Options.Pricing.FAQs

Private Pet Portrait Commission

Can You See Your Best Friend As A Work Of Art?

$375.00

In-Studio Commission

  • The $375 commission fee includes a personalized studio experience for up to two household pets, capturing their unique spirit in timeless black-and-white fine art portraits. Additional pets from the same household can be included for $75 each, with a maximum of four pets per session.

    The portrait commission fee is due at the time of booking.

  • A typical studio session lasts between 60 to 90 minutes and includes a couple of background changes. This allows plenty of time for your pet to settle into the studio, explore, and feel comfortable in the space.

    While most sessions fall within this range, please know that you’re not on the clock. As an artist, I work at the pace of your pet—allowing room for connection, creativity, and the moments that truly matter. We’ll take the time needed to create portraits that move you.

  • With every image you choose for a printed piece, you’ll also receive a complimentary digital file—perfect for sharing with friends and family or displaying online. These print-ready files are sized for beautiful clarity up to 8x12 inches.

    It’s a little something extra, so you can carry the joy of your portrait with you and share the love beyond your home—while keeping the full magic reserved for your fine art print.

  • Love the look of clean, classic studio portraits but also want to capture your pet in their natural element? You can have both.

    For clients who begin with a studio commission, we offer the option to add a location commission for just $200 — a special rate exclusively for add-on bookings (regularly $375).

    Available same-day or on a separate date depending on your pet’s energy and your preference.

  • At Thomas Strand Studio, your commission is more than just a photoshoot—it’s a custom fine art experience designed to create timeless, museum-quality portraits of your beloved pet. Every detail, from the shoot itself to the final printed artwork, is crafted with the highest level of care, artistry, and attention to detail.

    The commission fee covers the creation of your portraits but does not include printed products. Most clients invest between $1,500 -$4,000 in their final artwork, selecting from luxury prints, archival framed pieces, and bespoke presentation boxes—all sourced from carefully vetted, world-class print labs to ensure unmatched quality and longevity.

    This is more than a photograph—it’s a lasting tribute to your pet, designed to be cherished for a lifetime.

$375.00

On-Location Commission

  • The $375 commission fee includes a personalized location experience for up to two household pets, capturing their unique spirit in timeless black-and-white fine art portraits. Additional pets from the same household can be included for $75 each, with a maximum of four pets per session.

    The portrait commission fee is due at the time of booking.

  • On-location sessions typically last between 90 to 120 minutes, allowing time to explore the environment, follow natural light, and let your pet settle into the space. Whether we’re in your home or at a favorite outdoor spot, the session unfolds at a comfortable, unhurried pace.

    As with all my work, there’s no strict time limit. I’ll work until I’ve captured the moments and expressions that reflect your pet’s true spirit—images that will become cherished pieces of art for your home.

    For locations outside the Twin Cities metro, additional travel fees may apply. Any potential costs will be discussed upfront to ensure transparency and planning.

  • With every image you choose for a printed piece, you’ll also receive a complimentary digital file—perfect for sharing with friends and family or displaying online. These print-ready files are sized for beautiful clarity up to 8x12 inches.

    It’s a little something extra, so you can carry the joy of your portrait with you and share the love beyond your home—while keeping the full magic reserved for your fine art print.

  • Can’t decide between the timeless simplicity of a studio portrait and the natural beauty of an outdoor session? Now you don’t have to choose.

    For clients who want both styles, we offer the option to add a full studio shoot to your location commission for just $200— a special rate exclusively for add-on bookings (regularly $375).

    This add-on gives you the best of both worlds: clean, classic studio portraits with controlled lighting and timeless backdrops along with natural, candid moments captured outdoors.

    Available same-day or on a separate date depending on your pet’s energy and your preference.

  • At Thomas Strand Studio, your commission is more than just a photoshoot—it’s a custom fine art experience designed to create timeless, museum-quality portraits of your beloved pet. Every detail, from the photoshoot itself to the final printed artwork, is crafted with the highest level of care, artistry, and attention to detail.

    The commission fee covers the creation of your portraits but does not include printed products. Most clients invest between $1,500 -$4,000 in their final artwork, selecting from luxury prints, archival framed pieces, and bespoke presentation boxes—all sourced from carefully vetted, world-class print labs to ensure unmatched quality and longevity.

    This is more than a photograph—it’s a lasting tribute to your pet, designed to be cherished for a lifetime.

