Photography FAQ

What areas do you service?

Our service areas are the very same as the ones that we service for dog walking and cat sitting. 

Areas include: 

• ​Old Town
• Gold Coast
• River North
• Streeterville
• Loop
• South Loop​

Chicago Urban Pets are willing to travel to locations outside these parameters, but there will be a travel fee that will be required that varies on the location. 

What if I want photos on location? 

Location photos are f a n t a s t i c and we highly recommend. 

Please be aware that if the location is a half a mile outside of your home that is in an area we service, you will be required to travel with your animal to the location of your choice. 

Otherwise, we will be happy to meet you in your home and meet your furry friend for their debut! 

If the location is over 2 miles, there will be a travel fee that will be required. 

What happens if there are weather problems?

We do live in Chicago where weather is always i n s a n e. 

If there is severe weather like weather under 32 (with windchill) we could adjust the location, if outside, to an indoor location like your home or other.

If that does not work, we would be happy to reschedule the shoot to another time. 

Do you provide treats and toys?

Sometimes dogs are treat and toy motivated, with that saying -- we do provide both.

If you would like to use your own treats, we would be happy to not use our provided treats. 

For toys, we do have a set of props we like to use during the shoot but if there is anything specific you would like your furry friend to be specifically photographed with, we would be happy to do so!

What is the difference between general edits and advanced retouching?

General edits is the process to do basic adjustments to the photograph like:

• exposure
• contrast
• color temperature
• sharpening
• cropping the image

Advanced retouching is a much more extensive process where there are adjustments with

• acne removal
• mole removal
• fly aways removal
• background distraction removal
  • objects 
  • people
• dodging and burning

Am I required to be there for the shoot?

Some people want to be there for the shoot while others don't mind us taking photos. 

It is completely up to you. We would highly recommend you being there for the shoot since many times the animal is more responsive to you. 

I'm being photographed, is there anything I should know? 

If you are being photographed as well, we have a set of suggestions that will help make the photo experience better. 

1. Clothing 
Clothing is a form of expression and the clothes that you pick to wear will reflect your personality in the images. Simpler the better.

• Solid colors look great in headshots.
• If going with a pattern keep it simple.
• Start with a simple shirt or blouse and slowly add layers.
• Make sure that ALL clothes are ironed and pressed before the shoot. Wrinkles in clothes are difficult to Photoshop out.

2. Hair

• Bring a brush and some hair product (gel/hairspray) with you to the shoot to help calm fly-aways, if you can. 
  
• Hair should be in a flattering natural style. 

3. Make Up & Face

• Start natural. Just enough to cover up any blemishes.
• Too much makeup may seem distracting.
• Bring lip balm or lip gloss with you to help keep lips looking soft.
• The night before brush your lips with your toothbrush to help get rid of any dead skin.​