Tips for bringing your pet to a photo shoot

One question I hear often this time of year is.. Can I bring my dog along to my photography session? The answer is YES! I love when people bring pets along.  They bring a special connection and playfulness to the photos, and often end up being some of the favorite shots of the day. 

Here are a few tips to make a photo session with your pet go smoothly. 

Exercise beforehand 

Get in a walk or play fetch before the session.  This is especially helpful for dogs with a lot of energy.  Whatever you can to do to make sure they are a little more calm and tired when it’s time for photos.

Bring water

Be sure to bring some water for your furry friends.  This is probably obvious to all dog parents out there, but when you’re rushing out the door don’t forget to bring their portable water bowl. 

Treats and toys

Treats work great for getting dogs attention and keeping them in one spot for posing. A favorite squeaky toy can work wonders for getting that adorable looking right at the camera shot. 

Neutral colored leash

The color of your dog’s leash probably isn’t something you think about a lot …until you see your photos and the neon green leash distracts from your perfectly coordinated outfits. Choosing a neutral colored leash will blend in best for photos.

Have a plan for non-photo time 

We’ll most likely do pet photos either at the beginning or end of your session. Bring a friend along to watch them when their time in front of the camera is over. Depending on the weather and our location, hanging out in the car with a window down can also work well. 

It can take some patience, but it’s always worth it for a cute photo with your furry friends.