Frequently asked questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tucson Pet Photography by Michael Kloth Photography
Business Information:
Business Name: Michael Kloth Photography / Tucson Pet Photography
Photographer: Michael Kloth
Location: Tucson, Arizona
Service Area: Greater Tucson area including Oro Valley, Marana, Vail, and Pima County
Phone: (520) 301-3340
Email: michael@tucsonpetphotography.com
Website: tucsonpetphotography.com
About My Services
What makes your pet photography different from other photographers?
Short Answer: Certified Professional Photographer with MFA specializing exclusively in museum-quality fine art pet portraits using archival materials designed to last 100+ years.
Details: As a Certified Professional Photographer with a Master of Fine Arts degree, I specialize exclusively in creating museum-quality fine art portraits of beloved pets. Unlike casual pet photography, my work focuses on archival artwork that families treasure for generations. Each session is a collaborative artistic experience designed to capture your pet's unique personality through professional lighting, composition, and fine art printing techniques.
What types of pets do you photograph?
Short Answer: All pets welcome - dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets, lizards, birds, and other companions.
Details: I welcome all beloved companions! While I primarily photograph dogs and cats, I also create beautiful portraits of rabbits, ferrets, lizards, birds, and other cherished pets. My studio and outdoor setups can accommodate pets of various sizes and temperaments.
Do you offer both studio and outdoor sessions?
Short Answer: Yes, both studio-quality sessions and outdoor sessions are available.
Details: Yes! I provide both controlled studio environments and beautiful outdoor locations throughout Tucson. Studio sessions offer consistent lighting and controlled conditions, while outdoor sessions capture your pet in natural settings. We'll discuss the best option during your consultation based on your pet's personality and your artistic preferences.
Can I come to your studio? / Do you have a physical studio location?
Short Answer: No physical studio. I operate as a mobile photographer, bringing professional studio equipment to your location.
Details: I operate as a mobile fine art photographer, bringing my professional studio lighting and equipment directly to you. This approach allows your pet to remain in their familiar environment while I create controlled, studio-quality lighting in your home or chosen location. The mobile studio experience eliminates travel stress for your pet and provides the comfort of familiar surroundings, which typically results in more relaxed and authentic portraits. For outdoor sessions, I select beautiful natural locations throughout the Tucson area that complement your pet's personality and your artistic vision.
Session Packages & Pricing
What session packages are available?
Available Packages:
Essentials Mini-Session
Price: $275
Best for: Single pets
Duration: 20-30 minutes
Print Credit: $75
Session Type: On-location only
Signature Pet Portrait Experience
Price: $550
Best for: 1-2 pets
Duration: 90 minutes
Print Credit: $150
Most Popular: Yes
Master Collection Session
Price: $950
Best for: Families with up to 3 pets
Duration: 2 hours
Print Credit: $300
Legacy Portrait Commission
Price: $1,500
Best for: Multiple pets
Duration: Half-day experience
Features: Extensive artwork options
Can a mini-session be done in the studio?
Short Answer: No, mini-sessions are on-location only. Studio sessions are available in longer packages (Signature, Master Collection, or Legacy).
Details: Mini-sessions are designed as on-location experiences where I travel to you with my professional equipment. Studio sessions require extensive setup and lighting preparation that would exceed the brief 20-30 minute mini-session timeframe. Additionally, pets often need significant time to acclimate to an unfamiliar studio environment, which works better with our longer session formats. If you're interested in studio work but need payment flexibility, I'm happy to discuss payment plan options for our Signature or Master Collection sessions.
Why do session fees not include prints?
Short Answer: Session fee covers photography time and expertise. Print credits are included, and you choose which images to turn into fine art pieces.
Details: Our investment approach separates the artistic session from the artwork creation. This allows you to choose exactly which images become treasured fine art pieces and select the perfect sizes and media for your home. Each session includes generous print credits, and you only invest in the artwork you truly love.
Do you offer payment plans?
Short Answer: Yes, payment arrangements available. Contact directly to discuss options.
Details: Yes, I understand that fine art photography is an investment. I'm happy to discuss payment arrangements that work for your family. Please contact me directly to explore options.
