Whether you just welcomed a new furbaby into your home and looking to document the adorable puppy phase, you’re including your pooch in holiday photos, or you’re about to start an Instagram account for your dog, there are plenty of reasons you may book a professional photoshoot. While I generally take my own photos, I have worked with various photographers and planned for many photoshoots with my two canine kids. Here are some tips that have helped make my photo sessions fuss-free and fun!
Choose Your Style and Create a Must-Have Shot List
What type of photos do you like best? Do you get lost in Instagram accounts that are light, bright, and airy? Do you prefer saturated colors that pop? Or maybe you like darker tones. Do you like candid shots of dogs playing or posed portraits? Full body shots or close-up details?
Spend some time looking at popular dog accounts on social media and create a vision board that you can show to your photographer. This is your time to get creative, dream up the details, and really think about what you want out of the shoot.
Find a Photographer
If you already know a professional photographer who you trust and whose work you admire – great. That makes this step easy. But, if not, spend some time Googling local photographers. Look into professionals who specialize in pet photography (yes, that’s a thing!). Spend some time on their website, review their portfolio, check reviews, and reach out to request pricing.
When you reach out to photographers, ask them how they work. Do you book a set amount of time? During that set time, are you allowed to change clothes? If so, how many looks can you plan?
Read the Fine Print
Before you book a session with a photographer, make sure to read their contract’s fine print and understand their full obligation to you. After the shoot, will they give you a USB or access to an online gallery of all edited photos? Will they hand over watermarked photos with the photographer’s name? If so, is there a fee to remove that watermark? Can you post the photos anywhere you want? Get the details clear before any pics are snapped!
Choose a Location
As you plan for your photoshoot, you’ll need to think about backdrops. One of the easiest places to shoot is in your home or backyard. It’s where your dog is most comfortable and relaxed, which means his personality is bound to shine. It’s also where all your stuff is, making it super convenient. Plus, the show can go on rain or shine!
If you’re looking to get outdoors, though, parks, open fields, or dog-friendly lakes and beaches are another great idea.
Get Glammed Up
Before a photoshoot, have your dog freshly groomed and looking spiffy. This isn’t the time to experiment with new dog haircuts – their regular style is perfect. If you have a young puppy that hasn’t gone in for a trim yet and you want to capture their fluffiness then at least give him a bath and run a comb through his hair.
Planning on making an appearance in the photos? Get your hair and nails done too! If you’re a makeup master then you can easily do your own. But, why not go all out and get pampered by a pro makeup artist? After all, this is a special day.
Choose Outfits & Accessories Wisely
Confession: I love matching outfits. Whenever I plan a photoshoot, I organize my clothes around my dogs’ outfits. If you’re not the matchy-matchy type, still spend some time thinking of complementary colors (i.e. teal and pink, royal blue and yellow, sky blue and orange) and patterns. Avoid anything that clashes or isn’t aesthetically pleasing.
If you don’t dress your dog up in clothes, focus on accessories. They can wear a themed bandana or eye-popping harness and leash set.
Planning a Christmas-themed shoot with your pooch? Check out THIS article filled with 12 adorable dog accessories for holiday photos.
Props Are Your Friend
- Plush toys, treats, and chew sticks are great props if you’re looking for interactive photos.
- Celebrate your puppy’s gotcha day by making a dog cake and capturing his face as he’s about to dig in.
- Dogs sitting next to signs featuring a funny or sentimental note are pretty popular.
- Is there anything cuter than a puppy sitting in a basket?
- Dogs sitting next to a bouquet of colorful balloons makes for a fun photo.
- Blow some bubbles near your pup and capture his reaction!
- If your puppy shoot takes place in the fall, you may consider getting a few pumpkins for your puppy to sit near.
- If your puppy shoot takes place in the summer and you love the beach then perhaps your pooch can sit on a surfboard.
Take a Walk
A very wise person once said: A tired dog is a good dog. Well, I can tell you from experience, that is very true. To help your puppy burn off excess energy and begin his photoshoot relaxed, take them for a walk beforehand.
Bring Treats
I’m not talking about the every-day treats. For your photoshoot, you want to pull out the high-value stuff. Baked liver bites, dehydrated sardines, peanut butter bites – whatever your dog goes nuts over. Having high-value treats nearby will encourage your dog to pay attention and follow instructions.
Enlist a Friend For Help
Sometimes holding your dog’s gaze during a photoshoot isn’t as easy as just calling out his name. That’s where the treats I just mentioned and a friend come in handy. