How to Prepare for a Studio Pet Portrait Session at PHILM in Wilmington

Studio sessions are a great way to capture clean, timeless portraits of your pet. Whether you're booking to celebrate a milestone, document your pet's personality, or get in the frame together, a little preparation goes a long way. All studio sessions with The Photo District are now held at PHILM, located in the Cargo District in Wilmington. Here's everything you need to know before you arrive.

The Week Before Your Session

If your dog needs grooming, schedule it a few days before your session. This is especially important for doodle breeds and dogs with longer coats. Thick eyebrows can cast shadows over the eyes, and longer hair around the snout can block your dog's expression in portraits. A quick trim before the session can make a noticeable difference in how well we can see their face.

Please also make sure their nails have been trimmed to avoid any accidental scratches.

The Day Before Your Session

Stick to your pet's normal routine. A bath isn't required, but if you want them looking extra shiny, the day before is a great time to fit one in. Some dogs benefit from a bit of exercise the day before to take the edge off any extra energy going into the session.

The Day Of Your Session

Feel free to exercise your pet in the morning, but avoid a big walk right before you arrive. Dogs who show up panting may need a few extra minutes to settle before we start shooting. If your pet tends to get anxious in the car, arriving a few minutes early gives them time to decompress. A short walk around the Cargo District before we head inside can also help them shake off any nerves.

What to Bring

Treats: For dogs, I'll have freeze dried beef liver and peanut butter on hand. For cats, I'll have Churu sticks and catnip. If your pet has dietary restrictions or a treat they go absolutely crazy for, bring those along. The goal is to get their attention, and whatever works best for them is what we'll use.

Leash or carrier: You'll need one to get them from the car into the studio.

Toys: A favorite toy can be a great attention grabber and can also be worked into the photos if you'd like.

Props: If you have something special you want included, bring it. I also have a small selection of my own props, and we'll talk through preferences during your pre-session consult or questionnaire beforehand.

Clothing: If you're planning to be in any of the photos, check out our blog HERE on what to wear for your pet photography session for some guidance.

About the Space

PHILM is a photography studio in the Cargo District with a variety of backdrop setups. Because it is a shared, public space, specific colors and setups are not guaranteed on any given day. That said, I always bring my own paper backdrops in my standard colors: dark gray, white, light pink, and beige. Those will always be available for your session.

PHILM also rotates their own themed setups throughout the year. If something catches your eye when you arrive, let me know and we can absolutely work it in. Half the fun is seeing what the space has going on that day.

What Not to Worry About

Don't stress about your pet's energy level or how well trained they are. I have photographed pets of every temperament, from anxious cats to rowdy puppies, and I'll adjust the session to whatever your pet needs. There is no such thing as a pet that is too difficult for a studio session.

Location and Parking

PHILM is located at 2156 Wrightsville Ave, Wilmington, NC 28403. There is a parking lot right in front of the studio with plenty of space.

Ready to book your session? Click HERE to get started. I'd love to help you create photos that capture your pet exactly as they are.