Frequently Asked Questions: Luxury Fine Art Animal Photography in Switzerland

1. What makes your animal photography different from others in Switzerland?

My studio is Switzerland’s only fully customised, design-led luxury animal photography studio. Each commission is not just about capturing a portrait but about creating bespoke artwork that harmonises with your home. I work with Italian artisanal labs to produce museum-quality wall art, and every detail of the process is tailored — from styling the session around your animal’s colouring to designing artwork that fits perfectly with your décor.

2. Where are you based, and do you travel across Switzerland?

Our Studio is based in St Prex, a beautiful lakeside town between Geneva and Lausanne. Many clients visit my boutique studio here, but I also travel throughout Switzerland, including Zurich, Zug, Basel, Bern, Geneva, Lausanne, and the Swiss Alps. Whether you prefer a studio setting or a location shoot, I bring the same attention to artistry and detail. There is a supplementary cost upfront if I need to take my studio to your location, which depends on where you’re based, please get in touch to discuss the details.

3. Which animals do you specialise in photographing?

I specialise in dogs, cats, and horses. Each animal has its own unique energy, and I adapt my approach accordingly:

• Dogs: Playful, loyal, and expressive — captured in a way that highlights their personality.

• Cats: Graceful, independent, and elegant — photographed with sensitivity to their temperament.

• Horses: Majestic and powerful — often photographed outdoors, using Switzerland’s landscapes as a natural backdrop, although I also love using my signature studio style to showcase their stunning musculature and form in elegant moody portraits.

• Do you have an exotic animal you’d love to have photographed? I’m open to collaborating with you, so please get in touch to discuss the options.

4. What is included in the luxury photography experience?

Your experience is designed to be seamless and memorable. It includes:

• A consultation to discuss your home, interior style, and vision.

• A fully customised photoshoot design, tailored to your animal’s needs and décor.

• A relaxed session in the St Prex studio or on location.

• A curated artwork presentation, with guidance on selecting the perfect pieces.

• Delivery of handcrafted Italian artwork, with optional professional installation.

5. How is the artwork produced?

I collaborate with renowned Italian artisanal labs that handcraft every piece to the highest standards. From archival fine art papers to hand-stretched canvases and luxury frames, each element is produced with meticulous care. This ensures your artwork is not only stunning but also durable enough to be passed down as a family heirloom.

6. Do you help design the artwork to suit my home’s interior style?

Yes. One of the hallmarks of my work is ensuring your artwork feels completely at home in your interiors. I take into account your colour palette, textures, and overall design aesthetic. I also consider your animal’s colouring and personality to create harmony between the subject and the setting. The result is art that looks natural and intentional in your living space.

7. Can my whole family be included in the session?

Absolutely. While the focus of each commission is your dog, cat, or horse, many clients choose to be photographed alongside their animals. These portraits celebrate not only the beauty of your pet but also the bond you share as a family with your beloved animal.

8. How long does a session take?

Sessions are designed to be relaxed and stress-free, allowing animals to feel comfortable. A typical session lasts between 1–1.5 hours, depending on the number of subjects and whether we are working in the studio or on location. I allow plenty of time so no one feels rushed.

9. What should I expect during the photoshoot?

Expect a calm, patient, and enjoyable experience. Animals are given space to relax, and I adapt my approach to their temperament — whether that means playful interaction for dogs, quiet observation for cats, or calm handling for horses. The atmosphere is always designed to bring out their true personality in the most natural way.

During our pre-session consultation call, I will ask a lot of questions about your animal’s personality. What motivates them - toys, games or treats….or just cuddles with mum? What are their fears? And from this I will work out the best way to work with them. My number one aim for sessions is to keep them fear free, calm, happy and fun according to your animal’s needs. The animal’s personality needs and desires are of absolutely paramount importance. I never want to see an animal looking or being afraid during a session.

11. What is the timeline? How soon do I get my photographs, albums, framed prints and so on?

Usually 7-10 days after our photo session, I’ll get you to come back into the studio to see your gallery and choose your photos and products. Once these are paid in full, I will order your products, which take between 3-4 weeks to be delivered, as these are mostly hand crafted products and not made in bulk, so they require a little more time to be crafted.

12. Do you sell digitals only?

No, sorry, this is a fine art print business, focussed on providing my clients with the highest end luxury prints. The high street labs can’t faithfully reproduce photos such as those I craft, so I only use the top three professional labs, that I've hand picked and thoroughly tested, to 100% guarantee that each print is faithfully reproduced, with the blacks and shadows printed crisp and clear, and not muddy as would often be the case from high street prints. However, for each print bought, I will provide a web resolution digital file of the same print for social sharing. This is a small file, not high enough resolution for printing, but perfect to share on your socials or to keep on your phone or tablets at home.

13. Are you wheelchair accessible?

Sadly not at this moment, as there is one flight of stairs to reach the studio. In the future, I hope to remedy this, so please check back with me. However, it is still possible to do an outdoor shoot at your location of choice.

14. Do you photograph handicapped animals?

Yes absolutely! I’ve photographed animals missing limbs, blind, deaf, and those with paralysed rear legs. Please note though, that we have one flight of stairs to reach the studio at the moment, so this is possible as long as your animal can manage the stairs, or if they can be carried by yourself.

15. Do I work with reactive or fearful animals?

Yes! In fact, during my many years as an animal photographer, I’ve photographed hundreds and hundreds of fearful and reactive animals. I’ll let you into a little secret, the vast majority of animals are not huge easy going extraverts, most have some level of fear, worries or reactivity, so I take this seriously and adapt every session according to YOUR animal’s unique needs. You and I will work in conjunction to make sure your animal has the safe, calm space they need to feel reassured and comfortable at all times. I will never force an animal for anything, my approach is 100% positive and animal led.

16. Are you LGBTQI Friendly?

Yes 100%! You are safe and welcome here.

17. How do I book a session?

Booking is simple. You can contact me directly to discuss availability and your vision for the session. We’ll discuss your animal’s personality and their needs, and work out how to best work with them. From there, we will schedule the photoshoot, where I’ll guide you through the process step by step. Because each commission is bespoke, I recommend booking in advance to secure your preferred date.