Crystal Lee 

photography

Pet Mini Session Prep Guide

Thank you so much for your contribution to our event, we can’t wait to capture their personality in fun, whimsical portraits! 🐾

Your pet portrait session will take place in my beautiful 1,750 sq ft portrait studio in Murrells Inlet. To help you make the most of your session, here’s a quick guide with tips and important details.

How To Prepare For Your Pet Mini Session

Arrive on Time

Because these are marathon sessions, arriving on time is crucial. Sessions are scheduled back-to-back, so arriving late will reduce your session time. For example, if you arrive 10 minutes late to your 20-minute session, you’ll only have 10 minutes left, which means fewer images in your final gallery.

There are no refunds or time extensions for late arrivals or no-shows. 

Two Pets Max

We allow up to two pets per session. If you have more furry friends you’d like to include, you can book two back-to-back slots to make sure everyone gets their turn in the spotlight.

Bring the Essentials

A few small items can make a big difference in helping your pet feel at ease:

  • Treats or Snacks: While I have a ready supply of biscuits and treats for use during our session, please feel free to bring any treats that your pet enjoys. I’ve seen people bring in a variety of snacks, like carrots, hot dogs, cheese and even whipped cream!
  • Favorite Toy: Great for calming nerves or adding a playful touch to their portraits.
  • Collars and Leashes: These are required for safety and will help keep things running smoothly.

Be prepared to get involved! I’ll start off interacting and attempting to pose the dog on my own, but in some cases I need owners to step in and help get their pet in place on the backdrop.

The Studio Environment

For everyone’s safety and comfort, the studio door will remain locked during your session. This ensures your pet has a calm and distraction-free environment while we focus on creating their portraits.

Prepare Your Pet

Set your pet up for success with these simple tips:

  • Exercise Beforehand: A quick walk or play session can help your pet burn off extra energy and stay relaxed during the session.
  • Grooming: A light brushing or grooming session can help them look their best. Pets really shine when bathed & brushed a day or two before a session!
  • Familiar Accessories: If you’re planning to dress your pet up, let them wear the accessories at home first to get comfortable.

Relax and Let Us Guide the Session

We’ll work with your pet using treats, toys, and lots of patience to bring out their personality. You can sit back and watch the magic happen—or cheer them on from the sidelines!


Your pet is about to star in their very own mini session, and we’re so excited to work with you! If you have any questions before the big day, don’t hesitate to reach out. See you soon! 🐾

Join me on instagram!

Follow along for session previews, behind the scenes peeks & video stories.

@crystalleephoto