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The Scruff Life Experience

Pet Photography for the Wild & Adventurous

Scruff Life Photography is a Minnesota-based pet photographer specializing in capturing the bond between people and their pets. Each session type is designed to capture the unique relationship between you and your best friend.

How it Works

01

Book Your Photo Session

The first step is to secure your session date and time with me. After you submit an inquiry form, we’ll discuss the options for your session and then you’ll receive a link to a booking proposal. This is where you’ll select a date and time for the session, submit your retainer, and review and sign my contract. Once that’s all complete, you’re booked!

02

Pre-Session Questionnaire

Two weeks before your scheduled session, you’ll receive a questionnaire asking more about yourself and your pet(s), what you like to do together, and more. This is where I get more information about food allergies (for the pets) and any behavioral things I should know about. This is when we will begin determining the photo location for your session based on my location guide.

03

Pre-Session Reminders

As the session gets closer, I’ll be checking the weather forecast to make sure we are good to go! Of course, sometimes the weather does get in the way and we can discuss rescheduling if that happens. If we’re good to go, you’ll receive a reminder email from me and more information for the shoot day!

04

Your Photo Session

During the photo session, I like to do slow introductions to ensure your pet is feeling comfortable with me and safe in front of the camera. This might be the first time they’re ever been to a photo session or seen a big camera, so I like to keep it super chill. Depending on the location, we’ll walk around a bit and let your pet get familiar with the new space. I believe that the best photos are the ones that capture your pet's true personality. I encourage you both to be yourselves, and I'll capture those candid moments that truly showcase your special bond.

05

Post-Session Proofing Gallery

After your session, I will carefully select and lightly edit photos for your proofing gallery. This gallery will include a few fully edited images to see what the result will be. You will select your favorites from the proofing gallery to be included in your fully edited final gallery.

06

The Final Editing Process

Once you've finalized your selections, I will put your final images in the queue for editing. This is where I complete the editing process for each of your images, removing any distractions and bringing the photo to life. The timeline for final editing depends on the season and my current workload, but you will receive an estimate from me.

07

Your Online Gallery

After the final editing is completed, you will receive a link to your gallery of fully edited images. You will have access to download the images in both high- and web-resolution, as well as order a wide variety of physical products from within the gallery store. Your gallery will be available for one year, but I do recommend downloading your images and saving them to your computer and to a cloud storage service, so you never lose them.

08

Order Prints & More

Within your gallery store, you can order photo prints, framed prints, canvas, and so much more! If you’d prefer to find your own deals, please use the high-resolution files provided for the best quality. I’m always available to help you in this process, if you need me!

09

Enjoy Your Photos

The final step is to enjoy the photos captured of you and your best friend! For some, this might be with printed images hung carefully on the wall. For others, it's a with a beautiful album or coffee table book to flip through. I love sharing photos on social media, too! Whichever boat you're in, please don't let the images sit on some cloud server or hard drive somewhere, collecting metaphorical dust. Enjoy the photos and share them!

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FAQ

FAQ

Have questions about Scruff Life Photography's services? Check out the FAQ below for answers to some of the most commonly asked questions. If you don't see the information you're looking for, please don't hesitate to reach out to me directly.

