CHICAGO Cat Photography SESSION FAQ

BEFORE YOU BOOK

WHICH AREAS DO YOU SERVE?

Based in Evanston, I travel throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, and I’m in St. Louis every few months. I also welcome opportunities to photograph in other cities.

DO YOU ONLY PHOTOGRAPH CATS?

Although I specialize in cats, I also photograph dogs, bunny rabbits and other critters. I’d love to travel to Africa one day to capture big cats on safari.

HOW DO YOU HANDLE SHY CATS?

As a Fear Free Certified Professional, I’m trained to recognize feline stress signals and create relaxed, positive, experiences for every cat I photograph.

YOUR SESSION

WHERE DO SESSIONS TAKE PLACE?

Cat photograph sessions take place in their home environment, where your cat feels safest and most like themselves. This lets us capture those natural moments without stress or unfamiliar surroundings.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT DURING A SESSION?

Your session is designed around your cat’s comfort and rhythm. We take time to let your cat settle, explore, and be themselves — no forced poses, just gentle presence and natural moments captured with quiet care.

Each cat has their own personality and comfort level with strangers (especially ones holding cameras!). I always begin by letting your cat set the pace—using gentle words, calm energy, and patient body language to earn their trust. Naturally curious, most cats will eventually sniff and explore my gear, toys, and catnip goodies.

I observe your cat’s body language to determine when they’re ready for the camera. After testing their comfort with the shutter sound, we begin—always following their lead. I’ll shadow their natural movements and engage in play when they’re interested. For shy or cautious cats, I may try different enrichment toys or simply sit quietly on the floor with a book, giving them time and space.

If your cat chooses to remain hidden, that’s okay—we’ll reschedule for another day. Your cat’s emotional well being always comes first.

DO YOU INCLUDE HUMANS, TOO?

While my primary focus is on your pet, I’m happy to include you and other family members in a few images as well.

DO YOU USE AI OR HEAVILY EDIT THE PHOTOS

My editing is light and true to life — adjusting light and color and tidying small distractions, so your cat looks like themselves on a good day. I don’t use AI to invent or alter your cat. With senior and memorial sessions especially, authenticity matters most — I’ll never change your companion’s likeness.

BOOKING & PAYMENT

HOW DO I BOOK A SESSION?

After you get in touch, I’ll send a brief questionnaire to learn about your cat and what you’re hoping for. To reserve your date, I’ll need a signed contract and model/property release, along with a 50% deposit; the balance is due on session day. Payment is accepted by credit card, Square, PayPal, cash, or check.

Cancellation and rescheduling

Life with cats is unpredictable — if you need to reschedule, just give me at least 24 hours’ notice and your deposit moves with you to the new date.

AFTER YOUR SESSION

How and when will I receive my photos?

Your portraits arrive in a private online gallery about 21 days after your session. You’re welcome to share the link with family and friends. The gallery stays open for 12 weeks — plenty of time to choose your favorites, design an album, and decide on any wall pieces, with no rush.

ARE DIGITAL FILES INCLUDED WITH THE SESSION?

Yes. The Overture session includes 8 finished portraits, and the Symphony session includes 20. Each is delivered as a high-resolution JPEG with a personal print release — cleared for sharing online and for printing at home up to 11×14. If you fall for more than your session includes, additional portraits and full-collection digital upgrades are available right in your gallery.

Do you watermark the images?

Never. Your files arrive completely clean — no watermarks, no logos. They’re made to look flawless on your screens, your devices, and your prints.

CAN I ORDER PRINTS OR WALL ART?

Absolutely — and it’s all built right into your gallery. You can order albums, canvases, and framed pieces in a few clicks, and I’m always glad to help you choose sizes and finishes for your space — by email, or in person here on the North Shore. I proof every order myself before it goes to print.

Where should I get prints made?

For everyday prints and small frames up to 11×14, print wherever you like using your downloaded files — any good consumer lab will do beautifully. I recommend Mpix for dependable quality, though I can’t guarantee outside labs or help troubleshoot their orders. For anything larger — wall art, canvas, or an album — those are ordered through your gallery. Big pieces are unforgiving: an uncalibrated lab can shift the color and lose the detail in your cat’s coat and eyes, and once it’s three feet wide on the wall, it shows. I proof those orders against the original myself and run them through my lab, so the finished piece holds up to the portrait you fell in love with.

Can I print and share my photos? What am I allowed to do with them?

Please do. Your files are yours to enjoy for personal use — share them online, back them up, and print gifts and frames up to 11×14 on your own timeline.

Two things stay with the studio: prints larger than 11×14 (handled through your gallery so the quality holds), and commercial use — using a portrait for business branding, advertising, sponsored posts, or paid competitions. If you ever want to use a portrait commercially, just reach out and I’ll set up a simple license.

Can I tag you when I share?

I’d love that! A tag (@9livesphotography) or a credit (© 9 Lives Photography) is always appreciated and never required — it helps other cat people find me, and seeing your photos out in the world makes my day.

WHAT IF I HAVE ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS BEFORE BOOKING?

Just ask! I’d love to hear about your cat and what you’re thinking. You can reach out via the contact form, email, or phone — whichever feels easiest for you.