You asked, We answered: Frequently Asked Questions about Pet Photography
Answers from Toes and Beans Photography
At Toes and Beans Photography, we specialize in photographing pets—the wiggly, the shy, the wild, and the wonderful. Whether you're welcoming a new rescue into your home or cherishing a senior pet’s golden years, we hear your questions all the time. And today, we're answering.
You Love Your Pet, and You Want to Remember This
You adore your furry family member. You’ve filled your phone with snapshots—some blurry, some perfect—but you want something more. Something timeless. You imagine having a beautiful portrait of your dog, cat, or rescued rabbit that captures their personality and spirit forever.
But…
You’re not sure your pet would “cooperate.”
You’re unsure what the process involves.
You wonder if pet photography is really *for you*.
Let’s walk through it together.
You’re Not Sure What to Expect
Most people believe that in order to have professional pet portraits taken, their pet needs to:
* Be perfectly trained
* Sit on command
* Be social with strangers
* Stay still for long periods
And we’re here to tell you:
That’s simply not true.
In fact, we photograph pets that bark, bolt, sniff, wiggle, and squirm all the time. It’s not just normal—it’s expected. Our sessions are built around making your pet feel comfortable and safe, with no pressure to “perform.”
So if you're wondering, “What if my dog won’t sit still?” or “My cat is super shy, is that a problem?”—you’re in the right place.
Sylvie, a shy adult cat awaiting adoption.
We’ve Seen It All (and We Love It)
At Toes and Beans Photography, we’ve worked with every type of pet personality:
* High-energy puppies
* Nervous rescues
* Feisty felines
* Gentle seniors
* Barkers, bolters, cuddlers, and curious types
We're based in Strathcona County Alberta, just outside of Edmonton, and our sessions are always designed with patience, flexibility, and empathy at the core. We take time to get to know your pet, respect their boundaries, and work at their pace—whether that means a bit of play, a long sniff around the space, or simply hanging back and letting them warm up.
We never expect perfection. We aim for real connection.
Cali in a rare moment of stillness!
Answers to Your Most Frequently Asked Pet Photography Questions
🐾 “Does my pet need to be trained?”
Not at all.
We work with pets of all training levels. Most don’t sit or stay perfectly—and that’s totally okay. We use natural cues, treats, toys, and a lot of patience to bring out the best in them. Some of the most memorable photos come from candid, unexpected moments.
🐾 “My pet is shy/scared/aggressive with strangers. Can we still do this?”
Yes!
We take time to understand your pet’s temperament before the session. For shy or reactive animals, we can:
* Use longer lenses to give them space
* Avoid direct interaction if needed
* Use calming techniques and quiet environments
* Offer home sessions or private outdoor locations
Your pet’s emotional safety always comes first.
🐾 “Can I be in the photo too?”
Absolutely., it is great when pet parents want to be photographed with their family member!
Many pet parents choose to be part of the portraits, even if it's just your hands holding a paw or a gentle cuddle. We’ll guide you with natural, comfortable posing. You don’t need to be camera-ready—we focus on connection over perfection.
🐾 “What if my pet won’t stop moving?”
We roll with it.
Movement is part of who they are! We anticipate energy and use fast shutter speeds, engaging setups, and creative timing to capture magic in motion. Often, it’s those mid-run, mid-leap, mid-zoom moments that become client favourites.
🐾 “Do I need to bring anything?”
Just your pet and a few essentials:
* Their favourite treats or snacks
* A favourite toy or comfort item
* A leash or harness (even for cats—it helps during setup!)
* Poop bags and water for outdoor sessions
We bring backup treats, accessories, and calm energy. You bring the love.
🐾 “Where does the session happen?”
We offer sessions in:
* Beautiful outdoor locations across Alberta
* Your home (perfect for shy or senior pets)
* Occasionally, indoor studio setups with controlled lighting
We help you choose a location that suits your pet’s personality and your vision.
🐾 “Will my pet need to be off-leash?”
Nope.
In fact, we recommend leashes for safety in any area you are unsure of or not in your yard or off leash park. Many photos you see in our portfolio were taken with a leash on and removed later in post-processing. Safety first, always.
🐾 “What do I get from the session?”
Every Toes and Beans session includes:
* A relaxed, pet-centered experience
* A fully edited gallery of high-resolution images
* Transparent pricing—no surprise add-ons or upsells
* Guidance on how to select and use your images
You’re not just getting a file—you’re getting art that means something.
Marigold was a shy girl, so we took her photo from farther away.
Don’t Wait for “Perfect”
If you’re reading this and thinking,
“I should wait until my puppy is older…”
“My rescue still needs time to adjust…”
or
“She’s not great with new people yet…”
We understand that instinct—but here’s the truth:
There is no perfect time.
Photograph your pet exactly as they are—wiggles, quirks, and all. Because this is their story. And one day, you’ll be so glad you didn’t wait.
📅 Ready to Book? 💬 Still have questions? Get in touch today! toesandbeansphotography@gmail.com
📍 Serving pet lovers across Alberta
You’ll Have More Than Just Photos
When you book a session with Toes and Beans Photography, you’re not just getting a cute picture of your dog or cat. You’re investing in:
* A joyful memory of the day you spent with them
* A permanent piece of your family story
* Photos you’ll return to when the house feels quiet
* Artwork that celebrates their personality—not perfection
Because pets don’t live forever. But the love they leave behind? That’s what we capture.
Heidi is looking at you-what are you waiting for?
What Happens If You Wait Too Long?
We hate to say it—but we hear this one a lot:
“I wish I’d done this sooner.”
Life moves fast. Puppies grow up. Seniors slow down. Rescues bloom and change in beautiful, unpredictable ways. The only wrong time to document your pet’s life is *later*—because sometimes, later doesn’t come.
A professional photo can become one of your most treasured possessions.
From “I’m Not Sure” to “I’m So Glad I Did”
After reading this, we hope you feel empowered. You don’t need:
* A trained pet
* A fancy home
* A perfect moment
You just need the love you already have—and someone who knows how to capture it.
That’s us.
We’re Here to Help You Remember
At Toes and Beans Photography, our mission is simple:
To help you hold onto the love you feel for your pet, forever.
If you’ve ever wondered what a professional pet session is really like, we hope this answered your questions. If you’re still unsure—reach out. We’re happy to talk it through.
There’s no pressure. Just paws, patience, and portraits with heart.
Let’s Make Some Magic!
Most of our pets don’t know tricks or commands, but they are forever funny!