I love capturing your pet’s unique personality and celebrating your connection with each beloved dog or cat. Preserve precious moments as beautiful artwork for your home or social-worthy images to share with the world.
LAUREN BLYSKAL FINE ART PET PHOTOGRAPHY
Custom pet portraits in the Greater Houston Area on-location and outdoors
Hi, I'm Lauren!
Photographer, designer, dog mama, and rescue volunteer based in Richmond Texas, just west of Houston. Get to know me and how I can help you capture beautiful memories.
I’ve had a love of animals since I can remember, especially dogs. I’ve always had at least one dog since age two and readily admit to being a bit of crazy dog lady.
I’ve been involved with both shelters and rescue groups for years as a volunteer, fundraiser, photographer and designer, and absolutely love giving back to the animal community while getting love and puppy kisses in return.
My dad calls me the animal whisperer because I’ve yet to meet an animal that I didn’t like or one that didn’t like me. It’s always just been in my nature to put them at ease so it seemed like a natural fit to branch my photography into capturing these amazing creatures – their cuteness, silliness or spunk – to let their personalities shine through and create lasting memories for their fur-parents.
I hope to be able to work with you soon – I love animals and photography and want to share that joy with you as we turn it into art. Contact me to learn more or book your own special session.
THE PROCESS
BOOK
Step 1: Complete the “Book a Session” form to purchase your session fee retainer.
Step 2: I’ll reach out and we can collaborate to decide on the best date and time for your shoot based on availability and session goals.
PLAN
We’ll have a phone conversation before the photo shoot to decide the best location, talk about your pet and tailor the session to your unique pet.
PHOTO SESSION
Your session is typically between 1-2 hours. During this time I’ll get to know your pet and capture images of them both staged and at play.
ORDERING SESSION
After the photo session we’ll meet either in person or via zoom to look over your images as well as product samples and decide upon your order.
PRICING & PRODUCTS
A $250 session fee retainer is required to reserve the date for your photography session.
This includes:
- A planning consultation to figure out the details of your session
- The photo session (usually 1-2 hours) for pets and people from the same household
- An image reveal / ordering session to view your images, sample products and purchase your artwork
The retainer does not include any digital, prints or products. All products are purchased during the image reveal / ordering session.
WALL ART | ALBUMS | KEEPSAKES | DIGITAL FILES
Choose how to display your images
Wall Art
Wall Art is available in Metal, Canvas & Framed Prints
*Digital files are included of any images purchased as Wall Art*
Gallery Canvas: museum quality canvas, high-quality archival inks and laminate finish to protect the surface from scuffs, scratches, cracking and UV light
*Prices starting at $299
Metal Artwork: modern, sleek finish with vibrant colors and dimension
*Prices starting at $299
Traditional Frames: classic to modern, handcrafted frames in a variety of finishes and colors with archival photo finishes
*Prices starting at $299
Albums
High quality albums in a variety of sizes. Show off all the images you love in these coffee table worthy albums with extra thick lay-flat pages where your images span both pages with no gaps.
Digital images are included of any images included in an album.
*Prices starting at $1199
Keepsakes
Keepsakes are a selection of extra items that can be added to your order to dress up your home and office.
Album Block: collection of ten archival mounted prints displayed on a wooden block available in a variety of colors
8×10 Metal Easel Print: high quality metal print with easel back for easy display on table-top surfaces
Acrylic Block: 5×7″ photo print mounted to 1″ thick crystal clear acrylic for a beautiful display on any tabletop or shelf
Photo Cube: 4″ photo cube with protective laminate – images and or names/phrases on 5 sides
5 Desk Prints: Set of five classic 8×10 and smaller, mounted to non-bend backing with protective laminate
*Prices starting at $199
Digital Files
High Resolution and Social Media digital file sets in 5, 10, 20 and All images
High resolution files allow you to print any size for personal use.
