Tucson Pet Photography | Michael Kloth, MFA, CPP
Fine Art Pet Portraits in Tucson
Your pet is family. Whether you're celebrating a new rescue's journey home, honoring a senior dog's final chapter, or simply capturing the bond you share with your constant companion, I create museum-quality portraits you'll treasure for generations.
I bring professional studio equipment directly to your home throughout greater Tucson. Your pet stays comfortable while I handle everything - the lighting, the setup, the artistic direction. You just enjoy watching your beloved companion become the subject of fine art portraiture.
WHY COMMISSION A FINE ART PET PORTRAIT
The Difference Between Snapshots and Commissioned Portraits
A commissioned portrait isn't a photo shoot—it's an artistic collaboration designed to capture your pet's essential character in compositions you'll treasure for generations.
What makes my approach different:
Fine Art Training Applied to Pet Photography
My MFA in Photography means I understand the science of light—how it shapes faces, conveys emotion, and creates depth in two-dimensional images. That formal training elevates pet portraits beyond snapshot quality to museum-worthy artwork.
Professional Certification You Can Trust
CPP certification through Professional Photographers of America proves tested competency, not just talent. It's photography's equivalent to CPA for accountants—verification you're working with a professional, not a talented hobbyist. Only about 2,500 photographers nationwide hold this credential.
Nearly 20 Years With Rescue Animals
Since 2006, I've volunteered photographing adoptable animals at shelters across three states. This experience—including current regular work at Pima Animal Care Center and Humane Society of Southern Arizona—taught me patience, flexibility, and how to work with anxious animals. If your pet gets nervous around strangers or cameras, that background translates directly to your session.
Work in Institutional Collections
My photographs appear in TMC Foundation's permanent Healing Arts collection and in published books ("Shelter Cats" and "Shelter Puppies"). The same standards I apply to healthcare installations and editorial work inform every commissioned pet portrait.
Why I Bring Professional Studio Capabilities to You
Many photographers operate from fixed studios where you transport your pet to unfamiliar environments. I work exclusively mobile—bringing complete professional lighting, backgrounds, and equipment to your home or chosen location.
This isn't convenience—it's premium positioning.
For Your Pet:
No transportation stress or unfamiliar environments
Comfortable in their own territory
Natural behavior and authentic expressions
Anxious animals can take breaks without leaving home
Multiple setups possible (indoor and outdoor, different rooms)
For You:
No time wasted driving across town
No worrying about pet behavior in someone else's space
Flexible scheduling around your pet's best times of day
I handle all setup and breakdown—you just enjoy the experience
For the Portraits:
Authentic personality emerges in comfortable settings
Your home's character can be part of the artwork
Access to locations meaningful to your relationship
Time to create variety without rushing
This is how fine art portrait photographers have historically worked—the artist comes to the subject, not the reverse. I'm applying that classical tradition to contemporary pet photography with museum-quality technical standards.
After nearly 20 years photographing animals—from anxious shelter dogs to beloved family companions—I've learned that great pet portraits require patience, expertise, and genuine understanding of animal behavior. I bring fine art training (MFA, Academy of Art University) and professional certification (CPP—one of only 2,500 photographers nationwide) to create museum-quality portraits that honor your pet's unique personality.
How Pet Portrait Commissions Work
All commissions include a design consultation where we discuss your pet's personality, your vision for the portraits, and session logistics. Commission fees cover my time and expertise, professional equipment and travel throughout greater Tucson, expert editing, and private gallery presentation.
Each commission includes a complimentary artwork credit applied toward museum-quality archival prints, canvas, metal prints, or acrylic pieces from your gallery. These credits are valid for 180 days and help you begin building your collection immediately.
The Commission — $275
Best for: Single pets, focused portraits, gift certificates
Your commission includes:
Design consultation to plan your session approach
20-30 minutes of focused artistic work
One pet
Concierge studio service at your location
$75 complimentary artwork credit (covers one 8×10 archival print or contributes toward larger pieces)
Expert editing of selected images
Private gallery presentation delivered within 48 hours of your review appointment (typically scheduled 2-3 weeks after session)
This commission works beautifully for pets who thrive with brief, focused attention, for updating existing portrait collections, or for pet parents wanting one or two exquisite images without extensive time investment.
The Gallery Collection — $550
Best for: 1-2 pets, comprehensive coverage, creating variety
Your collection includes:
In-depth design consultation
90 minutes of relaxed creative time
Accommodates 1-2 pets
Flexibility for indoor and outdoor locations or multiple setups
$150 complimentary artwork credit (covers one 11×14 print plus an 8×10, or contributes significantly toward gallery wraps or metal prints)
Expert editing of selected images
Private gallery presentation delivered within 48 hours of review appointment
The extended time lets us create substantial variety without rushing anyone. I can photograph your pets individually, together, with family members, in different areas of your home or yard, and with different moods and expressions. Your pets have time to relax into the session instead of feeling hurried.
