What to Expect


Here's how it works.

 

 

A four-step pet photography process guide covering consultation, planning, portrait day, and gallery delivery.
A happy spotted dog sits upright on a road with tongue out, against a blurred green background.

Frequently asked questions

What if my pet won't sit still?

Perfectly okay. Most pets don't. My sessions are relaxed and designed around your pet's personality rather than strict posing.

Can I be in the photos?

Absolutely. Whether you'd like a few portraits together or prefer the focus to be entirely on your pet, we can plan for that.

What should I bring?

Favorite treats and toys, a long leash, water, and anything that helps your pet feel comfortable. I'll provide additional suggestions before your session.

Where do the sessions take place?

Most sessions take place outdoors in the Asheville area, though in-home sessions are available for cats, senior pets, and animals that are more comfortable in familiar surroundings.

What happens if the weather is bad?

If conditions aren't suitable, we'll simply reschedule for another date.

What kinds of animals do you photograph?

While many of my sessions feature dogs and cats, they're certainly not the only ones. Horses, farm animals, reptiles, birds, rescue animals, and other beloved companions are all welcome. If you're unsure whether your animal is a good fit, just ask.

Do you travel?

Yes. Destination sessions are available throughout the United States. Travel costs are quoted separately.

How long until I receive my photos?

Your gallery will be delivered within approximately 2 weeks.

Do you offer prints?

Yes. Professional-quality prints and wall art are available through your online gallery, though you're never required to purchase them.

Can I receive the unedited (RAW) images?

No. I only deliver fully edited, finished artwork.


Every image in your gallery has been carefully selected and hand-edited to reflect my artistic style. RAW files are unfinished working files—not the final product—and aren't included with any session. The images you receive are the ones I've chosen and refined to tell your pet's story at its best.

Testimonials

Melody is truly a dream to work with—for both dogs and humans!


From start to finish, she explains everything thoroughly so you always know what to expect, and during the session she does an amazing job of walking you through the shots she’s taking and what she needs from you. She is incredibly professional, warm, patient, and makes the entire experience feel easy and comfortable.


What impressed me most was how wonderful she was with Bear. He doesn’t always love humans, so I wasn’t sure how he would feel about a photography session, but Melody has such a natural way with animals. She brought out the absolute best in him and captured his personality perfectly—my happy-go-lucky little forest adventure puppy.


And the photos themselves are absolutely stunning. They are everything I hoped for and more, and I know I’ll treasure them forever.


We loved the experience so much that we already plan to work with Melody again to photograph our other pets!


If you’re in the Asheville area and are looking for someone to photograph you and your pets, I cannot recommend Melody highly enough. She is incredibly talented and genuinely wonderful to work with.



elizabeth t. — Asheville, nc

Testimonials

I was toying with the idea of getting professional pictures made of my aging dog, but never really acted on it. Then as if my phone was listening to me, an ad popped up while I was scrolling for Melody's pet photography business. That was certainly the right choice. Melody was so easy to work with, and was so good with my old gal. My dog is anxious and runs hot and pants all the time, so I had concerns about getting any good pictures because of her little doggie quirks. And she's a runner and can't be off leash at all, So I had no idea how Melody would pull this off! Melody was patient, had great ideas for settings, background and simple posing for pics, and we had a great experience working with her. A true professional. The pictures were all so good! Her online shop gives you the option to buy prints, canvas, etc., with absolutely no pressure to buy. If you want some amazing pet pictures with a true professional, call Melody. You will not be disappointed!



Amy P. — Asheville, nc

Testimonials

Our puppy is six months old and I wasn’t sure if he would cooperate to get a good shot. Melody connected with him immediately, loved on him and somehow got him in position for the perfect shots. She put us both at ease and the pictures are stunning!



Eve s. — Asheville, nc

Testimonials

I really enjoyed working with Melody for my cat’s photo session! She made the experience so comfortable and fun, and she was able to take so many beautiful, natural photos of him while he played and explored around the house. I absolutely love how she brought out his personality and captured all of those special little moments. I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for elevated photos of their pets!



jessica w. — Asheville, nc

Testimonials

Melody has taken more photos of my dogs over the years than I can count, and I’m always amazed by how beautiful they turn out. She somehow captures their personalities perfectly while making every photo look like it belongs framed on the wall.


taylor d. - montrose, co

Testimonials

Working with Melody was such a wonderful experience! She has an incredibly natural connection with animals, the entire session felt effortless and fun. She was so easy to work with and the photos turned out better than I could have imagined. Thank you so much!


linda n. — austin, tx