What to Expect When You Book a Dog Portrait Session
You’ve decided it’s time to capture your dog’s personality in a timeless portrait—something beautiful to hang on your wall and cherish for years. At Hound & Halo, that’s exactly what I create: soulful fine art portraits of your best friend, crafted with the same care and attention to detail as any family heirloom.
Getting to Know Your Dog
Every dog is different—and I want to know yours. Before your session, I’ll ask you to send me a few photos and complete a short questionnaire. This gives me insight into your dog’s personality, preferences, and quirks:
*Is your pup shy and cautious, or bold and playful?
*Do they light up for food, toys, or squeaky sounds?
*How tall are they when sitting (so I can set up the studio lights in advance)?
These details help me plan the session around your dog’s comfort. The less I fuss with equipment when you arrive at my Woodstock studio, the more relaxed your dog will be.
I’ll also check in about allergies, obedience levels, and energy. Don’t worry—every owner says their dog can sit and stay, but a new environment can test even the best training! Luckily, with years of experience, I know how to work quickly and catch those perfect moments in just a fraction of a second.
Preparing for the Shoot
A little preparation helps the session go smoothly:
Grooming: If you’d like the polished look, book your groomer a week or two before. If scruffy charm is more “your dog,” that works too! A bath the day before is always helpful, and please make sure I can see your pup’s eyes—that’s where the magic lives.
Feeding: Give them a lighter meal that morning. Treats are one of my best tools during the session.
Potty break: A quick stop before arriving makes everyone more relaxed. My studio is dog-friendly (no carpets, for obvious reasons).
In the Studio
When you arrive at my Woodstock studio, we’ll ease into things. The first 10–15 minutes are all about your dog getting comfortable—sniffing around, saying hi, and hearing the camera and lights. Most dogs adjust quickly once they realize it’s all safe and fun.
From there, we begin. I work fast but keep the environment calm, using a mix of patience, praise, and a few silly tricks. Some of the best images often come in the first handful of shots, when your dog is curious and alert. By the end, you might be waving a piece of cheese while I squeak a toy or blow a duck call—it’s all part of the process and usually results in a lot of laughter.
After the Session
Your pup will almost certainly go home ready for the best nap of their life (and you might too). From our time together, I’ll create a collection of fine art portraits. These aren’t just snapshots—they’re museum-quality artworks, printed at Orms Print Room on archival paper, ready to become a centerpiece in your home.
Your dog deserves to be remembered this way. And you deserve to see their spirit captured beautifully forever.
All images copyright johan vosloo