Social media collections include eye-catching images specifically sized and optimized for online use without watermark. Let your pets strut their stuff on the screen or have access to additional images not ordered on any products.
*Prices starting at $399
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can my dog be on a leash during the session and still get beautiful photos?
Absolutely! Most of the photos I take are of dogs that are on leash because safety is the highest priority. I can remove leashes in post processing of your images so you’d never even know it was there. Harnesses are harder to remove in editing of final images, so I request that dogs being photographed arrive to the session with collar/leash, as opposed to a harness.
My dog never sits still…Can I still get great photos?
Even if your dog is a bouncy pup full of energy, I’ve got tricks up my sleeve to grab their attention to capture the perfect moment. We can discuss ahead of the photo shoot whether your dog responds to treats, noises, certain toys, etc. to be best prepared.
Do you photograph pets other than dogs?
Yes! I’ve photographed mostly dogs and cats but am open to taking portraits of other types of furry, feathered or scaled family members as well. Feel free to reach out with any questions.
How much are your photo shoots, collections, and artwork?
Photo shoot sessions are $250. This includes your planning consultation, a 1 to 2 hour photo shoot adventure with you and your beloved pet(s), professional editing of your images and image reveal/ordering session.
Artwork such as wall art, including traditional framed prints, luxury metal prints, premium canvas prints and acrylic prints can be purchased a la carte (starting at $299). Albums capturing your entire session can also be purchased (starting at $1199) as well as keepsake pieces (starting at $199). Clients typically invest, on average, at least $1000 in artwork (not including session fee), but there is no pressure to spend a specific amount. Purchases of $1,500 or more in artwork will have the session fee converted to a $250 credit towards additional artwork purchases.
Throughout the year, limited edition sessions are available for themes such as wildflower season or fundraising for rescue organizations. The pricing of these sessions varies depending on location ranging from $50 and up. Join the VIP list to be the first to learn about these special sessions before they’re offered to the general public.
How can I show off my photos after they’re taken?
I offer a variety of choices to display your photos as beautiful artwork including a selection of wall art options, beautiful albums and keepsakes. Your images will be professionally edited and then displayed to you at an image reveal where I can help guide you through selection of your favorites as well as which options best fit in your home decor. All display options are archival quality with specialty materials to ensure they remain beautiful for your enjoyment. All images purchased on wall art and albums also include the digital file to keep for personal use and share on social media.
How long does a photo session last?
Typically, photo shoots range from 1 to 2 hours which includes time to set up any needed equipment, let your pet get to know me a bit, and the photographing itself.
How many pets can be photographed at a session?
Bring the whole pack! I don’t have a limit on number of animals in a session, only that they be from the same household to ensure they get along to keep a safe environment for all involved. We can get photos of everyone together as well as single images that can show off each individual and/or be composited into group shots catching each pet in their best pose.
Can I be in the photos with my pet?
That is completely up to you. Some pet parents just want a portrait of their furry family member and others enjoy hopping in front of the camera to show off that connection. If you would like to be in the images with your pet, I can assist with ideas for posing and wardrobe. The most important thing at any shoot is that you and your pet are comfortable and having fun – enjoying the experience will show in your final imagery.
Where do photo sessions take place?
Outdoor photo sessions:
Depending on the look you’re hoping to achieve for your photos and your pets’ temperament, we can hold the session in places like local parks or fun urban areas around the greater Houston area. During your planning consultation we’ll discuss which type of location works best for you and your pet and I can provide a number of suggestions to match.
Studio-style sessions:
I can travel to your home with my mobile studio setup to capture images of your pet against a selection of colored backdrops using professional lighting equipment. We will need a space approx. 8 feet x 10 feet minimum with hard flooring like tile, wood, wood-laminate, etc. to set up the backdrop and lighting equipment. If you have any concerns over whether you have a suitable space in your home to set up the mobile studio, feel free to reach out and discuss further.
What can I do to prepare for my photo session?
