There is not much to say. People love their pets. And while I don’t have one … yet (yet being the key word here), I can totally appreciate how their wet noses, priceless expressions and big personalities can make a lasting impression on your heart. So much so, that when perfectly posed and outfitted for a photo shoot, the results can make a priceless gift for the couple that already has, well, everything.

Photography: J’adore Le Chien

Photography: J’adore Le Chien

Photography: J’adore Le Chien

Growing up with a pet herself, photographer Ellen Shershow Peña understands “the amazing relationship that exists between people and their dogs. A dog can transform two people into a family,” says the owner of San Francisco, California-based J’adore Le Chien. While her English Springer Marble is no longer here, she “was a treasured member of our family; she was loving and super fun and hilarious and cool,” says Shershow Peña, who captures any dog’s personality in her portraits to create works of art that can be treasured for a lifetime.

Certain that she has “the best job ever,” Shershow Peña is honoring a tradition that dates as far back as 900 B.C., “when ancient Egyptians paid tribute to their pets by mummifying and painting them along with their human owners.” Translating this tradition into a more contemporary execution, Shershow Peña draws inspiration from the past, but tries to make her images about “dogs as fashion icons.”

Shershow Peña believes that her portraits make a “particularly great gift for newlyweds because they are often looking for ways to decorate their home. When I create a portrait of your dog,” she continues, “I am not just taking pictures; I am creating an art piece. In fact, you should expect to walk away with several pieces of fine art that will adorn your home for many years.” Some of her most popular products include art gallery wraps and her latest offering of metal prints, while her personal favorite remains gallery blocks. Other options also include portfolio boxes and itty bitty purse books.

Whether you are secretly scheming the photo shoot to have the art in hand at a wedding or presenting the happy couple with the gift of the photo shoot and art, either can make for a memorable gift that will adorn your walls and be sure to serve as a conversation piece for all of your house guests for years to come.

Photography: J’adore Le Chien

Photography: J’adore Le Chien

Photography: J’adore Le Chien

Photography: J’adore Le Chien

How To Prepare Your Dog For A Photo Shoot

Q: How should I prepare my dog for the photo shoot?
A: Plan to take your dog for a good walk right before the shoot, and you’ll also want to bring your dog hungry as we use small treats during the course of the shoot.

Q: Should I get my dog groomed?
A: Grooming is a personal decision. You know how your dog will look his or her best, but if you do choose to have your dog groomed, we recommend you have that done a day or two before the sitting rather than on the same day as your sitting. A grooming and a portrait sitting on the same day can be a lot of stress for many dogs.

Q: Is there anything I should bring?
A: Bring your dog’s favorite treat, cut up into very small pieces if necessary.

Q: Can I get a picture for my website/Facebook page?
A: Yes. Your sitting includes 5 complimentary, screen-resolution files for use on your personal website, blog, and social networking sites.

Q: Can I purchase hi-res files and make my own prints?
A: No, and here’s why: When you book with Ellen Shershow Peña, you should expect to walk away with several pieces of fine art. We employ stringent fine art printing practices and use an exclusive photo lab that adheres to exacting processing standards and only accepts professional photographers as clients. Ellen will personally inspect every single image before it leaves the studio to ensure that it is perfect in every way. We do this with the expectation that our clients will enjoy these fine art prints for years to come.

Q: When do I get to see my images?
A: Once our photo shoot wraps, Ellen will spend 3-4 weeks processing your images. This is often the most labor intensive part of the process because we want to make sure every image is absolutely perfect.

Q: When will my finished prints be ready?
A: Your finished prints will be ready 4 to 6 weeks after your print order consultation. During the holidays we make every effort to compress this schedule to accommodate holiday cards and gifts.

Q: Can I re-order at a later date?
A: We archive and manage your images in perpetuity so that you will be able to re-order images at your convenience.

Q: How long will I be at the studio?
A: Plan on spending 1-2 hours.

Q: My dog is aggressive. Will there be other dogs there?
A: We schedule portrait sessions with plenty of time in between so that animals that don’t know each other do not meet. We therefore ask that you arrive on time and not early for your appointment. Please make us aware of any aggression issues your animal may have so that we can be sensitive to those concerns.

Q: My dog is nervous/afraid of flash/won’t sit still/not trained/etc. will that be a problem?
A: It won’t be a problem, and we will have a chance to chat before the photo shoot about all of these issues. During this chat, Ellen will ask if your dog knows a sit, a stay and/or a watch. Ellen understands that some dogs have special needs, some have fears of being in a new place with a light that keeps flashing. In fact, this is why sessions are scheduled for 1-2 hours, as some dogs need a little more time to feel comfortable. Bear in mind that when you first come to your photo session, we won’t start photographing immediately. Instead, Ellen and your dog will spend a little time getting to know each other. Your dog will have a chance to sniff out the space and get comfortable in a photo shoot environment.

Q: Whats the deal with all the accessories on the images? Does my dog have to wear a tiara?
A: There is no set number of outfit or accessory changes as, in essence, your dog will decide how much or how little he or she will wear. Some dogs love to dress up, they want to wear pearls and silks and tiaras and be generally fabulous. Others prefer a cleaner look, one perfect accessory, or no accessories, is the path to perfection

Q: What if I have to reschedule?
A: Should you need to reschedule, we ask for one week’s notice prior to your scheduled portrait appointment. A $50 rescheduling fee will be applied for reschedules with less than one week’s notice.

Q: Can you come to my house and take pictures?
A: Most of our portraits sittings take place in the studio where we have optimum control over lighting, setting and distractions. Travel to your house may be set up by special arrangement. Additional travel fees apply.

Q: What if I want a free photo shoot? Do you ever do that?
A: Well, no, not really, but if you can get Jill Zarin’s dog Ginger into my studio for a shoot, then, yes, your shoot is free. Seriously. Free. Also: I will be your best friend.

A special thank you to all of our four-legged subjects and thank you so much Ellen Shershow Peña of J’adore Le Chien for sharing these amazing images with us!