Questions
Everything we're asked, answered.
Is it real?
Is this a scam?
No. We are a portrait studio with three addresses — Boca Raton, Natick and Naperville — open by appointment, making portraits since 2010 and in the United States since 2018. Every review on our Happy clients page is word for word, with a screenshot of the original, and each studio's page shows the room before you pay anything.
Are you looking for models?
Not professional models — real dogs and the people they belong to, for the portraits in our studios and on our website. No experience needed.
Do you still have a studio in Apex, NC?
No. Our studios are in Boca Raton, Florida; Natick, Massachusetts; and Naperville, Illinois.
The money
If it's complimentary, why is there a fee?
The reservation fee holds your date, and it isn't a charge for the session: it goes toward your portraits, or comes back to you, less the card processing fee and a $15 studio fee where it applies, if you come to your Private Viewing and order nothing.
Why are some sessions complimentary?
Our session fee is $450. We've updated our studio displays and are adding new portraits to our website, so for the dogs and families we select, the fee is waived and $200 in studio credit goes toward their portraits. We earn our living from the portraits, not the hour: at your Private Viewing you see them at wall size and decide whether to order. The reservation fee is the only money before that, and it comes back, less the card processing fee and a $15 studio fee where it applies, if you order nothing.
Is the reservation fee refundable?
Yes. Within 72 hours of paying, it comes back to you, less the card processing fee and a $15 studio fee where it applies. At your Private Viewing, if you order nothing, it comes back the same way. After 72 hours, if you cancel, it becomes studio credit toward portraits for a year — and the same if you miss your session or arrive more than 20 minutes late.
How much does it cost?
Our session fee is $450 — waived for the families we select for our complimentary sessions, who also get $200 in studio credit toward their portraits. Portraits start at $495 for a matted print; acrylic wall pieces from $1,200; our largest collection is $3,495. Most families invest $1,000 to $3,000, before their credits and sales tax.
Can I book without applying?
Yes — any open date, at our regular $450 session fee. Call or text your studio: Boca Raton (561) 571-8361, Natick (508) 310-6500, Naperville (331) 244-5500.
What if I don't buy anything?
That's your choice. Come to your Private Viewing, and if you don't order, your reservation fee is returned, less the card processing fee and a $15 studio fee where it applies — as our Terms say.
Can I pay in 3 or 6 payments?
Yes, on orders of $1,000 and up: 3 or 6 payments, every two weeks or monthly — you choose. Klarna and Affirm are available too. Printed pieces go to the lab after the last payment.
What about my card on file?
The card you pay the reservation fee with is kept by Stripe, not by us — we never see its number. It is charged later only when you ask, for example for a payment plan you choose.
Your session and your viewing
What if my dog won't sit still, is reactive or is older?
Most don't. Your dog meets the photographer off the leash first, there are treats in every pocket, and we go at your dog's pace. Older and anxious dogs are welcome. If your dog is reactive, tell us on the call and we'll plan the hour around it.
Do I have to be in the photographs?
No. Your dog gets portraits of their own either way. If you'd like to be in some, wear a darker top; the photographer will guide you.
What should we wear?
Darker tops with longer sleeves for everyone — navy, dark green, maroon or black — photograph beautifully in black and white; bring a change or two. Bring your pup's favorite toys and treats too, and any bandanas or collars you'd like; if your dog has a jersey that matches yours, even better. There's a space to change at the studio, and your photographer will guide you on the day.
Why black and white?
Black and white leaves light, shadow and expression, with nothing in the way of a face. It doesn't date, and it sits well in any room. Color files come only with our largest collection.
Who should be on the Zoom, and when is it?
Everyone who decides about the portraits — often you and your partner. Your Private Viewing is 3 to 14 days after your session, about an hour, on weekday evenings or some mornings, Eastern time; you choose the time before you leave the studio.
Can I see proofs online?
No. You see your portraits at your Private Viewing, at wall size, and every decision is made there.
How long until my portraits arrive?
Printed pieces are shipped to your home 10 to 12 weeks after the final payment, shipping included; digital files come within 10 to 15 business days.
Applying
I applied and nobody called.
Our team reviews every application first. If yours is selected, an email says so, and we call within one business day, Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 8 PM studio time. Selected and it has been longer? Text your name to your studio's line — Boca Raton (561) 571-8361, Natick (508) 310-6500, Naperville (331) 244-5500 — and we'll call you.
I already applied — do I apply again?
No. We have your application and will review it — no need to apply again.
I'm a returning client.
Welcome back. A new session is booked like the first: apply, or text your studio, and a new reservation fee by card holds the date. Studio credit you still have goes toward your order at your Private Viewing; it can't pay a reservation fee.