The Signature Collection — $950
Best for: 3+ pets, multiple locations, comprehensive family + pet coverage
Your curated collection includes:
Comprehensive design consultation
2 hours of artistic collaboration
Accommodates up to 3 pets
Time for multiple locations, backgrounds, and lighting approaches
$300 complimentary artwork credit (covers multiple prints or contributes substantially toward canvas, metal, or acrylic gallery pieces)
Expert editing of selected images
Private gallery presentation delivered within 48 hours of review appointment
This commission gives us time to work thoughtfully with multiple animals, photograph in different locations, and include family members in some portraits while maintaining individual pet portraits. I can create varied lighting scenarios, capture different moods, and explore creative approaches that define my signature style.
The Legacy Experience — $1,500
Best for: Senior pets, memorial portraits, comprehensive heirloom collections
Your legacy experience includes:
Extended design consultation with sensitivity to your situation
Half-day (3+ hours) of comprehensive artistic documentation
Multiple locations and creative lighting setups
Unlimited pets in your household
$500 complimentary artwork credit
One large format print (20×24 or larger) included
In-person gallery review session (not just online)
Priority scheduling for all future commissions
Expert editing and retouching
Private gallery presentation delivered within 48 hours of review appointment
Many clients commission this experience when they know time with a pet is limited—due to age, illness, or anticipated loss. If this describes your situation, I approach your commission with extra care and sensitivity, understanding the emotional weight of these portraits and the importance of creating something meaningful while we still have time together.
Multi-Session Portrait Collections
The Founding Collection — $2,650
Document your pet's first year with three commissioned sessions: 8-12 weeks (The Gallery Collection), 6 months (The Signature Collection), and 12 months (half-day Legacy coverage). Total complimentary artwork credits: $1,600. Complete within 18 months of first session. View complete details
The Rescue Journey Collection — $2,650
Honor your rescue pet's journey with three milestone commissions over two years: Gotcha Day/first weeks (The Gallery Collection), 1-year anniversary (The Signature Collection), and 2-year anniversary (half-day Legacy coverage). Total complimentary artwork credits: $1,600. Complete within 30 months of first session. View complete details
The Golden Years Collection — $2,650
Honor your senior pet's most precious chapter with three commissioned sessions over 18 months. Because these years are irreplaceable, this collection ensures you have museum-quality portraits celebrating their wisdom, personality, and the profound bond you share. Total complimentary artwork credits: $1,600. If your pet passes before all sessions are completed, remaining sessions transfer to another household pet, may be gifted, or convert to custom memorial artwork. View complete details
AFTER YOUR COMMISSION
The Gallery Presentation Experience
After your session, we'll schedule an in-person photo review appointment, typically 2-3 weeks later, where we'll review your images together and discuss which compositions resonate most strongly. Within 48 hours of that appointment, you'll receive your private gallery presentation showcasing the finest images from our time together—professionally edited, color-corrected, and ready for you to begin curating your collection.
Your complimentary artwork credit applies toward anything from the gallery: archival prints, canvas gallery wraps, metal prints, acrylic prints, or specialty presentation pieces. Your gallery remains accessible for 180 days after delivery, and your artwork credit is valid during that time. There's no pressure to finalize selections immediately, though I do send reminder emails so you don't miss your credit window.
If you need your gallery presentation faster, rush processing is available for $150 and delivers your gallery within one week instead of 2-3 weeks.
Museum-Quality Fine Art Prints
All prints use archival paper and pigment inks guaranteed lightfast for 100+ years under proper display conditions. These aren't consumer-grade drugstore prints—they're professional fine art reproductions designed to last generations and suitable for museum display standards.
Standard archival print pricing:
5×7: $65
8×10: $125
11×14: $225
16×20: $375
20×24 and larger: View complete fine art print pricing
Gallery presentation options:
Canvas gallery wraps (ready to hang, museum-quality)
Metal prints (vibrant colors on aluminum with exceptional durability)
Acrylic prints (museum-quality with exceptional depth and luminosity)
Framed presentations (archival matting and conservation framing)
Detailed specifications, materials information, and complete pricing available on the comprehensive pricing page.
Digital Files
High-resolution digital files are available for $350 per image (sized up to 3,300 × 4,200 pixels, suitable for printing up to 11×14 with professional quality). Digital files must be purchased as additions to print orders (minimum $125 in prints required) and cannot be purchased using complimentary artwork credits.
Files include personal use rights—social media sharing with photo credit is encouraged, but commercial licensing is not included.
WHO I WORK WITH
The Animals
I photograph dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, reptiles, and other companion animals. Each species requires different handling, patience, and photographic approach, and I adjust my methods accordingly.
Experience with anxious and reactive animals:
Nearly 20 years photographing shelter animals—many traumatized, nervous, or fearful—taught me to read body language, work patiently, and never force interactions. If your pet gets stressed easily around strangers, that experience translates directly to your commission.
