A Dogs Only Photography Studio | No Cats. No People. Just Dog Portraits.

PET ART WORTH WAGGING ABOUT

DOG PHOTOGRAPHY DONE DIFFERENTLY

CONTEMPORARY PORTRAIT ART FOR THE MODERN DOG LOVER

A Puptrait is so much more than a photoshoot with your dog.

Each of our pet portrait commissions is a celebration of a most special bond, faithfully captured and dutifully crafted with care into a one one-of-a-kind piece of photographic art.

Our talented team of professional pet photographers are dedicated to capturing only the most resonating features of our canine subjects. Engaging and communicating with dogs on their terms, we are able to move beyond simply documenting appearances and capture more genuine expressions and those remarkable, yet intangible hallmark traits that define a dog's unique personality.

Guided by stunningly creative concepts, aided by unique handmade costumes and masterful studio lighting, every photo is meticulously composed in camera at our dog friendly studio location in Baltimore and in homes throughout all of Maryland, Washington D.C., and Northern Virginia.

Un-rushed and un-compromised, our studio's unique approach to pet photography consistently produces some of the most inspired pet portraiture within the Mid Atlantic and beautiful large format art prints that any true dog lover will cherish for a lifetime.

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PAPER HAT PET PORTRAITS

STUDIO SESSIONS FEATURING EXCLUSIVE PET COSTUME DESIGNS

As seen on iHeartDogs.com, Bored Panda, Art Fido, and countless news outlets around the world, this distinctly stylish and eco-friendly portrait concept is what put our studio on the map.

Once assembled, these hats are not dyed or painted (unless requested), resulting in a vibrant texture and spontaneous patterning that lends for a unique dog portrait experience that is truly like nothing else. The unique coloration and design patterns decorating our Paper Hat costumes are composed entirely from carefully sorted and painstakingly arranged scraps of paper. Each piece is handmade by our studio founder and master pet photographer, J.B. Shepard, from upcycled post consumer paper products – including old newspapers, cardboard boxes, paper plates, junk mail and an assortment of other reclaimed items.

We maintain a rotating stock of ready-made Paper Hats at our studio. There is no additional charge for our private pet portrait clients to use a ready-made Paper Hat during their studio session. However, custom designed and fitted costumes can be made to order for a nominal fee.

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COMPOSITE PET PORTRAITS

BLENDING IMAGERY WITH IMAGINATION

Looking for something a bit more fantastic?

Composite pet portraits move beyond the narrow confines of the lens, resulting in imagery that would otherwise be impossible to capture in camera.

Blending masterful studio lighting, practical props, clever costume designs and sophisticated forced perspective staging techniques with advanced digital editing tools, these creative pet portrait concepts are limited only by our imagination.

Every composite portrait commission is a unique client collaboration. From requests for subtle whimsical flourishes to more inspired and comprehensive surreal compositions based on simple thematic prompts, clients are free to lend as little or as much guidance as they would like throughout the production process.

Due to the open-ended nature of these projects and the level of complexity that they often require to complete, we bill all advanced editing and compositing requests strictly on an hourly basis. Please contact the studio directly (443.604.0711) to discuss your composite pet art commission and project requirements prior to scheduling a session.

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ENVIRONMENTAL PET PORTRAITS

IN HOME & ON LOCATION DOG PHOTOGRAPHY

Looking for a pet portrait style that is a bit more natural or scenic?

We regularly photograph dog portraits in homes and on locations across all of Maryland, Washington D.C., and Northern Virginia - including along the Baltimore Inner Harbor and in front of the Patterson Park Pagoda, the National Aquarium, Washington Monument, the Bromo Seltzer Tower, and countless other iconic landmarks located throughout the Mid Atlantic.

Is your pet older, struggle with mobility, or otherwise not up for a trip to our studio? No worries. As long as you have enough room to setup, we are happy to bring backdrops, stands and studio style lights to you.

Both on location and in home sessions are sitting fee free for those private pet portrait clients that meet or exceed their minimum print commitment.

Sitting fees and minimum print commitments for environmental portrait sessions vary by location, generally increasingly with distance traveled from our studio located in Baltimore, Maryland. Please visit our pricing page to view a full list of fees and minimums listed by region and county.

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DEDICATED TO DOGS

EXPERIENCE THE PUPTRAIT DIFFERENCE

ONE-ON-ONE STUDIO SESSIONS

Our dog friendly photo studio is located in Baltimore, Maryland within the neighborhood of Hampden. Hampden is one of the more dog friendly and safer neighborhoods in Baltimore, located conveniently just off the Jones Falls Expressway (i-83). Hampden features a number of great independently owned shops, restaurants, microbreweries, bars and coffeeshops - including several within walking distance of our studio that allow dogs or offer dog friendly outside seating.

IN HOME & ON LOCATION SHOOTS

Don't feel like making the trip to Baltimore with your dog? No problem. We're happy to come to you! We regularly shoot in homes and on locations throughout all of Maryland, Northern Virginia, Washington D.C., and Delaware.

CONVENIENT APPOINTMENT TIMES

We are available to shoot 7 days a week, including during weekends and most holidays, from 12PM until 10 PM. To help minimize distractions and better accommodate our more skittish, reactive and messier guests our studio hours are by appointment only. To schedule a pet portrait session or to view studio availability please use our online scheduling app located below.

