SESSIONS

WINDHOUND PORTRAIT SESSIONS

High-quality, priceless images of your best friend at every stage of life.


Want to chat before booking?

Schedule a call on a day and time that’s convenient for you. We’ll discuss your furry friend, session goals, artwork options and typical pet portrait investment. It’s an opportunity to make sure I’m the right photographer for you.

Scroll down for FAQ’s of the most common questions about a pet session. Any other questions or unique circumstances you have, get in touch! I love talking about dogs.

*I can only accommodate several sessions each month. Pet sessions are currently booking 4-8 weeks in advance. Please note that I will make every effort to photograph end-of-life sessions as quickly as possible.

FAQ’s

My dog can't be off-leash. Can I still get good images?

Here’s a trade secret. Nearly every dog I’ve ever photographed is wearing a leash because their safety matters. Through the magic of the digital darkroom, leashes and other distractions (like pesky eye boogies) are removed to make your images perfect!

A small dog leaps for a flying disc at Sandbridge Beach in Virginia
Reaching for the sky at Sandbridge Beach. Her leash (and her person) conveniently removed from this image. 🙂

 

My dog isn't reliable with his or her commands. Is that a problem?

Stuffy isn’t my jam and it’s not your dog’s jam either. Most dogs aren’t obedience champions. Mine aren’t either! While we’ll strive to get some posed portraits, our focus will be allowing your pup’s personality to shine.

Capturing their spirit is the reason to choose Windhound Photography. I understand dogs, their behavior, and will bring out the best in each and every pet. That’s my promise!

A poodle racing through snow in Norfolk, VA
My soul dog, Rugby, racing through snow in our backyard. He only listens when treats are involved.

 

How much should I plan to invest?

How can you put a price on memories? Pet portraits certainly don’t cost a million dollars, but investing now means being able to look back on this chapter long after your fellow traveler has departed for his or her next journey. Quality images will keep your best friend forever in your heart.

Reservation retainers depend on the type of session, location, and number of pets and people to be photographed. Custom quotes are provided for unique circumstances.

  • Medallion Session—up to 3 pets and/or 2 locations—$500
  • Signature Session—up to 2 pets, single location—$300
  • Tribute Session—senior or terminally ill pets, single pet, one location—$250
  • Puppy Session—6 months or younger at time of session—$200

Artwork and digital packages pricing begins at $500. Most clients plan a purchase of $1,500 -$5,000 to memorialize their pets.*

Some pet parents select wall art, while others opt for a coffee table book.  Others choose a combination of print items. All items are custom designed for you, your home, and your style.

You’ll receive a complimentary web-optimized, watermarked image of each print purchased. Perfect for sharing online with friends and family!

*Payment plans are also available through  AfterPay link

A Windhound Photography wall gallery of framed images
Give your home some bling that means something to you. That big-box store thing hanging on your wall ain’t cutting it.

 

I have more than one dog. Can you photograph multiple pets during a session?

Lucky you! More fur equals more fun—and more dust bunnies! I routinely photograph multiple dogs during a session.

I can photograph up to three dogs during a Medallion session, but they all must be from the same household. (No cheating!)

If you have more than one dog, plan to bring an extra sets of (adult) hands to assist. Contact me for a custom quote if you have more than three dogs to be photographed and we’ll make it happen.

Three dogs pose in a fall backdrop in Virginia Beach's Town Center.
A canine cadre of lowriders in Virginia Beach’s Town Center. Low in stature, sky-high in attitude.

 

Do you photograph pets other than dogs?

I sure do!  While 95% of my pet photography business involves dogs, I’ve photographed everything from horses to goats to cats to lizards and more.

Every pet, no matter how large or small, whether wearing fur or feathers, can make a great photography model. What’s not to love?

A Belgian horse tosses her mane in the wind.
A natural blond beauty at her home in Zuni, Virginia.  Baywatch, here we come! —Yeah, I know. We’re all jealous.

 

Can I be in some of the images?