Multi-pet households:
The Gallery Collection accommodates 1-2 pets comfortably, while The Signature Collection works well for 3+ pets. I can photograph animals individually and together, depending on their relationships and comfort levels with each other.
The Pet Parents
My clients value quality, authenticity, and the lasting significance of fine art portraiture. They understand the difference between snapshots and commissioned artwork designed to become family heirlooms.
You might commission a portrait if:
Your pet is a family member, not "just a pet"
You want museum-quality artwork for your walls, not just files on your phone
You appreciate working with credentialed professionals (MFA, CPP, published photographer)
You value your pet's comfort during the creative process
You're willing to invest in artwork you'll treasure for decades
You want someone with genuine animal welfare experience, not just technical skill
Recent life events that often prompt commissions:
Adopting a new rescue animal
Puppy's first year of growth
Senior pet's final years
Memorial portraits after loss
Moving to a new home (new walls to fill)
Milestone anniversaries (Gotcha Day, adoption anniversaries)
Gift certificates for fellow pet lovers
THE SERVICE AREA
I provide concierge studio service throughout the greater Tucson metropolitan area including Oro Valley, Marana, Vail, Catalina Foothills, and surrounding communities. Travel throughout this area is included in all commission fees.
Location options:
Your home (indoors or in your yard)
Nearby parks or outdoor spaces
Desert locations with mountain backdrops
Locations meaningful to your relationship with your pet
Tucson's unique Sonoran Desert environment offers distinctive natural settings—saguaro backdrops, desert light, mountain views—that create portraits unlike anywhere else. I've worked here since 2011 and know how to leverage our landscape for stunning composittions.
FAQ
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Most pets need time to warm up to cameras, lighting equipment, and strangers in their space. I work patiently, take breaks when needed, and never force interactions or stressed animals into positions. Anxious or nervous animals often produce the most meaningful portraits once they relax—and 20 years photographing frightened shelter animals taught me exactly how to facilitate that transition.
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Absolutely. The Gallery Collection and Signature Collection both include time for family portraits with pets. Many clients want both—individual pet portraits for their walls and family portraits showing the relationship.
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Yes, extensively. Cats require different energy, patience, and approach than dogs, and I adjust my methods accordingly. I've photographed hundreds of cats through shelter work and private commissions.
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Life happens, pets get sick, and schedules change. Contact me as soon as possible and we'll find a new date that works. For senior or ill pets, I prioritize scheduling to ensure we create portraits while your pet is feeling well enough for the experience.
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We'll schedule an in-person (or Zoom) photo review appointment approximately 2-3 weeks after your commission session. Within 48 hours of that appointment, your private gallery presentation will be delivered with all professionally edited images ready for selection. Rush processing is available for an additional $150 if you need faster delivery.
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Complimentary artwork credits are valid for 180 days after your gallery is delivered. I send reminder emails at 90 days and again at 150 days so you don't miss your window. If your gallery expires before you finalize selections, it can be reactivated for a $50 fee.
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The images in your gallery presentation are the finest work from our session—professionally edited and ready for display. I don't hold back "better" images; what you see in your gallery represents the strongest compositions from our time together.
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Session fees are paid before the session and are non-refundable if you cancel within 48 hours of your scheduled commission. Outside that window, deposits can be applied to rescheduling. Weather cancellations (for outdoor sessions) or in case of illness (yours or your pets) can be rescheduled without penalty.
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Yes, with sensitivity and patience. I understand that senior pets may need more breaks, gentler handling, or accommodations for mobility challenges. Let me know during our design consultation so I can plan appropriately. Many of my most meaningful commissions have been with senior animals.
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I bring MFA training in fine art photography, CPP professional certification (one of only 2,500 nationwide), and nearly 20 years volunteering with rescue animals across three states. This combination of formal artistic training, tested professional competency, and genuine animal welfare experience creates museum-quality portraits with authentic understanding of animal behavior. My work appears in TMC Foundation's permanent collection and in published books.
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Digital files give you unlimited personal printing rights but require you to handle print production, color management, and quality control yourself. Fine art prints are museum-quality archival reproductions I produce myself using professional equipment, archival materials, and color calibration. Most clients find that professional prints are worth the investment for heirloom-quality results.
Visit my expanded FAQ page for more information.
BEGIN YOUR COMMISSION
Ready to Create Your Pet's Portrait Legacy?
Commission sessions typically book 2-4 weeks out, though last-minute availability sometimes exists. For senior pets or animals with health concerns, I prioritize scheduling to ensure we capture portraits while they're feeling well.
Or contact me directly:
What happens next:
Design consultation: We'll discuss your pet's personality, your vision, and session logistics
Session planning: I'll recommend the commission that best serves your goals
Deposit and scheduling: 50% deposit holds your session date
Commission day: I arrive, set up, and we create your portraits
Photo review: 2-3 weeks later, we review images together
Gallery presentation: Within 48 hours, your curated gallery is delivered
Artwork selection: Use your complimentary credit to begin your collection
Gift certificates available for all commission levels—perfect for pet-loving friends and family.
