Great Tips for Including Your Pup in Your Next Photo Session!
My favorite photo sessions are the ones that include the very best of buddies, our canine friends. I have several doggos myself who are important to my life, and I make it my personal challenge to provide folks with excellent photos that include these important pals.
Incorporating your pet into your family photos is a great way to capture your furry friend's personality, and it can make for some truly memorable shots. Here are a few great tips on how to make your photo shoot with Fido a success:
There’s nothing that motivates a pup like their favorite snack! Except, of course, a snuggle with their best person. Be sure to bring a container of a variety of treats so we can keep her motivated and attentive!
Choose a really high value treat that I can use to keep her eyes on me;
Make sure they're something she really loves;
Bring a variety so she doesn’t get bored;
Very small bits are best! A little goes a LONG way, and we don’t want to fill her up before we’re done;
Choose treats that are soft and quick to chew.
Even if your dog is great off-leash, we might need to have a bit more control in this new situation.
Bring a collar and leash that you won't mind being in the photo. Black is good if you want it to be less noticeable.
Choose a leash long enough that you can hold it in your hand behind your back.
When you book a session with Sprouted Acorn Photography, one of the most important parts of the process is where you complete your intake form that tells me all about what you’re looking for, where we’re shooting, who’s in the session, and any other important information you feel I need to know. Part of that form includes questions about your pet. Don’t skip those questions! Be sure to tell me all the good stuff, like:
Your doggo's name;
Commands your pup knows;
Words that get his attention (Ride? Walk? Treat?);
Where he likes to be scratched;
What distracts him (Squirrels, anyone? 🐿).
Time it right. If your pet is full of energy, try to schedule the photo shoot for a time when they're likely to be tired out from playing. This will help them stay calm and focused during the shoot.
Plan to give your pup a good play session before you arrive so she's not too hyper!
Choose a location that's comfortable for your pet. If your pet is uneasy around strangers or large groups of people, it's best to stick to a quiet location where they feel comfortable.
Arrive at the shoot location a few minutes early to be sure it's safe for her, let her explore the area, go potty, and sniff every thing;
When I arrive, I'll spend a few minutes letting her get to know me and loading cues using her tasty treats.
The best images come from having fun! During the session, make sure to take lots of time to soothe, reassure, and engage with your buddy. I’ll keep shooting during those moments when you’re interacting with him and he’s giving you all the attention.
Give lots of snuggles!
Bring his favorite toy—especially one that squeaks and squawks!
Make kissy noises until he licks your face! 😜 Those are my very favorite photos!
For a even better results, consider:
Taking your pooch to get groomed several days before your session. Give them time to recover from the stress of grooming and ensure you like the haircut!
Working with your pup to learn or brush up on commands like "sit," "come," "lie down," and "look at me."
Bringing an extra person who won't be photographed but who your dog trusts and listens to who can help with handling during and between poses.
Giving your canine friend breaks between poses to rest and explore.
During the shoot, the job of the humans is to keep smiling and laughing and listening to the prompts of your favorite family photographer (that’s me!). I will make it my job to get Sweetie to perk her ears and look at the camera.
Be prepared for anything. Pets can be unpredictable, so it's always a good idea to have some treats on hand to help keep them focused. And if things get really chaotic, don't be afraid to take a break and try again later.
With all of these tips, you're sure to get a great gallery of photos that you'll treasure for years—furry friends included!
Ready to book your own session to include your precious pup? I can’t wait! I’m your friendly Holmes County, Ohio photographer, and I specialize in families, pets, large groups, senior sessions, intimate weddings and elopements. I would be thrilled to capture your family’s special memories!
