Anyone who knows me knows that I am an animal person. I absolutely love getting to meet all my clients’ furry babies, no matter their age, gender, breed, or even species! I’ve involved pets from horses to cats to dogs in photo sessions with my clients, and through it all I’ve learned a thing or two.
These are just a few tips for bringing a pet to your photo session:
Have a plan.
Unless you’re specifically looking for a pet portrait session, you’re probably not going to want your pet in every single one of your photos. Including your pet is a joy and I know you’ll cherish those captured moments forever, but it’s also kind of difficult to do normal posing stuff when you’re worried about incorporating your dog. Have a plan for what to do with your pet when he or she is not involved in taking photos. I have had clients keep their pet in the car during part of their session (and this ONLY works when the weather allows! Please don’t leave pets in hot cars!) or take along a leash to tie them up as we wander around our location. If the location is near your home, another option is to run home to grab your pet for the last part of your photo session. Occasionally, with well-behaved and well-trained dogs, and if the location allows, I’ve had clients just let their pet roam free as we take photos. Whichever option you choose is a judgment call and will vary depend on you and your pet and what you’re most comfortable with!
Be patient.
I know you want your pet to behave and pose for the camera perfectly, but let me tell you it is absolutely normal for me to get a million outtakes, and only one or two good shots where they are looking right at me. Those dogs you see on Pinterest sitting still in the most posed positions are not the norm. And I bet you those shots took at least a few tries to get right, even with the best trained dogs. Don’t get too frustrated if it takes us a while to get that happy family shot you want.
Embrace the outtakes.
This goes right along with my point above. Your pet is a living being with a personality of their own. That’s why you love them, right? So embrace those “outtakes” in between the perfectly posed moments. Most of my favorite shots involving pets are completely candid and real.
Dress them up.
You want your pet to look their best, right? Give them a good grooming before your photo session, and maybe even give them an extra cute collar for the special occasion. Think about the leash and collar you use and make sure they’re something you’d be okay including in your photos.
Consider the location.
You obviously want to choose a location that is pet friendly for your furry friends to be able to join you! Many indoor locations and some parks (like most national parks) do not allow pets, so be sure to check the rules before you bring Fido along. Also, try to avoid any location where your pet may get dirty very quickly. For example, if it’s been raining and you know there is a possibility of lots of mud. Or, if you’re heading near water and you know your dog cannot resist jumping in for a swim, just be aware of where you’ll allow him to go.
Practice.
If there is a specific pose you want to do with your pet for photos, I suggest you practice with them at home before your photo session. It will make posing on the day of the photo session SO much easier! This particularly applies to couples who want that classic photo of their engagement ring on their dog’s nose, or anything like that. Save yourself some frustration, and practice so they’re used to holding still with that little object on their nose!
I can’t wait to meet all the furry babies at your next photo session!
You might also like these other tips to help prepare for a successful photo session:
The Complete Guide to Help You Prepare for Your Engagement Pictures
Choosing the Location for Your Engagement Pictures
Style Tips for Amazing Engagement Pictures
How to Personalize Your Engagement Pictures
Hey friend! I’m Delia–a wedding photographer who loves adventure just as much as snuggling on the couch with her dog. My photography is fun and colorful and embraces the real you. I’m based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, but I photograph weddings all throughout New Mexico, Colorado, and the southwest. I love to connect with and help my clients as much as possible. Check out the wedding planning tips section of my blog for more helpful advice.
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Anyone who knows me knows that I am an animal person. I absolutely love getting to meet all my clients’ furry babies, no matter their age, gender, breed, or even species! I’ve involved pets from horses to cats to dogs in photo sessions with my clients, and through it all I’ve learned a thing or two.
These are just a few tips for bringing a pet to your photo session:
Have a plan.
Unless you’re specifically looking for a pet portrait session, you’re probably not going to want your pet in every single one of your photos. Including your pet is a joy and I know you’ll cherish those captured moments forever, but it’s also kind of difficult to do normal posing stuff when you’re worried about incorporating your dog. Have a plan for what to do with your pet when he or she is not involved in taking photos. I have had clients keep their pet in the car during part of their session (and this ONLY works when the weather allows! Please don’t leave pets in hot cars!) or take along a leash to tie them up as we wander around our location. If the location is near your home, another option is to run home to grab your pet for the last part of your photo session. Occasionally, with well-behaved and well-trained dogs, and if the location allows, I’ve had clients just let their pet roam free as we take photos. Whichever option you choose is a judgment call and will vary depend on you and your pet and what you’re most comfortable with!
Be patient.
I know you want your pet to behave and pose for the camera perfectly, but let me tell you it is absolutely normal for me to get a million outtakes, and only one or two good shots where they are looking right at me. Those dogs you see on Pinterest sitting still in the most posed positions are not the norm. And I bet you those shots took at least a few tries to get right, even with the best trained dogs. Don’t get too frustrated if it takes us a while to get that happy family shot you want.
Embrace the outtakes.
This goes right along with my point above. Your pet is a living being with a personality of their own. That’s why you love them, right? So embrace those “outtakes” in between the perfectly posed moments. Most of my favorite shots involving pets are completely candid and real.
Dress them up.
You want your pet to look their best, right? Give them a good grooming before your photo session, and maybe even give them an extra cute collar for the special occasion. Think about the leash and collar you use and make sure they’re something you’d be okay including in your photos.
Consider the location.
You obviously want to choose a location that is pet friendly for your furry friends to be able to join you! Many indoor locations and some parks (like most national parks) do not allow pets, so be sure to check the rules before you bring Fido along. Also, try to avoid any location where your pet may get dirty very quickly. For example, if it’s been raining and you know there is a possibility of lots of mud. Or, if you’re heading near water and you know your dog cannot resist jumping in for a swim, just be aware of where you’ll allow him to go.
Practice.
If there is a specific pose you want to do with your pet for photos, I suggest you practice with them at home before your photo session. It will make posing on the day of the photo session SO much easier! This particularly applies to couples who want that classic photo of their engagement ring on their dog’s nose, or anything like that. Save yourself some frustration, and practice so they’re used to holding still with that little object on their nose!
I can’t wait to meet all the furry babies at your next photo session!
You might also like these other tips to help prepare for a successful photo session:
The Complete Guide to Help You Prepare for Your Engagement Pictures
Choosing the Location for Your Engagement Pictures
Style Tips for Amazing Engagement Pictures
How to Personalize Your Engagement Pictures
Hey friend! I’m Delia–a wedding photographer who loves adventure just as much as snuggling on the couch with her dog. My photography is fun and colorful and embraces the real you. I’m based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, but I photograph weddings all throughout New Mexico, Colorado, and the southwest. I love to connect with and help my clients as much as possible. Check out the wedding planning tips section of my blog for more helpful advice.