Companion Portraits
I offer a range of portrait services aimed at our beloved companions. From brand new puppies celebrating their gotcha day to seniors nearing the end of their lives, you can find information on each standard package below on this page. Have something specific in mind that you don't see here? Please reach out! I'd love to hear your ideas.
The Classic Portrait Session
Your dog is more than just a pet. They are your shadow, your confidant, and your best friend. They are one of a kind, and no matter what phase of life they are in right now, they deserve to be celebrated exactly as they are. Whether your dog is a fast-moving athlete that spends their weekends collecting ribbons, or a beautiful, gentle soul with a silver muzzle who prefers spending their days catching sunbeams, this session is all about capturing the spirit of who they truly are and immortalizing it forever.
These sessions are great for most dogs at any stage of their life. Don't worry if your dog doesn't have perfect obedience - the "sit and stay" is a bonus, not a requirement. We'll keep things relaxed and fun and work with whatever your dog is willing to give us. We'll meet at the outdoor spot of your choice - whether that is the beach, the park, their favorite trail - and get some great shots you'll be proud to display.
- ~60 minute photo session
- 10 high-res digital images
- Option to purchase additional images or prints
- $50 print credit for use in your online gallery store
Starting from $600
launch celebration: To celebrate the launch of Full Stride Photo, the first 5 clients to book a classic portrait session will receive an exclusive introductory rate of $400.
(Only 5 spots remaining!)
Classic Session FAQ
Where will the session take place?
Sessions take place at beautiful outdoor locations in the area. You and I will work together at the time of booking to find a spot that feels perfect for your dog and their personality, whether that is a quiet, shaded trail, an open field, or a sunny beach. Please note that out of an abundance of caution, I will not host sessions at dog parks or busy off-leash dog beaches.
Note: if we select a park or beach that requires a commercial photography permit, that fee will simply be added to your final invoice. I will always make you aware of that cost during the process of deciding on a location, so you can choose a different location if you prefer.
Does my dog need to be well-trained or able to be off-leash?
No, not at all! A little obedience training is certainly helpful, but not at all required. It can be useful for certain common poses but I'm happy to work with your dog and take what they are willing to give us.
Most of the dogs I photograph are leashed for their safety, and because most photography locations are subject to leash laws. I am able to edit out leashes in post. Leash removal (and collar removal, if desired) are included in the standard editing. For the best final result, I do strongly recommend using the thinnest possible leash and collar, as thick ones - especially on fluffy dogs - can be very challenging to seamlessly edit out.
Please note that I will not attempt to remove a harness in editing. You can bring your dog to the photo session in a harness, but the harness will remain in the final photos.
Can I be in the photos?
Yes, you may be in the photos if you would like. The bond you share with them is a beautiful part of their story. Because my specialty and passion are strictly in canine photography, your dog will always be the main focus of my lens. I am more than happy to include up to two humans in a handful of photos to capture your special connection, but the session itself - and the vast majority of your final gallery - be entirely dedicated to celebrating your dog.
Can my bring my other dog?
Yes, however - working with two dogs requires additional time, handling, and editing to do justice to both dogs. If you would like to include a second dog, please disclose that at the time of booking. There is an additional fee of $150 to add a second dog to your session. This extends our time together to 90 minutes and upgrades your package to include 15 high-resolution digitals.
Two is the maximum number of dogs that can be booked in a single session.
What should I bring?
Come with your dog dressed in a simple flat collar and leash. Thinner is easier to seamlessly edit out, especially on dogs with a lot of coat. Bandanas and other cute clothing/accessories are fine as long as you are fine with them in the final images. Walking harnesses are very challenging to seamlessly edit out, so I do not do it and they rarely look good in the final image, so I very strongly advise against them.
I also strongly recommend bringing a toy they will work for (a tug, a ball, whatever) and/or treats to keep their attention. They do not need to have extensive obedience training, but sometimes it's helpful to have something to help motivate them or catch their eye.An extra long leash can also be a good idea, particularly if you want more active shots.
If it's hot out, bring water for yourself and for your pup. Their photos will come out much better if they are cool and comfortable!
Grow With Me Package
They grow up so fast! One day they're a clumsy bundle of oversized paws and puppy breath, and the next, they are looking up at you with the eyes of a fully grown dog. Watching that change feels like a "blink and you miss it" whirlwind, so let's make sure you don't miss a thing.
This three-session milestone package is designed to document your puppy's first year, perfectly preserving each awkward, hilarious, and beautiful phase of their development.
- Session 1: Gotcha Day (8-12 weeks): Welcome home! This session is all about capturing the magic of puppyhood, and their wide-eyed wonder as they explore their new world. This photoshoot is entirely puppy-paced so we'll play, we'll nap, and we'll ultimately capture some incredible images so you'll never forget how soft their puppy fuzz was, or how perfectly they still fit in your arms.
- Session 2: The Half-Birthday (~6months): Your puppy is growing fast, gaining confidence, and probably going through a hilariously awkward growth spurt! Whether their legs are suddenly too long for their body or their ears can't decide which way to stand, it's a phase worth remembering. We'll capture that goofy, gangly teenage charm before they grow out of it.
- Session 3: First Birthday (~1 year): Happy birthday! Your dog is officially an adolescent now, stepping into their adult features and letting their true personality start to shine. We'll celebrate how far they've come with gorgeous anniversary portraits that any puppy school grad would be proud to have in their senior yearbook - and yes, we'll bring a special dog-safe birthday treat to celebrate the occasion.
- The Heirloom Gift: At the end of our year together, you won't just have digital files sitting on a hard drive. Once your final digital gallery is delivered, I will design a beautiful 10x10 photo book telling the complete story of your puppy's first year. It will be printed by a professional lab and shipped directly to your door - a tangible memory for you to enjoy forever.
