Years ago, a friend of mine had a photographer come to her house to take baby pictures. She spent hundreds of dollars. I thought she was being extravagant. Now, with two adorable dogs, I think having pet portraits taken as a matter of posterity is essential, not extravagant. (Yes, I know they're not human -- but they're still my "babies.") Emily Rieman of Best Friend Photography has perfected the art of capturing the personality of pets. And she makes house calls. "A large part of my success with animals is that they're comfortable in their own environment. If they came to me they may be worried they're taking a trip to the vet," she says.

Rieman shows up with lots of dog treats and a sack of cat toys. "People always think I have a secret. I just do it. It's more about being calm, having a world of patience, and just loving your subject matter," she says. Photo shoots generally take an hour and a half, unless the clients prove a "challenge." She maintains puppies and high energy breeds like Jack Russell terriers aren't difficult. They're playing and happy to be there. "It's the cat who's afraid of strangers and has to be coaxed out from under the bed. You have to spend time to convince them it that it was their idea to be there."

Rieman brings her studio with her – lights, backdrop, the whole shebang – and shoots on black and white film. The sitting fee is $200 for two rolls of film, no matter how many pets are involved. Each roll of film thereafter is $10. Clients receive proof sheets and order a la carte. Prices start at $20 for a 5-by-7 photo. An 11-by-14 sepia-toned photo is $50.

Copyright © 2009 The Seattle Times Company