  • My pet takes a while to warm up to new people. Will this make a photo session difficult?
    Most of the pets I photograph take a little bit to warm up to strangers and that's totally okay! The timeframes provided for each session are flexible (aside from mini sessions) to allow for some introductions and time to adjust. My goal is that you and your pet have a safe and fun photo experience with me and that the images captured represent the pet you know and love, not one that was anxious or stressed about the photo session.
  • Does my pet need to be off-leash to get nice photos?
    Not at all. Most of the pets I photograph are on leash during their sessions. This can be for a variety of reasons, but most of all is that I shoot in state, regional, and county parks and nearly all of these have leash laws in place. With a little bit of instruction, I will show you how to hold the leash such that it is easy for me to edit it out later. This keeps your pet safe, keeps us in good standing with the parks, and is an overall win-win!
  • I have a reactive dog. Is it even possible to photograph him/her?
    Yes, it is totally possible and I've done it multiple times with other reactive dogs and their owners. The key is finding the right location and going at the right time of day. As a reactive dog mom myself, I know the anxiety you probably feel when you take your dog out even on a simple walk. As your photographer, I bring the same level of awareness and care to our sessions as I do on my own outings with my reactive dog. I am dedicated to ensuring that we have a smooth session together to create images you love.
  • Where are you located? Do you charge travel fees for photo sessions?
    I'm based in Forest Lake, MN, and happily travel to session locations within a 35-mile radius, which includes my favorite Minneapolis parks locations. Outside of this radius, I do charge a modest travel fee of $1/mile.
  • Can I book the celebration package even if my pet if just getting older, but otherwise in good health?
    Yes, you're welcome to book a celebration package for whenever you feel it is the right time. It's not always possible to schedule these sessions in advance, but it's often easier on them if they are still moving well and enjoying life with you. Whether your pet is only here for another day or for several more years, this option is available to you.
  • I see a lot of dogs in your portfolio. Do you photograph other animals?
    While dogs are my most common subject, I do photograph a variety of animals and I'm always up for photographing more! I have experience photographing cats, horses, rabbits, and guinea pigs, and would love to work with more.
  • How can I prepare for an amazing photo session with my pet?
    Before your session, you’ll receive a detailed email from me, but here are a couple of suggestions: For you, being well-rested and having your outfit picked out in advance will help with any stress you may have in front of the camera. During your session, try not to stress about what your pet is doing. I’ve seen it all and I’m here for it. :) For your pet, it’s important to make sure they’ve had their usual amount of exercise for the day. Not too worn out, but also not bouncing off the walls. You can also bring a favorite treat/toy for me to grab their attention.
  • I'm not sure what location would work best for a photo session. Can you help me pick a location?
    Yes, of course! During the planning process, you'll receive access to my detailed location guide that includes over a dozen options across the Twin Cities. The guide includes information about each location including permit/parking info, a brief description, and sample photos from the location in various seasons. I am always adding to this location guide, so even returning clients can find new and exciting backdrops for their photo adventures with Scruff Life Photography!
  • I don't know what I would wear to a photo session. Can you help me with outfit ideas?
    Of course! In addition to the style guide you'll receive when you book a photo session with me, I'm happy to help you with outfit ideas for your session. There are several factors that go into picking an outfit for your session, but number one is what makes you feel confident and like YOU! You can also consider what colors will also present, such as yellow sunflowers or white snow. I can help you pick colors that compliment the landscape and your pet.
  • What happens after the session?
    Post-Session Proofing: After your session, I will carefully select and lightly edit photos for your proofing gallery. This gallery will include a few fully edited images to see what the result will be. You will select your favorites from the proofing gallery to be included in your fully edited final gallery. Final Editing Process: Once you've finalized your selections, I will put your final images in the queue for editing. This is where I complete the editing process for each of your images, removing any distractions and bringing the photo to life. The timeline for final editing depends on the season and my current workload, but you will receive an estimate from me. Your Online Gallery: After the final editing is completed, you will receive a link to your gallery of fully edited images. You will have access to download the images in both high- and web-resolution, as well as order a wide variety of physical products from within the gallery store. Your gallery will be available for one year, but I do recommend downloading your images and saving them to your computer and to a cloud storage service, so you never lose them.
  • Can I order photo prints and products from you directly?
    Yes! Your private, online gallery includes a web store that links you directly to some of the best professional photo labs in the United States. You'll have access to photo prints, framed prints, canvases, albums, calendars, and more all from within your online gallery. This ensures that you are ordering products from the best labs and you're using the highest quality image files to do so. Win-win!

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A dog is sitting and looking to the left with a beautiful sunset behind her. She is relaxed and wearing a bandana. The scene is warm and full of green, yellow, and orange hues.

Ready to capture some memories?

I understand that your pet is a cherished member of your family. Let me help you capture the bond you share. Book your session with me today and I'll create beautiful pieces of art that you will cherish for a lifetime.

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