  • Saying goodbye is never easy, but a heartfelt portrait commission can provide a lasting tribute to the bond you share with your beloved pet. Our End-of-Life Commissions are designed to be gentle, stress-free, and deeply meaningful, capturing the love, connection, and quiet moments that define your journey together.

    For your pet’s comfort, we only recommend location commissions, whether in the familiarity of home or a peaceful outdoor setting. These sessions are intended for elderly or terminally ill pets, but we encourage booking before the very last moment, when your dog is still comfortable and able to enjoy the experience.

    To make this offering more accessible, we provide End-of-Life Commissions at 50% off, ensuring that every pet parent has the opportunity to create a lasting memory.

    Let’s celebrate the love, the life, and the legacy of your best friend.

A Portrait as Enduring as the Bond You Share

Each commissioned portrait is a bespoke work of fine art—crafted in rich black and white to distill the essence of your pet with timeless elegance. These are not snapshots, but heirloom pieces created with the same care and intention found in fine gallery work. From our initial consultation to the final unveiling, every detail is thoughtfully curated to offer a refined, deeply personal experience.

Commission fees begin at $375. Finished artworks—including museum-quality prints—begin at $190. Collections begin at $990.

Your Experience!

Step 1: Let’s Connect

Start by sending a booking request or reaching out with any questions. I’m happy to chat and help you determine the perfect session for you and your pet.

Step 2: Planning Your Commissioned Photoshoot

We’ll have an initial phone consultation to discuss your vision, your pet’s personality, and potential locations. This is where we tailor the experience to ensure we capture exactly what you’re hoping for.

Step 3: Booking & Confirmation

To secure your commission, the commission fee is paid in advance. This confirms your spot and allows us to move forward with the planning.

Step 4: Shoot Day!

The day before your photoshoot, I’ll touch base to confirm details and discuss any weather-related adjustments if we’re shooting outdoors.

On the day of your shoot, expect a fun, relaxed experience—your pet sets the pace. If we’re outdoors, you might even get a little dirty (but that’s part of the adventure!). Bring patience, and we’ll create something special together.

Step 5: Design & Ordering Appointment(Reveal)

In the following weeks we will set up an appointment to go over your images together. This is the most exciting part of the process. I will help you consider images, make suggestions, and guide you in selecting your favorites. It’s important that all decision makers attend this session as your order is placed at this time. This is a no pressure courtesy consult. Our goal is to provide you with the best resources for decorating your home with gallery quality art. The reveal can take place in the comfort of your home or in-studio.

Step 6: Delivery & Installation

The final goal of our work together is stunning artwork that celebrates your pet. I personally deliver your finished pieces, and if you need assistance with hanging them, I’m more than happy to help.

Let’s create something timeless together. 🐾

 Photo Session FAQs

  • Booking is easy. Just visit our [Booking Page] or contact us directly via email, tom@thomasstrandstudio.com or phone, 612-812-3120. We’ll guide you through the process, answer any questions, and schedule your consultation.

  • Each pet photography session with Thomas Strand Studio includes a pre-session consultation, a fully guided portrait session either in-studio or on location, and a private image reveal to select your favorite portraits. You’ll also have access to our curated collection of fine art prints, handcrafted frames, and custom-designed wall art. Our goal is to create timeless artwork that captures the soul of your pet.

  • Before your session, we’ll provide a simple guide to walk you through preparation. In general, a light walk beforehand helps get out the wiggles, and bringing your pet’s favorite treats or toys is always a plus. We recommend grooming a few days before the shoot to let their coat settle naturally. Don’t worry — we work at your pet’s pace to make the experience stress-free and enjoyable.

  • Absolutely. Many clients choose to be part of the session — whether it’s a quiet moment captured with your senior dog or a playful shot with your energetic pup. We’ll work together to create meaningful, emotion-filled images that celebrate the bond between you and your pet.

  • The session fees covers two pets from the same household. Additional pets from the same household are $75 each. We do have a four pet limit.

  • We offer both! Sessions can be held in our fully equipped studio or at a meaningful outdoor location, such as a park, backyard, or even your home. We’ll discuss the best option for you and your pet during your consultation.

    Additional travel fees may apply for locations 30 miles or more outside of the Twin Cities metro.

  • That’s perfectly okay. We work with pets of all temperaments and take a patient, pet-first approach. The session is designed to be flexible and fun, allowing your pet to relax and be themselves.

    Outside of the studio many dogs need to remain on-leash. This is perfectly fine. We want your bet to remain safe and we will remove any leashes in post.

