Your Dog Photography Session: 10 Steps for Success

ONE

Bring your pet's favourite treats, toys, or training tools (clickers, whistles) so that you can catch their attention, even if it's just for a brief moment. If you have an indoor session treats are only to be given to your dog when they are on the backdrop and in front of the lights. This helps reward the dog for doing what we want.

TWO

Get your dog out for a good walk or run prior to your session. A tired dog relaxes for the camera and listens much better than a pup that has been cooped up all day.

THREE

If you are bringing more than one dog to the session, please bring a friend with you to help keep one dog occupied while the other is being photographed.

FOUR

Make sure your pup is well groomed prior to the session. Remember to bathe them, brush them and trim any long hairs (especially around the eyes) .

FIVE

Be prepared for your dog to be uncooperative. Don't expect your dog to listen and be focused, especially in the first 15 minutes of the session. Bring as much patience with you as possible. Eventually even the busiest dogs settle down (especially if you follow tip #2).

SIX

Keep your emotions in check. Many owners become flustered and frustrated with their pup when they don't listen. Your emotions will reflect on your pet and you may end up with portraits of your dog looking nervous and unsure. We want to capture your dog doing exactly what they want to do and looking as natural as possible. If they don't want to sit for a portrait, that's ok. We can tailor the session to focus more on candid or action shots.

SEVEN

Let us know if your dog has any behavioural concerns or physical illnesses ahead of time so that they can be well prepared for your session and plan appropriately. This includes any food allergies. If your pup is reactive to other dogs, then a dog park would not be a good location.

EIGHT

Make sure you know ahead of time the documents required prior to your session. This could include a signed contract and vaccine records.

NINE

Once you book your session, start working on some training with your pup again to reinforce their sits and downs on command. Practice getting your dog to sit-stay and down-stay so that you can take a few steps back.

TEN

Relax, have fun and most importantly.. Make sure your dog has fun!