a sunny day. Locations that are free of visual distractions (buildings, play equipment, etc.), have varying backgrounds within a condensed area and have little or no foot traffic are ideal for a dog photo session.
Can you have a session in your yard? Yes, of course - if that is what you want. If you have a reactive dog, an elderly/sick pup or a pup that doesn’t travel well – your yard might be the best option for a photo session.
We do have favorite locations (see above) depending on the season and we are happy to suggest a location.
If I let my dog off his leash, I will never see him again. 
The vast majority of the dogs you see on our website were photographed with leashes on - even on the majority of the action shots. All leashes will be removed from purchased images, during post-processing, at no additional charge. So, just like magic...your pup will look like he never had a leash on!
How quickly can a Celebration of Life session be scheduled?
We will do our utmost to fit your pet into our schedule as soon as possible. Quite often we can shift our schedule around to fit your pup in within 24 hours or sooner.
What do I bring to my session?
• Favorite toys/familiar items that always gets your pup’s attention
• Treats, if you pup has diet restrictions
• Bowl & water
• Small towel, just in case your pup gets dirty
• Dog brush/comb
• Accessories – bandanas, special collars and/or dog clothes - if interested.
Will you travel beyond the Grand Rapids area for a session?
Absolutely! We are happy to travel outside of our home area (in and around the Grand Rapids metro area) if our schedule allows, but locations beyond 20 miles from our home base in Grand Rapids will incur a travel fee. Contact for details.
What if it rains? ☹️
We reschedule.
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