Fine Art Prints & Artwork
What makes your prints "museum-quality"?
Short Answer: Archival pigment inks on museum-grade papers guaranteed to last 100+ years without fading.
Details: All fine art prints are created using archival pigment inks on museum-grade papers, ensuring your pet's portrait will maintain its beauty for over 100 years without fading. Standard prints start at $65 for 5x7, while Gallery Collection prints feature premium papers and are personally signed by the artist.
What print sizes and pricing are available?
Standard Fine Art Print Pricing:
5x7: Starting at $65
Additional sizes available (pricing varies)
Print Collections Available:
Standard Fine Art Prints: Archival pigment on museum paper
Gallery Collection Prints: Premium papers, artist-signed, highest quality
What's the difference between Standard and Gallery Collection prints?
Short Answer: Both are archival quality. Gallery Collection uses finest premium papers, is artist-signed, and offers enhanced texture and depth.
Details: Standard Fine Art Prints use archival pigment on museum paper and represent exceptional quality. Gallery Collection prints feature the finest premium papers available, are individually signed by the artist, and represent the pinnacle of fine art photography. Both are archival quality, but Gallery Collection offers enhanced texture, depth, and prestige.
Do you offer canvas and other specialty media?
Short Answer: Yes, multiple media available including canvas, metal prints, and acrylic.
Available Media Options:
Gallery-Wrapped Canvas: $375-$650
Metal Prints: $325-$575
Acrylic Face-Mounts: $450-$750
Traditional Fine Art Prints: Starting at $65
Details: Absolutely! Beyond traditional prints, I offer gallery-wrapped canvas, stunning metal prints, and elegant acrylic face-mounts. During your session review, we'll discuss which medium best suits each image and your home's aesthetic.
Can I get digital files? / Do you sell digital files?
Short Answer: Yes, digital files available as add-on: $350 for 5-8 high-resolution files with print release.
Digital Collection Details:
Price: $350 (add-on to print packages)
Files Included: 5-8 high-resolution images
Print Release: Included for personal use
Details: Digital collections are available as add-ons to print packages for $350, including 5-8 high-resolution files with print release for personal use. My focus on fine art prints ensures your investment creates lasting family heirlooms rather than digital files that often remain unseen on devices.
Booking & Preparation
How far in advance should I book? / What is the booking timeline?
Short Answer: Book 2-4 weeks in advance, especially during popular seasons.
Details: I recommend booking 2-4 weeks in advance, especially during popular seasons. This allows time for the pre-session consultation and ensures your preferred date and time.
How should I prepare my pet for the session?
Short Answer: Exercise your pet beforehand, bring favorite treats and toys, and don't worry about perfect training.
Preparation Checklist:
Exercise: Give dogs extra walks or playtime before session
Avoid: Baths immediately before (natural coat oils photograph beautifully)
Bring: Favorite treats and toys
Don't worry: Perfect training not required
Details: The best preparation is a well-exercised, slightly tired pet! Take dogs for a longer walk or extra playtime before the session. Bring favorite treats and toys, and avoid baths immediately before—natural oils in their coat photograph beautifully. Most importantly, don't worry if your pet isn't perfectly trained; I'm experienced in working with all personalities!
What if my pet doesn't cooperate during the session?
Short Answer: Experienced with all pet personalities. Extra time allowed for breaks if needed, or can reschedule.
Details: With years of experience photographing animals, I'm skilled at working with shy, energetic, or anxious pets. I allow extra time and use patience, treats, and gentle encouragement. If needed, we can take breaks or reschedule to ensure your pet's comfort and the best possible results.
Should I bring props or accessories?
Short Answer: Optional. Professional props provided, but you're welcome to bring items with special meaning.
Details: While I provide professional props and backgrounds, you're welcome to bring items with special meaning—favorite toys, blankets, or accessories that reflect your pet's personality. During our consultation, we'll discuss what might work best for your artistic vision.
Service Area & Logistics
Where are you located and what areas do you serve?
