Dog photography for lovestruck humans, in Missoula & western Montana
“I’ve literally taken thousands of pictures of Spencer; he’s the love of my life. I wasn’t sure what to expect from a professional dog photography session, but when I saw the images that Kim created, I was blown away by the difference.”
— Renée Reynolds
You never imagined your soulmate would have bad breath and a hairy back.
Yet here you are, hopelessly in love with this creature. Your plus-one. Your ride-or-die. The only family member you can’t stay mad at.
These are days to cherish—the endless games of tug, the wagging tail when you step through the door, the ears that somehow detect a cheese wrapper from three rooms away.
These are days to cherish—because they never last as long as we’d like.
That's why I offer custom photographic artwork featuring your dog.
To create something beautiful that brings you joy today, and—forgive me, it must be said—brings you comfort down the road, when you'll treasure these memories the most.
Hi there! I’m Kim West.
Meeting your dog is the best part of my day. That’s why I’ve specialized in photographing pets since 2014.
And that’s
why I’m driven by a straightforward goal: to create your forever-favorite image of your dog—and the most meaningful artwork that you own.
In the spirit of full disclosure, you’re more likely to find me covered in fur, dirt and drool than looking “professional.” So if your pup’s a rascal who likes to jump up on people, please don’t worry. I consider it one of the many perks of the job!
Featured in and trusted by:
Pick your perfect portrait session:
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The "Best Day Ever" Session
For birthday boys, the goodest of girls, and other dogs worth celebrating (pssst, that’s all of them). I’ll “dogument” a carefully planned day filled with all your pup’s favorite things—including a rollicking party with his closest pals. A day to remember, plus artwork to remind you. Quotes available for custom packages.
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The Signature Session
With an endless variety of locations to choose from, we’ll make the most of Montana’s natural beauty. We'll plan your custom session to create show-stopping images, with your favorites retouched to perfection and presented as stunning artwork. These popular sessions guarantee a lifetime of smiles!
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The Far-Fetched Book Session
It's Missoula's ONLY official guidebook for dogs! Enroll your dog as one of our four-legged "models," and you'll be supporting the Humane Society of Western Montana. And who knows? Your dog's face might grace the cover of this adorable, one-of-a-kind coffee table book. [Registration now CLOSED]
“I couldn’t be happier with the results! Kim is friendly, patient, professional, and clearly has a passion for capturing the unique personalities of dogs and an eye for the perfect shot. The entire experience was a joy. The photos truly captured the spirit of my beloved boy, and I’m so grateful to have them as a lasting memory.”
— Ashley Keuhn
How does it work?
01. The Plan
Start by sharing just a little info about your pet. I’ll call to discuss your needs and see if we’re a good fit to move forward.
Once you’ve booked your session, we’ll decide on details like date and location, crafting the perfect, personalized session for your dog.
02. The Shoot
Time for some serious fun! Your portrait session is designed to be an enjoyable, stress-free experience for both you and your dog, so there’s no pressure for your pup to “perform.”
My Signature Sessions last between 1-2 hours, with plenty of breaks for your dog to relax and sniff around.
03. The Reveal
About two weeks after your session, it’s time for your image reveal and ordering appointment. We’ll connect over Zoom to view all the greatest hits from our photography outing.
After you’ve chosen your favorites, we’ll determine the best way to display your gorgeous new images.
04. The Finale
Three to four weeks after your ordering appointment, I’ll deliver your much-anticipated artwork.
Strike up the band and pop the champagne—there’s nothing better than unwrapping stunning art pieces featuring your pets! I can even handle installation, if you’d prefer.
“I miss Roscoe terribly, and although I have other photos, none of them as perfectly encapsulate him as the ones you took do. Thank you again, so much. Please know how lucky I feel to have met you.”
— Patrick Swain
“Hahaha! My dog would NEVER sit still.”
I have tricks…
Leashes. Liver treats. An embarrassing repertoire of funny noises. Extensive studies in dog behavior, including the sorcery known as “calming signals.” Most importantly? An endless well of patience.
…and Photoshop.
Who would’ve thought that a tiny patch of asphalt at the Good Food Store could turn into fine art? Yep—leashes, doggie dandruff and Dodge Durangos all disappear, thanks to the magic of Photoshop. So don’t worry about your wild child. We’ll create something wonderful…and the leash can stay our little secret.
Images worthy of a place on your wall.
Nine out of 10 dogs agree…
…their photographs deserve to be admired beyond the fingerprint-smudged screen of your phone.
In a world awash with digital clutter, there’s something special about printed photographic art.
It’s love, made tangible.
Call it the Analog Revolution.
Call it wearing your heart on your wall.
Heck, call it what you want—so long as you call me to schedule.
The Golden Guarantee
Your new favorite photograph of your old favorite friend, or your money back. It’s that simple.
FAQs
Will I get the digital files?
Looking for a new screensaver? Photo for your holiday card? You got it! Every image you purchase comes with the corresponding digital file, in both a social-media sharing size and a high-resolution, print-ready format.
Where are you located? Do you travel?
I’m based out of Missoula, Montana. Sessions include travel within 20 miles of downtown Missoula. If there’s a location beyond that radius that you just love, I’m happy to travel up to an additional 30 miles for a $50 fee. For locations further afield, please request a travel quote before booking your session.
How far in advance do I need to book?
Plan on scheduling at least three weeks in advance, but feel free to book up to six months ahead of time. In the event of an impending goodbye with your dog, I’ll make every effort to schedule your session as quickly as possible.
My dog is a maniac off leash. Can we still do a portrait session?
You bet! Believe it or not, some of the images you see here were shot with the dog on leash—such is the magic of Photoshop. Whether your dog will be doing on- or off-leash modeling, it always helps if you can burn off some energy with a play session or significant walk before we begin.
I have multiple dogs. Can you photograph them all in one session?
My Signature Session can accommodate up to three dogs from the same family. If you have more than three dogs (bless you, you big-hearted human), let’s discuss your pack and see if we can make special accommodations. Because of the extra time and work involved in photographing a larger group, an additional fee would apply.
What if my dog is camera shy?
Set your worries aside. We’ll take things slowly, with your dog’s comfort always in mind. I come prepared with plenty of patience, liver treats, and an extra-long lens for dogs who need their space.
Do you photograph cats?
Great question. Thanks to a lifelong allergy, my cat-wrangling skills are underdeveloped. Without the ability to “speak cat,” I’m afraid I can’t deliver the professional results you’d expect and deserve.
Can I be in the photos?
Absolutely! You share a special relationship that’s absolutely worth documenting. The images of you and your dog(s) together might just be your favorites from our outing.
Is there anything better than dogs?
Nope, there really isn’t.
“The prints are SO amazing! And the canvas of the crew took my breath away. Beyond what I hoped…thank you SO much!!!”
— Dr. Anna Odash
NOW ON SALE!
Far-Fetched is a totally comprehensive, thoroughly charming guidebook for Missoula dogs, by Missoula dogs.
Over 130 local pups share the inside scoop on things like where to find the best free snacks (map included), new trails to shake up your hiking routine, which Missoula stores welcome your pet, who to call when your pup overzooms himself, dog-friendly day trips for each season, and so much more.
It’s the most adorable coffee-table book around!
“What an absolutely gorgeous book. Every little detail was so well thought out, all the way down to the index in the back. Way to go!”
— Amy Werner
