A portrait studio that specializes in fine art photography for your pet.
We’re Garrett and Hai, the team behind Companion Studio.
Garrett is a professional fine art photographer who runs NYC Art Documentation LLC. He brings his studio expertise — meticulous lighting, thoughtful composition, and a genuine creative vision to every session.
While Garrett works his magic behind the lens, Hai will be right there with you to create a relaxed, playful atmosphere where your pet’s personality can shine. Hai is fluent in English and Mandarin.
“Together, we’re not just taking photos. We’re creating portraits that reflect who your companion really is — artwork worthy of your walls and your heart.”
FAQs
What is your photography approach?
We believe the best photos come from letting your pet do what they do and be themselves. Your pet takes center stage. It’s their day, and we follow their lead. Each session is customized to capture your pet’s personality in a way that feels like art, not just a photo. Our sessions are collaborative and conversational, so you’ll get to play, relax, and have fun too. Want some ideas? Take a look at our Portraits page.
What if my pet doesn’t travel well?
Right now, sessions are studio-only. We may offer in-home sessions in the future as we understand some pets don’t adjust well to traveling or new environments.
How to prepare my pet before the photo shoot?
A bath or thorough brushing 2-3 days before is recommended as most dogs photograph best with a fuller coat. The camera loves texture!
If your pet needs a grooming haircut, we recommend scheduling it 1-3 weeks before the session so the fresh cut has time to settle. Have their nails trimmed if needed and eyes be easily visible, not covered behind lots of fur.
What should I do/bring on the day?
Before you arrive:
- Feed your pet a smaller-than-usual meal as they’ll likely get extra treats during the session
- Do your routine walk and just make sure to give them a final potty break right before entering the studio
What to bring:
- A clean towel or brush for a quick touch-up before we start
- Your pet’s favorite treat or toy (dry treats are ideal in the studio space)
- Any props you’d like included in the photos, just be sure they are clean and comfortable for your pet (whether it’s a colorful harness, beloved blanket, or bandana, it can actually add a personal touch)
What we provide:
- Toys, treats, water bowls, wee-wee pads, and pet-friendly wipes are all available at the studio.
My dog is shy or anxious—can you still work with them?
Every pet has a different personality, and we’re happy to work at their pace. When a pet arrives, we always start by letting them sniff around, check out the backdrops, and get comfortable with the studio and us. Once they’ve settled in, we slowly introduce the lights from a distance, pairing it with treats. During the session, we use gentle tricks and lots of patience to capture their attention. Most pets acclimate through this process, but if they’re still not feeling comfortable afterward, we can reschedule your session or offer a refund of your deposit.
A few extra things you can do to help:
- Let us know in advance so we can adjust our pace and approach
- Arrive a little early so settling-in time isn’t rushed
- Bring a high-value treat to reward calm behavior
- Stay relaxed and confident—pets pick up on your energy and your calm helps them feel safe and settled
What’s my role during the photoshoot?
You’ll be your pet’s handler and our creative collaborator! We’ll guide you on where to stand and when to use treats or sounds to help your pet pose. You’ll be able to see photos on a big screen throughout the session, and you’re always welcome to communicate any ideas onsite.
Sometimes you’ll even become part of the set design or a prop yourself! And if bringing a friend or partner along would help boost your pet’s confidence, feel free to invite them—just let us know in advance.
What happens after the photoshoot?
After your session, we will email you within 1-2 weeks with an online gallery for you to browse and select your favorite images. Once you make your selection, we will apply professional retouching to them. You will receive your finished digital files along with a payment link to pay the remaining balance.
Print and framing options are available upon request for an additional cost. If you are interested in other fun ways to display your pet’s photos (like a calendar, sticker, card, or shirt), we’re happy to recommend options.
Please Note: Like many professional photography studios, we don’t release unedited images, and copyright remains with the Companion Studio. We believe in transparent communication, so if you’d like your pet’s photos kept private, just let us know—there’s a $150 privacy fee, and we won’t share them on our website or social media.
How do I book a session?
On our booking form, you can select your preferred date, time, and package, then pay a non-refundable deposit of $75 to hold your reservation. Once we receive your form, we’ll follow up within 1-3 days to confirm your scheduling and help you prepare for the day. The remaining balance will be due after you receive your final photos.
If you need to reschedule after booking, we are happy to accommodate once depending on availability. Rescheduling more than once will require a new deposit.
If you have any questions or specific requests, feel free to email us at companionstudionyc@gmail.com