  • While dogs and cats are our most common clients, we welcome all animals! If you have a unique pet, just let us know in advance and we’ll plan accordingly.

  • Choosing the right session can feel like a tough decision, but we offer add-on options for a combined experience if you’d like the best of both worlds. I’m also happy to discuss your goals and help guide you toward the perfect session for your pet.

    Keep in mind that on-location sessions may be the best fit for high-energy pets or those who feel less comfortable in unfamiliar environments, allowing them to relax and be themselves.

  • Yes, the portrait commission fee is due at the time of booking and is required to hold your appointment. This fee is non-refundable if your session is cancelled or rescheduled with less than a 48 hour notice.

    The deposit is fully refundable should you decide not to proceed with your commission and give at least a 48 hour notice of cancellation.

  • We recommend booking at least 2–4 weeks in advance to ensure availability, especially during peak seasons like spring and fall.

  • If you're booked for an outdoor session and the weather doesn't cooperate, we’ll happily reschedule at no additional cost. We will be monitoring the weather and communicating in the days leading up to your scheduled photoshoot.

Artwork FAQs

  • The Reveal Session is the most exciting part of the Thomas Strand Studio experience — when you finally get to see the results of your session come to life.

    Held in person either at your home or in our studio, this dedicated appointment is where we present the carefully curated proofs from your session and guide you through selecting your favorite images for fine art prints, wall pieces, or albums.

    We’ll also review a collection of product samples so you can feel the textures, finishes, and frame options firsthand — making it easy to envision how your pet’s portrait will live beautifully in your space.

    Reveal Sessions are scheduled approximately 2–3 weeks after your photo shoot to allow time for careful editing and preparation.

    To make the most of this experience, we kindly ask that all decision-makers be present, as this is the time we finalize artwork selections and begin the process of creating your custom pieces.

  • Yes! For every print product purchased we offer a complimentary digital file of the same image suitable for printing up to 8×12 inches. These may also be shared on social media. These files are perfect for making small prints, greeting cards and phone cases.

    We also offer digital image packages starting at $900, which include printing rights for your purchased images. This allows you to print your portraits at the lab of your choice for personal use. Each image file purchased is professionally retouched and prepped for printing. However, Thomas Strand Studio retains the copyright to all images, meaning they cannot be altered, sold, or used for commercial purposes without written permission.

    For the highest quality and longevity, we always recommend ordering prints through our carefully vetted professional labs to ensure your artwork is produced with the finest materials and craftsmanship.

  • Absolutely! I offer a carefully curated selection of fine art prints, framed artwork, and handcrafted display pieces, all made with the highest quality materials. Because each piece is custom-crafted, I provide a detailed product pricing guide upon request.

    If you’d like to explore options, I’d be happy to walk you through the collection and help you choose the perfect artwork to showcase your pet’s portrait. Just reach out, and I’ll send you the full pricing details!

  • Yes. Every print we create is produced with archival inks and papers that are rated to last 100+ years. Our framing materials meet museum standards to ensure your artwork is preserved for a lifetime.

  • The right size depends on where you plan to display your piece. A small print is perfect for a desk or gallery wall, while a larger statement piece can anchor a room. I’m happy to provide guidance to ensure your artwork fits your space beautifully!

  • Yes! All framed prints and canvas pieces come fully finished and ready to display. No assembly or additional framing is needed.

    I will even help you hang it!

  • Absolutely! We have a curated selection of premium frames, but if you’re looking for something unique, we can discuss additional custom framing options.

  • Turnaround time depends on your chosen products. Typically, proofs are available and we will schedule your reveal session within 2-3 weeks after your photo session. Once your selections are made, prints and framed artwork are ready within 2–4 weeks.

  • Your investment is protected and you will not have to worry about this. Since I hand deliver all artwork any defects will be caught and corrected before you ever see the print.

  • Of course. After your session, you'll have the opportunity to view your gallery and order additional prints, wall art, or gift items. We also keep your images archived for a period of time should you wish to place future orders.

    Ordering sooner ensures you receive your artwork as quickly as possible to enjoy in your home. If you’re unsure about what to order, I’m happy to help guide you in selecting the perfect pieces!

  • A fine art portrait is more than just a photo — it's a thoughtfully composed, artistically lit, and professionally finished image meant to be displayed as art. At Thomas Strand Studio, we focus on capturing your pet's unique personality with an artistic vision that turns everyday moments into timeless works of art.

Have Additional Questions?

Ready to Find Out More?

To learn more about a portrait commission, please complete the form and someone from the studio will be in touch.