Paper Hats & Ruffs by Puptrait
Uniquely Inspired Studio Pet Photography
Merging original costume designs with inspired concepts Paper Hat pet portraits elevate studio dog photography into an art form.
Stunningly Creative Dog Portraits
Masterfully Composed & Captured in Camera
Every paper hat is in itself a unique piece of art. In fact, no two hats are ever the same. Each costume piece is handmade by our studio founder and pet photographer J.B. Shepard from upcycled post consumer paper products – including old newspapers, cardboard, junk mail, and salvaged scraps of seamless paper from past sessions.
Rarely painted or dyed, the unique coloration and design patterns decorating the hats is largely the product of careful placement of different color slips of paper. Resulting in a vibrant texture and spontaneous patterning that is truly like nothing else. This time intensive process requires on average two weeks for assembly and drying before the pieces are ready to be worn and photographed.
Patrons are encouraged to keep and display their costumes alongside their prints.
Reveal Distinctly Candid Expressions
Without Compromising Lighting or Image Clarity
The success of Paper Hats hinges on our studio's consent approach to animal handling. Purposely not secured or strapped down in any way, our signature pet costumes are intended to be worn for only seconds at a time. And, there is a good reason for this.
Dogs are naturally inclined to engage with humans, often passively or in a reactionary way. Which is why most dogs, when engaged with a camera, present only one of two expressions - either "What is my next command?" or "Is that treat for me?".
But by utilizing unsecured costumes and props, we allow the dog agency. Freeing the subject momentarily to disengage from the handler's command, this approach allows pup to instead engage and interact directly with props and costumes. While these moments are fleeting, they are significant in that they provide a glimpse into the dog's true personality.
Custom Pet Costume Designs
Styles & Fits Made Specifically for Your Dog
The sitting fee for a Paper Hats session includes both the cost of the shoot and the creation of a single artist-inspired custom fit costume piece.
We require a minimum of two weeks from booking to scheduled session date for construction of custom paper hat commissions.
To help expedite the build process, we typically ask clients to supply measurements for most custom fittings over the phone. However, if you would prefer for us to measure your dog directly, you are welcome to schedule a complimentary in-person fitting for your pup. But again, we will need a minimum of two weeks from fitting date to complete production of your costume.
We genuinely enjoy collaboration and are happy to entertain client concepts and other special requests. However, please note that more sophisticated designs and custom projects that require specific materials can often demand longer build times, requiring further notice, and may incur additional fees.
Clients looking for a more specific concept or style for their Paper Hat session are strongly encouraged to contact the studio directly 443.604.0711 for pricing and availability prior to booking.
Schedule a Paper Hat Session
View session availability and book online using the scheduling widget located below.