ELDERLY & SICK DOG ACCOMMODATIONS

We have worked with many dogs with mobility and other health-related issues, and have become quite adept at structuring sessions that minimize potential pain points and stress triggers. We offer priority booking to dogs sick with potentially terminal illnesses and in instances where a pup is scheduled for treatments that may alter their appearance, such as chemo or radiation therapy.

PAY ONLY FOR PRINTS

When we say that a Puptrait is more than a photoshoot, we mean it. Sessions are just one step in our commission process. Which is why unlike a lot of other photo studios, we only charge most of our dog portrait clients just for prints. As long as you meet your minimum post shoot print commitment and your order is placed within 30 days of your session date you won't be charged any studio fees, session fees, dog portrait sitting fees - even standard shipping is already included in the cost of pet photography prints.

PROFESSIONAL DOG PHOTOGRAPHERS

Photographing dogs isn't just something we do - it's all we do. We don't photograph weddings, people or work with other pets. We are full-time professional dog portrait artists. Our Baltimore studio location is used exclusively to photograph dogs and pet products. Our studio space is shed friendly, poop conscious and reactive resistant. Making it a happy and safe place for dogs of all ages, sizes, temperaments, and training levels.

MASTERFUL LIGHTING & PHOTO EDITING

Our studio's collection of photo gear, lighting equipment and seamless backgrounds were assembled singularly for the purpose of photographing dogs. In fact, many of the reflectors and light modifiers that we use on a day-to-day basis were designed and fabricated in-house by our staff, specifically tailored to optimally capture fur and snout details in our canine subjects.

PATIENT & UNRUSHED SHOOTS

Patience is the key to working with dogs. Dogs require time to relax, open up in front of the camera and achieve their natural (more) calm state. We find most sessions take roughly an hour and a half to complete. But it's not unusual for some dogs to require more time, and in those instances, we'll stay and work with your pet for as long as we need to for no additional charge.

EXCLUSIVE COSTUME DESIGNS

The Puptrait Studio is the only place you'll find our signature Paper Hat collection. Every Paper Hat is an original creation, painstakingly made by hand by the Puptrait Studio founder and lead photographer, J.B. Shepard. Never dyed or painted, Paper Hats achieve their unique geometric patterning and coloration from careful sorting and placement of varying tints, hues and shapes of newsprint clippings ensuring a truly unique pet portrait experience.

ONLINE PROOFING & DIGITAL DOWNLOADS

We understand how important sharing your new photos on Instagram and Facebook can be. Which is why all Puptrait clients receive mobile friendly web ready sized digital copies of the highlights from their session.

DOG LOVERS LOVE US

5 STAR PET PHOTOGRAPHY

Since opening in 2015, the Puptrait Studio has maintained a perfect 5 Star rating on Yelp, Trip Advisor, Facebook, Groupon, & Google.

What a great service! JB came to our house in NOVA on two days notice, and took photos of our Akita both inside and out. He was so patient with our sweet, but independent minded dog. The photos he procured were worth the effort! He puts real creative, artistic talent into every step of the process, and will provide a great one-on-one customer experience. I highly recommend this service to anyone who wants to capture a unique image of their beloved dog for life!

M. FogartyOn Location Pet Portrait Client - Alexandria, Virginia

Great service and experience! Patient and helpful throughout. Absolutely love the results. 5 stars

P. BergerStudio Pet Portrait Client - Baldwin, Maryland

I brought my dogs up from DC to JB's studio and they had a great time!! He manages to let their personalities shine through whatever pictures he takes. To get border collies to sit still, much less, pose for the camera, is always a challenge but JB managed it. The pictures are FABULOUS and my friends and fellow dog lovers are very impressed at the quality of the shots! I have been and will continue to recommend the Puptrait Studio.

L. BulanIn-Home Pet Portrait Client - Beltsville, Maryland

I didn't know what to get my boyfriend for Christmas but I knew he was obsessed with his Bull Mastiff. Puptrait came out and was amazing. Not only was the final product even better then anticipated but they spent hours getting just the right shot. They WILL NOT disappoint. My boyfriend tells everyone about the picture and swears it's the best thing he's ever received.

R. RaveraOn Location Pet Portrait Client - Canton, Baltimore, Maryland

I am in LOVE with the prints I received from JB. The artistry of the photos and quality of prints are unmatched from other places I checked out. JB is committed to a high quality product, and has an excellent artistic eye. I am SO glad I followed his advice to only bring one dog in at a time. Seriously, this guy knows what he’s doing.

A. SouleStudio Pet Portrait Client - Lutherville, Maryland

Thank you, J.B. Shepard at Puptrait Studio, for capturing the fabulousness of Arlo Pugsley! Anybody who is considering professional doggy photos should definitely check these guys out. Patient, professional, and outstanding results.

E. SanfordStudio Pet Portrait Client - Hampden, Baltimore, Maryland

JB did an amazing job with my golden doodle! He was very patient and professional. The images exceeded my expectations! We will have another pup soon and plan to work with JB again once our pup is 6 months. This was a refreshing experience, as you never know what to expect when working with someone for the first time. I highly recommend Puptrait!

D. RhodesStudio Pet Portrait Client - Hunt Valley, Maryland

Pictures create a lasting memory and J.B of the Puptrait Studio took the most wonderful photos of my Golden Shepherd. The photos ranged from serious, to relaxing, to brilliant hilarity with fun props. His photo service is totally worth it and highly recommend the Puptrait Studio!

M. Greenwood