Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know.

Can’t find what you’re looking for? Get in touch and I’ll be happy to help.

Booking & Availability

How do I book a session?

All sessions can be booked directly through the online booking system via the Book Now page. Once your booking is confirmed you’ll receive a pre-session questionnaire and a detailed information pack to help you and your dog prepare for the day.

How far in advance can I book?

Availability is released several months in advance and can always be viewed through the online booking calendar. Some sessions – particularly Legacy and Watch Me Grow bookings – fill quickly, so I’d recommend securing your preferred date as early as possible.

What days and times are sessions available?

Session availability varies throughout the week and may include weekdays, evenings and selected weekends. Current availability is always visible through the online booking system.

Payment & Cancellations

How do I make payment for my session?

Full payment is required at the time of booking via secure online card payment. This secures your session date and time. Watch Me Grow sessions are structured differently – please see below.

What is the Watch Me Grow payment structure?

Watch Me Grow requires a 50% deposit ($897.50) at the time of booking, which secures all three sessions. The remaining balance is split into two equal payments of $448.75, due one week prior to your second and third sessions respectively.

What is your cancellation policy?

We understand that life is unpredictable, so here’s how cancellations and reschedulings work:

If you need to cancel with more than two weeks notice, you’ll receive a full refund of your session fee. If life gets in the way closer to your session – between one and two weeks out – your fee becomes a credit you can put toward rescheduling, with no financial penalty. Cancellations within one week of your session are unfortunately non-refundable, as that time is very difficult to fill at short notice.

If you need to reschedule rather than cancel, I’m happy to do that with more than one week’s notice – one reschedule per booking at no charge.

In the unlikely event that I need to cancel or reschedule on my end, you’ll receive a full refund or priority rebooking – whichever works best for you.

What if there was a situation where my dog passes away before all Watch Me Grow sessions are completed?

We are so sorry if you find yourself in this situation. Any unused sessions will be refunded in full. Please don’t hesitate to reach out – we’ll handle everything with care and sensitivity.

Preparing for Your Session

Should my dog be groomed before their session?

A fresh groom is entirely optional. Some owners love booking shortly after a grooming appointment, while others prefer a more natural look. The most important thing is that your dog looks and feels like themselves – that’s who we’re here to photograph.

Should my dog come hungry?

If your dog is food motivated, arriving a little hungry can be really helpful for capturing engagement and expression. Please don’t skip meals entirely, as this can make dogs a little too treat focused, but consider holding back their usual treats and bringing along some of their favourite high-value rewards on the day.

What should I bring to the session?

We recommend bringing their favourite treats and a favourite toy or two if they have one, and a lead and collar for arrival and departure. If your dog has travelled any distance to the studio, we recommend allowing time for a short walk and toilet break before coming in.

Can I bring a special item or prop from home?

Absolutely – and we love it when you do. Personal items add real meaning and personality to portraits and can be especially beautiful for puppy sessions, milestone shoots and senior dogs. Let us know in your pre-session questionnaire what you’ll be bringing and we’ll plan around it.

Can I request specific shots or styles?

Yes, absolutely. Your pre-session questionnaire is the perfect place to ask for any poses, expressions, props or ideas you’d love to include. Every dog has their own personality and limits, but I’ll always do my absolute best to bring your vision to life where possible in the session.

On the Day

Who should attend the session?

We recommend one to two calm adults attend the session. Dogs tend to settle and perform best with a quiet, familiar presence rather than an excited audience. If you’d like to bring children, please have a chat with me beforehand so we can plan accordingly.

What if my dog is nervous, anxious or very energetic? What if they won’t sit still?

This is one of the most common concerns I hear – and I promise you, there is no such thing as a dog who is too nervous, too bouncy or too distracted for a Solas Studio session. The dogs you see on this website did not sit still for their entire sessions. Some of them only held still for the 1/125th of a second it took to capture the shot. I work with your dog’s energy, not against it. I use positive reinforcement throughout, follow your dog’s lead, and know how to read when they need a break, a reset or simply a moment to sniff something interesting. You’d be amazed at the photos we capture with every the most crazy dogs!

What if my dog has an off day and the session isn’t going well?

Dogs have off days just like people do. Sessions are designed to be flexible and adaptable, with plenty of time for breaks and settling in. If there are genuine welfare concerns that make it impossible to continue, we’ll discuss the best solution together on the day – your dog’s wellbeing always comes first.

Can I bring a special item or prop from home?

Yes. The studio is a private, fully contained space – there are no other animals, no traffic and no escape routes. Your dog is welcome to sniff, explore and settle in at their own pace before we begin.

Your Images

How long until I receive my images?

Your finished images will be delivered via a private online gallery, usually within two to three weeks of your session. You’ll receive a notification when your gallery is ready, and images can be viewed, downloaded and shared from any device.

How many images will I receive?

The number of edited digital images included varies by package – full details are on the Packages page. All images are professionally edited and delivered in high resolution, yours to keep, print and share forever.

Can I purchase additional images?

Yes. If there are additional images from your session that you’d love to add to your collection, these can be purchased after your gallery is delivered. I’ll be in touch with details when your images are ready.

What is the printing credit and how do I use it?

All main packages include a printing credit with our preferred professional printing partner – $100 for most packages and $250 for the Watch Me Grow package. Details on how to redeem your credit will be included with your image gallery. We include this because we want your images on your walls around your home, office or other special places, not just on your phone.

Do you offer professional printing or wall art directly?

Not at this stage. All packages include high resolution digital images for you to print however you wish, along with your printing credit to get you started. Professional print products may become available in the future.

The Studio

Where is Solas Studio located?

Solas Studio is located on the edge of the Swan Valley in Perth, Western Australia. The exact address is provided upon booking confirmation.

Is there parking available?

Yes – convenient on-site parking is available for all clients.

Is the studio accessible?

The studio is designed to be welcoming and accessible for clients of all ages and abilities. If you or your dog have any specific access requirements, or require access for a wheelchair or mobility device, please let me know prior to your session so I can make sure everything is ready for you.

Is the studio airconditioned?

Yes. The studio is fully air conditioned to keep both dogs and humans comfortable throughout the year – including during Perth’s warmer months.

Legacy Sessions

How do I know if now is the right time to book a Legacy Session?

If you’re asking yourself this question, it probably is. These sessions book quickly and the one thing I hear most often from clients afterwards is that they wish they had booked sooner. If your dog is slowing down, receiving palliative care, or simply getting older and you want to capture who they are right now – please don’t wait. If you’re unsure, reach out. We can talk it through together with no obligation to book.

Will my dog be comfortable during a Legacy Session?

Absolutely. Legacy Sessions are the slowest, most relaxed sessions I offer. There is no agenda, no pressure and no rushing. We move entirely at your dog’s pace, take as many breaks as needed, and keep handling gentle throughout. Your dog’s comfort and dignity are the only priority.

Can I be in the photos with my dog?

Yes – for Legacy Sessions, and I would encourage it. Some of the most meaningful portraits from these sessions are the quiet ones – a hand resting on a head, a nose tucked into a neck, a dog simply being held by the person who loves them most. We can include or not include your face as you prefer.

I’m worried I’ll be emotional during the session. Is that ok?

More than ok. I have a background in health and therapeutic care and I understand that Legacy Sessions carry emotional weight that goes beyond photography. You don’t need to hold it together. I am comfortable holding that space with you, and I consider it a genuine privilege to do so. My role is to capture the love your dog brings, however that feels on the day.

Still have a question?

I’m always happy to help. Get in touch and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.