- Three 60-minute photo sessions
- 10 high-res digital images per session
- Option to purchase additional images and prints
- Exclusive end-of-year custom 10x10 photo book
When booked a la carte, these milestone sessions and the final heirloom gift total $1,950.
Starting from $1,400
Grow With Me FAQ
How does payment work?
Because this collection takes place over the course of a whole year, it is split into four equal $350 payments. The first is due at the time of booking as a non-refundable retainer to guarantee your three spots in my calendar. The other payments are due 24 hours before each of your photo sessions.
When exactly do we schedule the photo sessions?
We will schedule all three sessions at the time of booking. The best time to book is before your puppy even comes home, as soon as your puppy pick-up day has been set!
Typically we will aim for between 8-12 weeks, about 6 months, and about 1 year of age.
If you aren't able to schedule exactly for those milestones, that's okay! It's a general timeline; ultimately we are just looking for three distinct phases in your puppy's early development
My puppy has zero attention span and doesn't know "sit" yet. Is that okay?
Yes, of course! Baby puppies are wiggly and easily distracted by nature. I don't expect your fluffy kiddo to have perfect laser focus or be able to perform and hold various obedience positions. We will play, use fun noises, use treats, their favorite toys, and find other ways to get great photos you will cherish.
Do you offer albums or prints?
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The Tribute Session
Pay What you can
These sessions are for our loyal friends who are approaching the sunset of their time on Earth with us. Whether your dog has received a terminal diagnosis or the simple advance of time is catching up to them, we will work together to capture the love you share and preserve their memory forever.
It is my honor to offer these Tribute Sessions in memory of my late heart dog, Cy. Following an osteosarcoma diagnosis at age eight, Cy was blessed with an incredible care team that gave us nearly three extra, amazing years together. Yet despite thinking about it during his initial treatment, remission, and second round of care, I never pulled the trigger on getting professional photos of him before it was too late. It remains my single deepest regret, and the reason this work is so deeply important to me.
Each Tribute Session I do allows me to honor both the memory of Cy as well as the life and legacy of the dog in front of me, and spares another family from the same regret.
Tribute Sessions are gentle, flexible, and put your dog's comfort and limitations above all else. If your dog is well enough to travel, we can meet at their favorite spot, whether that's the park, the beach, or elsewhere. If staying home is best, we can keep things peaceful and familiar right in their own yard or living room.
Because I know firsthand how emotionally and financially overwhelming end-of-life care can be, I offer these sessions on a pay-what-you-can basis. Finances should never stand between you and timeless memories of the dog who gave you everything.
In Memory of Cy
4/6/2008 - 8/2/2019
- 100% Dog-Paced: No forced poses or strict timelines. Session lengths will vary.
- Flexible Location: Your dog's favorite outdoor spot, or in your home or backyard.
- Priority Scheduling: Short-notice availability accommodated whenever possible
- Full Digital Gallery: Includes all edited digital images with printing rights, final count will vary.
- Pay-What-You-Can: Flexible pricing so finances never stand in the way. Travel fees may apply.
Tribute Session FAQ
How does "pay-what-you-can" work? Is there a minimum required?
No, there is no minimum payment required. End-of-life veterinary care can place a heavy financial burden on families especially on top of the general rising costs of living, and I never want finances to be the reason someone misses out on having lasting memories of their dog. Whatever amount you are comfortable contributing - whether that is $0 or a standard session rate - is completely accepted with zero judgement.
How do travel fees work if I am outside of your standard radius?
Locations within a 35 mile radius of my home base in Toms River are fully covered with no additional travel costs. For locations beyond 35 miles, a travel fee of $0.70/mile applies to the extra distance round-trip.
For example: If a location is 65 miles away (30 miles beyond the free radius), the fee would cover the 60 extra miles round-trip ($42).
I will always provideexact number up front when a location is chosen so there are no surprises. Note that the pay-what-you-can model still applies to the session itself; the travel fee simply helps cover the baseline cost of getting to you.
How far in advance do I need to book?
I strongly recommend booking as early as possible, ideally while your dog is still feeling decent. That said, I know health situations can change overnight and sometimes time is a luxury we do not have. If time is short, I will do everything in my power to try to squeeze your dog into the schedule, but please know that I cannot guarantee I will be able to on short notice.
What if my dog has a sudden decline or the weather is terrible?
Flexibility is everything for these sessions. If your dog is having a bad day, experiencing a sudden decline, or if the weather turns bad, we can reschedule or adjust the location to your home without any penalty or stress. Your dog’s comfort and well-being always dictate the schedule. I will do everything in my power to accommodate you and your dog.
My dog can't stand for long, is on bed rest, or looks visibly ill. Can we still do a session?
Absolutely, yes. I will take your dog exactly as they are and find ways to capture beautiful, tender moments regardless of what limitations they may have. These sessions absolutely do not need to be "active" to document the love between you or immortalize the bond you share.
What if my dog gets tired?
We follow your dog's lead 100% of the time. While I would estimate the average session will be between 30 and 60 minutes, the exact length and pace of the session are dictated by your dog. If they need a break to take a drink, have a couple of treats, or take a nap, those are just extra opportunities to get some sweet photos. If your dog indicates they have had enough, we are done. I will never push your dog past their limit, even if you ask me to.
Can I (or other family members/pets) be in the photos too?
Absolutely! While the focus is on celebrating your dog, capturing the connection you and your family (including other pets!) share with them is a large part of the intent behind these sessions. That said, these sessions are designed to be very gentle, low-stress, and intimate, so I do ask that we please keep it to immediate family only.