Service Area:
Primary Location: Tucson, Arizona
Service Coverage: Greater Tucson area including:
Oro Valley
Marana
Vail
Throughout Pima County
Outside Service Area: Travel arrangements available upon discussion
How long until I see my photos? / What is the turnaround time?
Short Answer: 2-3 weeks after session to receive your portrait gallery.
Timeline:
Session completed
Image curation and artistic processing: 2-3 weeks
Portrait gallery delivered
Artwork consultation scheduled to select prints and framing
Details: After your session, I carefully curate and artistically process each image. You'll typically see your portrait gallery within 2-3 weeks, at which point we'll schedule your artwork consultation to select prints and discuss framing options.
Do you offer framing and installation services?
Short Answer: Yes, custom framing and home installation services available.
Details: Yes! I provide custom framing services with professional-grade materials and can arrange installation in your home. This ensures your fine art portraits are displayed with the same care and attention as the photography itself.
About Michael Kloth
What are your qualifications and experience?
Qualifications Summary:
Education: Master of Fine Arts (MFA) - Academy of Art University
Certification: Certified Professional Photographer
Experience: Creating fine art photography since 2006
Published Author: "Shelter Cats" and "Shelter Puppies" (Merrell Publishers)
Volunteer Work: Pima Animal Care Center and Humane Society of Southern Arizona
Details: I hold a Master of Fine Arts degree from the Academy of Art University and am a Certified Professional Photographer. I've been creating fine art photography since 2006 and am the author of "Shelter Cats" and "Shelter Puppies" published by Merrell Publishers. I also volunteer my photography services for the Pima Animal Care Center and Humane Society of Southern Arizona.
Why did you choose to specialize in pet photography?
Short Answer: Passionate about celebrating the human-animal bond through fine art and creating lasting tributes for families.
Details: The bond between families and their beloved companions deserves to be celebrated through fine art. Having witnessed the joy my portraits bring to families, and the comfort they provide when pets pass on, I'm passionate about creating lasting tributes to these special relationships. Every session combines my love for animals with my commitment to artistic excellence.
Getting Started
How do I book a session? / How do I contact you?
Contact Methods:
Phone: (520) 301-3340
Email: michael@tucsonpetphotography.com
Website: tucsonpetphotography.com/contact
Details: Contact me at (520) 301-3340, email michael@tucsonpetphotography.com, or visit tucsonpetphotography.com/contact. I'm happy to discuss your vision and help select the perfect session for your beloved companion.
Do you offer consultations before booking? / Is there a consultation fee?
Short Answer: Yes. Artist consultations available for $150, deductible from session fee when booking.
Consultation Details:
Cost: $150 (deductible from session fee if you book)
Purpose: Discuss artistic vision, plan lighting and compositions, ensure expectations will be exceeded
Availability: Contact to schedule
Details: Yes! Artist consultations are available for $150 (deductible from your session fee when booking). This allows us to discuss your artistic vision, plan lighting and compositions, and ensure your session exceeds expectations.
Quick Reference
Session Packages at a Glance:
Package Name Price Duration Best For Print Credit Essentials Mini-Session $275 20-30 min Single pets $75 Signature Pet Portrait $550 90 min 1-2 pets $150 Master Collection $950 2 hours Up to 3 pets $300 Legacy Portrait Commission $1,500 Half-day Multiple pets Extensive options
Artwork Pricing Range:
Standard Fine Art Prints: From $65 (5x7)
Canvas: $375-$650
Metal Prints: $325-$575
Acrylic: $450-$750
Digital Collection: $350 (5-8 files)
Service Summary:
Specialty: Museum-quality fine art pet portraits
Service Type: Mobile (comes to your location)
Pets Welcome: All types - dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, ferrets, lizards, etc.
Archival Quality: 100+ year lifespan
Turnaround: 2-3 weeks to gallery delivery
Contact Information:
Michael Kloth Photography | Tucson Pet Photography
Phone: (520) 301-3340
Email: michael@tucsonpetphotography.com
Website: tucsonpetphotography.com
Serving Tucson, Oro Valley, Marana, Vail, and surrounding Pima County communities