Have a look around my portfolio and social media to see if there’s any types of pictures you’re looking to capture specifically so we can tailor the shoot based on your feedback.
If you’re thinking to have wall art created, measure the space on walls you’re considering as that can help us pick out proper sizing when looking at wall art purchases. If you can take a phone snap of the walls in question or your home’s general décor so I can see it, even better!
Try working on sit, down and stay commands with your dog. Don’t worry if they haven’t quite got the hang of it by the time of the session – I’ve got tricks up my sleeve to capture their attention to grab the shot.
Bring a selection of favorite toys or treats that will get your pet’s attention during the shoot.
If you usually have your dog groomed, aim to have a grooming session a few days to a week ahead of the session.
If you’re planning to be in the photos with your pet(s), be thinking about what you would like to wear in the photos. Solid colors that offer some contrast with your pet’s fur tend to work best, but pick something that you feel comfortable in that reflects your style and personality.
What happens after the photo shoot?
After your photoshoot, I’ll select the best images and complete basic editing on them to showcase in your image reveal slideshow. This will take place approximately 2 weeks after your photo shoot. During the image reveal, we will view all your images together and I’ll help guide you through selection of photos, product offerings, and design a piece of artwork that best suits your needs. Orders are placed at the image reveal and any selected images will have extra editing magic to polish them. Artwork is produced by professional, high-end photo labs and can take 3-4 weeks to complete and be shipped back to me for quality inspection. Once your pieces are ready, we can coordinate for pickup or delivery and/or in-home installation.
I’m not sure what artwork I want, can you help?
During your planning consultation, we’ll discuss options such as wall art statement pieces, placement in your home and appropriate sizing, or whether you’d be better suited to a coffee-table style album to showcase your session of images. Part of the journey is utilizing my expertise in photography, design, and interior design to help guide you through the process. You will have a chance to see and touch the different options available to select just the right fit for your home.
How do I book a session?
Once you have filled out the “book a session” form to purchase your photo session retainer, I’ll reach out and we can collaborate to decide on the best date and time for your shoot based on availability and session goals. A la carte artwork and collection purchases are not billed until after the photo shoot, so no worries if you’re unsure ahead of time exactly what you’re looking to purchase. Part of the journey will be for me to use my expertise in photography, design, and interior design to help guide you through the process. For those who end up purchasing $1,500 or more in artwork, the session fee will be converted to a $250 credit for use towards additional artwork.
Do you charge extra for travel?
I live in Fort Bend County just south of Katy and travel throughout the greater Houston area. Some additional travel fees may apply for distances over 35 miles. If you live outside the Houston area and would like to schedule a photo shoot, please get in touch before booking and request a travel quote based on your location.
What if the weather doesn’t cooperate?
If the forecast looks like it will not be favorable to an outdoor photo session (example: rain or extreme heat), we may need to reschedule to another more suitable day. Sometimes varied weather can lead to interesting images, but in general, the better the weather, the more likely we will be to capture great images.
What if I need to cancel my session?
If you need to cancel your photography session you will receive a refund minus a $25 administration fee as long as you let me know 24 hours before your session. Sessions canceled within 24 hours are generally non-refundable aside from extenuating circumstances. Just let me know, and I’ll do my best to work with you.
Do you offer gift certificates?
Coming soon, gift certificates will be available for 3 levels of all-inclusive packages. Check back for more details.
Do you offer special sessions if my pet doesn’t have much time left?
I’m so sorry, I know how hard this time can be. End of life memory sessions are held as a regular session, but you will receive priority scheduling and I will make every effort to hold your session quickly to capture lasting memories of your beloved pet as soon as possible.
My rescue organization needs help with photos – do you offer photos for rescues?
Yes, I work with a variety of rescue organizations around Houston, donating my services to help furry friends put their best paw forward when looking for a forever home. I’m a firm believer that a powerful image can help showcase an animal and draw in potential adopters. Please have a rescue representative reach out to check availability and discuss further.