Bay Area Pet Photography: Common pet portrait Questions

What is Pet Photography?

Pet photography is portrait of your furry (or not so furry) family members taken by a pet photographer (me) or sometimes your family photographer (also me) can also offer this type of session. Whoever your family pet is - dog, cat, rabbit, hamster, bird, or even reptiles - they’re welcome and deserving of beautiful portraits. This can be done in studio or home or outdoor, more on that below.

Why Pet Photography?

Pet photography is often overlooked,  but really is one of the sweetest things you can do for your pets, your family and yourself! Every child who has grown up with a household pet would adore having frozen moments in time in photographs. Pictures of the stages of when their pet is small, when they are bigger and more active, and when they are slowing down and full of (wisdom) gray fur.

Many pets (especially dogs and cats) have a shorter lifespan than us humans, so being able to document the beautiful years we have together. No one regrets having photos of their beloved pets and family members, however a common regret is NOT having enough photos taken. I have taken quite a handful of professional headshots and portraits for many of my clients’ family pets, some of which are now treasured even more after their passing.

One client in particular, Tucker, is dear in my heart. Throughout the years photographed him welcoming first human sibling, losing a furry sibling, moving out of town, welcoming his second and third human siblings, surviving an amputation and learning about life as a three-legged dog, and welcoming a new puppy in the family. Sadly we had to say goodbye to this amazingly happy doggo in December of 2022. He was always happy and energetic no matter what life throws at him. Such and inspirational dog. I miss him.

Where should you have pet portraits taken at?

Pet photos can be planned at a variety of photo spots and locations, depending on the pet and the look that you are looking for. I offer pet portrait session in my studio, outdoor, or at your home!

OUTDOOR

If you and your dog love to be outdoors and your dog is highly energetic, I usually recommend either the beach or a park where they can run around and be their happiest self. We can get some action shots and once they have burned off some of their energy, we can get them to stay and pose for a bit. You will get the most variety of photos at this location (action shots, simple portraits, close ups, wide shots with the scenery, etc.)

Studio

If you’re looking for simple portraits and a more calm environment, my studio might be a better choice. We will focus more on their unique personalities and fun expressions.

Home

If you have a senior dog with mobility issue or have a couch potato kind of dog and want to capture that personality, then home might be the best option for you.

How to prepare for your pet photos?

Pet photographs can be fun, relaxed, and natural. You don’t have to stress about making everything perfect or planning out every detail. I will discuss your pet’s personality and plan a session that would be best for your pet’s energy and comfort level. We will also discuss your pet’s quirky personalities so we can capture those traits too.

For what to “wear” or how to style them, this isn’t necessary! But if you insist, a cute bandana, bow, or bow tie can work! It is best to bring their favorite treats, toys and anything else that would get their attention and make them happy.

If you’re taking studio or at home photos and your pet is often high energy, then take into account the space/activities you’d like to photograph. If you want relaxed pose pictures then they may need a walk or to expend some energy before your session. Or maybe you want indoor or outdoor action shots of them playing, so you’ll save the activity for your session.

Make sure that you discuss your goals for your session with your photographer to ensure you’re both on the same page and know what to expect, and what types of photos you are hoping for.

Can families and pet portraits be done in the same session?

Yes! Absolutely! Mini Anna Photography offer 3 “types” of pet portrait sessions.

- Family/baby photos WITH pets
- Solo pet portraits or headshots
- A combination of both

Technically we can include pets into any type of sessions I offer as long as the location and time allows. Sessions that I have done with pets include: maternity, newborn, milestones, cake smash (yes, they can help “smash” the cake 🎂), birthday party, family, and legacy multi generational portraits. Next on my list to try would be a milk bath session with pets in the tub too!

What can pet photos be used for?

You can get prints of them and display them on your gallery wall, or a framed picture on your nightstand or bookshelf. You can create Christmas tree ornaments with them, or adorable “gotcha day” announcements or birthday invites. I offer all these services directly from your gallery so all you need to do is click and you’ll receive. 😊
They can also be used for social media, or your pet’s influencer or celebrity social media page! Yes, a few of my clients have been in the spotlight!

What are the most commonly photographed pets in my experience?

Dogs of course! Temperament wise, they are usually quite a joy to photograph, and can usually pose for a bit, and still have time to play. They are quite expressive as well. But of course, I enjoy photographing all kinds of animals. 🐶🐱🐹🐰🐷🦆🐥

See more dog photography on my Instagram at @Minianna.photo

Where to find a Bay Area pet photographer?

We are all around you, but if I had to make a recommendation… I’d say.. Choose me! As a San Francisco Bay Area Pet Photographer, mom to my sweet son, and a momma to my sweet rescue senior doggo, Rocky, and my sweet fluff ball lionhead bunny, Marla… I know how important these moments are with our sweet pets (and kiddos)!

Take it from me, you will not regret documenting these sweet bonds!

I’ve lived in the Bay Area for 8 years and have been photographing family and pets for 15 years. And I even have my own studio to capture gorgeous pet portraits of you. I make it extra special with a variety of beautiful backdrops, furniture, props, and more! 

It’s truly an honor every time my clients ask me to do portraits of their pets and share stories of how they rescue them or found each other or stories of how amazing their pets are. It always warms my heart! It’s so special being able to document these memories for my clients. These portraits are treasured for years and generations to come. I don’t take that lightly, because I want to make sure they show your pet’s true personality and the bond you have.  

Fun Fact

Did you know that you can find my animal portrait work in billboards in Costa Rica? I volunteered, photographed, and cared of the animals at Jaguar Rescue Center. If you go to Puerto Viejo, don’t forget to look for it and snap a pic for me. Also, back in 2012, I worked on the NKLA campaign by Best Friend Animal Society and you could see my work up on billboards, bus stops, and busses around LA. It was an amazing experience to be a part of the a successful campaign helping so many animals!