Paper Hats & Ruffs by Puptrait
Conceptual Pet Portraits Featuring Exclusive Pet Costumes
Celebrating a decade plus of hand-tailored pet costumes made from upcycled paper and cardboard at our dog-friendly studio in Baltimore, Maryland.
Costumes Designed for the Camera
Custom Tailored for Your Dog
Every Paper Hat and Ruff piece is a truly one-of-a-kind creation.
Designed with the exact measurements and training level / capabilities of our canine subjects in mind, every costume piece is handmade by our studio founder and master pet photographer, J.B. Shepard, from an eclectic mix of upcycled / found items and traditional art materials.
When illuminated by studio strobes and composed tightly in camera, this larger-than-life approach to pet portraiture often reveals hidden textures, details, and even messages that would otherwise not be noticeable to the naked eye. Resulting in imaginative perspectives and surreal imagery that simply cannot be achieved using off-the-shelf costumes or one-size-fits-all props.
Reveal Candid Expressions
Without Compromising Lighting or Image Clarity
Purposely not secured or strapped down in any way, our signature pet costumes are intended to be worn for only fractions of a second at a time. Our studio's more hands off / wabi-sabi approach to handling allows subjects to momentarily disengage from commands and allow pets to interact directly with props on their own terms.
While fleeting, these candid moments reveal a glimpse into the true personality of our subjects.
Stunningly Creative Imagery
Surprisingly Accessible Pricing
The $399 sitting fee for our signature Paper Hat & Ruff session includes:
- Collaborative Pre-Production Brainstorming
- Easy-to-Follow Measurement Instructions
- An Original Handmade Pet Costume
- One-On-One Studio Portrait Session (Up to 2 Hours)
- No Minimum Print Commitment Required
And yes -- you can keep the costume!
Fittings, Timelines & Special Requests
Quality Can't Be Rushed
As all of our costumes are made to order, we require a minimum of 2 weeks notice for all Paper Hat & Ruff commissions.
To help expedite the build process, we typically ask clients to supply measurements for most custom fittings over the phone or via email.
But if you would prefer for us to measure your dog directly, you are welcome to schedule a complimentary in-person fitting for your pup at our studio. Please note for in-person fittings we may need to reschedule your session for a later date to allow sufficient time for design and assembly.
We genuinely enjoy collaboration and are happy to entertain client concepts and other special requests. Please note that more sophisticated design requests and custom projects that require specific materials may incur additional fees.
Clients looking for a specific concept or style for their Paper Hat or Ruff are strongly encouraged to contact the studio directly 443.604.0711 for pricing and availability prior to booking.
Schedule a Costumed Dog Portrait Session
Questions? Call 443.604.0711 or email questions@puptrait.com
Dog Lovers Love Puptrait
But Don't Just Take Our Word For It...
I am in LOVE with the prints I received from the Puptrait Studio. The artistry of the photos and quality of prints are unmatched from other places I checked out. J.B. is committed to a high quality product, and has an excellent artistic eye. Seriously, this guy knows what he’s doing.
What a great service! J.B. 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!
Great service and experience! Patient and helpful throughout. Absolutely love the results. 5 stars!
I brought my dogs up from DC to the Puptrait Studio and they had a great time!! 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.
The Puptrait Studio came out and were amazing. Not only was the final product even better then anticipated but they spent hours getting just the right shot. They WILL NOT disappoint.
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.
J.B. did an amazing job with my golden doodle! He was very patient and professional. The images exceeded my expectations! This was a refreshing experience, as you never know what to expect when working with someone for the first time. I highly recommend Puptrait!
