FAQs

If you appreciate attention to detail and desire truly exceptional photography, AKP may be your perfect match for professional pet photography.

Your photography session should be as special as you and your beloved pets. That’s why sessions are fully customized experiences designed just for you. Whether your session includes dogs, cats, horses, with or without your entire family, AKP brings patience, skill, and a love for animals to make your experience smooth and enjoyable.

Your vision matters. If your style leans toward light and airy edits or ultra-posed shots with generic backdrops, AKP might not be the best fit—and that’s okay! Instead, my focus is on creating timeless, thoughtfully composed images that truly represent you. Using years of experience, expert techniques, and high-quality equipment, every detail is carefully crafted, from your location to your final edits, to ensure stunning results.

I don’t believe in “good enough”—I believe in delivering something truly exceptional for you. If that’s what you’re looking for, I’d love to create something unforgettable together!

Custom photography does not have to be stuffy. In fact, it can be lots of fun. While the work is taken seriously, I take a more easygoing approach with my sessions. Since animals can be rather unpredictable at times, this helps sessions that would otherwise feel stressful feel way more relaxed. Sessions are down-to-earth and have time built in as a buffer to allow for pets to be, well, animals. Sometimes, humans need that extra time too—we don’t judge.

I completely understand the desire to have digital images as a keepsake and to share with friends and family on social media. My goal, however, is to provide you with stunning, high-quality artwork that you can proudly display in your home, not just images that stay on a screen.

Because of this, digital files are not included in the session fee. However, I do offer them for purchase alongside my professionally crafted artwork, so you can enjoy both a beautiful physical piece and the convenience of digital files for sharing and safekeeping.

I love having family involved in my signature sessions! If you have a pet in your portraits, your family is encouraged to be included in the session as well.

As our weather patterns are constantly shifting, we need to be prepared for anything. Surprisingly, the “worst” weather conditions sometimes create the most creative portraits. I have worked in all types of weather, but it’s also understandable that you may not be looking to see how far you can push your patience with the weatherman.

I ask that you do not cancel the session based on the weather report several days out. You will be contacted for a rescheduled date within 24 hours of the session if it is deemed unsatisfactory or unsafe for the reserved session time. Sometimes, we may wait until the day of to decide if we should reschedule. Weather can change so quickly! Please try to be patient and know that we all want the best possible weather for the session. 

Luckily, the weather has no bearing on in-home sessions. Currently, the in-home studio option is only available for Chicago-area portrait sessions. Sessions located in the Southeastern coastal cities, such as Savannah, GA and Hilton Head, SC are available on-location only.

I love all pets! Most of my experience includes custom portraits for horses, dogs, cats, and their owners. That said, small animals are more than welcome, as I understand that even the smallest beings can have the biggest holds on our hearts.

I do offer end-of-life pet photography sessions. These sessions are GREATLY discounted to help ease the strain of losing one’s family member. Please reach out if this is something in which you’re interested; bookings must be through the pet’s owner only and are not available as a gift due to the sensitivity of this type of session.

It is completely okay if you only want one beautiful portrait. The session will be photographed at length to provide you with image options, and all proofs shown will be hand-edited before you view them. Due to the time and effort that goes into the session and editing of these images, the standard session fee will apply.

Andy Karol Photography is based out of Chicago, IL but travels to clients all over. My second base is the Southeastern coastal areas of Savannah, GA and Hilton Head, SC.

While these areas may seem to have immense differences, they all boast rich histories and cultural significance, along with unique scenic tapestries. From brick alleyways and skyscrapers to salty beaches and streets lined with Spanish moss, I find the beauty in all of it while keeping the focus on you and your beloved pets.

Please use our contact form or email info@andykarol.com to reach the studio directly. Full pricing and availability will be sent to you at your request.