Studio Notes

Thoughts From the Studio

Choosing a photographer, preparing your dog, understanding timing, or deciding how to honor a beloved pet; these are questions clients ask me every week.

This space is here to help.

You’ll find straightforward guidance, musings, and experience-based answers drawn from years of photographing pets and people.

The Best Time of Day for an On-Location Pet Shoot
Thomas Strand Thomas Strand

The Best Time of Day for an On-Location Pet Shoot

The best time of day for an outdoor pet photography session is early morning or just before sunset, when the sun is low and the light is soft, warm, and flattering. Low-angle light brings out your pet’s natural detail and keeps them comfortable, while weekday sessions in public spaces offer fewer distractions and a calmer environment for stunning on-location portraits.

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Why I Photograph Pets in Black and White
Thomas Strand Thomas Strand

Why I Photograph Pets in Black and White

I’ve chosen to create pet portraits in black and white not just as a stylistic decision, but as an artistic philosophy. It’s a deliberate return to form—a nod to the timeless tradition of portraiture, and to the masters who shaped the way I see the world through a lens.

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