There’s nothing better than the bond between people and their pets. They’re our best friends for good reason.

While you might be reluctant to be photographed (I hear ya’), that special spark between you and your furry friend is likely the reason you’re interested in pet photography.

While we’ll focus on your pooch, I encourage you jump in some images. You’ll be glad you did.

A woman posing with her Shiba Inu dog among the flowers in Norfolk VA
Puppy love at Botetourt Gardens in Norfolk

 

What locations are available for my session?

Inside your home or in your backyard, while super convenient, isn’t always ideal as those areas can have unavoidable background distractions or lighting challenges that may negatively affect your images. —That’s the long way of saying your photos might not be what you envisioned.

I can offer recommendations to help choose a perfect location if you aren’t sure where you’d like to have your session.

If your pet isn’t comfortable away from the nest, or has mobility limitations, we can easily set up a portable studio at your home.

A dog posing at sunset Virginia Beach VA
Glamour pose at Pleasure House Natural Area in Virginia Beach.

 

What if the weather doesn't cooperate?

In the event of rain, high wind, storms, the apocalypse, or other unpredictable weather, we’ll reschedule your session.

During the hottest days of summer, I only schedule early morning sessions (unless it’s a beach or water session) to ensure your dog—and you— will be safe and comfortable. Nobody needs toasty toes.

Australian Shepherd at East Beach, Norfolk Virginia
Dog pawty at East Beach in Norfolk

 

What if I don't like my photos?

Fortunately, I’ve never had a client who didn’t swoon over their images. Sure, you’ll probably fall in love with some more than others, and that’s why I’ll capture different styles and backdrops during your session.

During your planning session, you can share the types of images you prefer—candids, action, posed portraits, etc.—I’ll focus on those types of images for your final gallery.

If you aren’t sure I can provide you with images you’ll love, I’m happy to send you a link to a full session so you can see the variety and number of images from a typical pet portrait adventure.

Worst case, if you truly don’t like your images, I’ll work with you to rectify the issue.

—But you’re gonna’ love your photos!

A doodle dog in downtown Norfolk Virginia
Get yourself some street cred with urban photography. Downtown Norfolk

 


Two dogs emerge from the Chesapeake Bay in Norfolk.
Playing in the surf at East Beach in Norfolk.

Medallion Session

Can’t decide between beach, urban vibe, or forest trails for your session? You don’t need to choose! A jam-packed, day-long session can include two locations (and lots of belly rubs) dedicated to your best friend or friends. The ultimate luxury session—and who doesn’t love luxury?

The best option and largest image variety for multi-pet homes.


A golden retriever digs in the sand at Chix Beach Virginia.
Digging life at Chix Beach.

Signature Session

The most popular choice for many clients and can include two dogs from the same household.

Up to 2 hours for a private photo session at your chosen outdoor location or portable studio setup at your home.


A woman kissing her senior dog.
Adoring a special senior at Pleasure House Natural Area.

Tribute Session

A 1-hour personalized photo session for an elderly pet or a pet with significant medical concerns whose remaining time is limited. We’ll go at their pace and create treasured memories of your time together.

Tribute sessions are prioritized and can often be done as quickly as necessary.


Corgi puppy plays with a pinecone
Pinecone aficionado at Pleasure House Natural Area in Virginia Beach.

Puppy’s First Portraits

Available to single puppies 6 months and younger at the time of their session. This photo-op is all about giving your pup a positive experience during his or her most important developmental (and adorable!) stage of life.

Sessions are one hour long to keep things interesting and fun for your pup. Don’t let this fleeting and fun time slip away.


Animal themed office and walls
Custom art for your office, clinic, or gathering space.

Commercial Photography

Commercial photography packages for businesses. Put some impact on those walls and in your marketing materials!

Get in touch for a quote.

A wall portrait of two dogs.
An image box that holds 5 x 7 prints and USB file of your images
A wall gallery of dog artwork
A keepsake box with heirloom images

Call or email Barb at Windhound

757-752-8025

Email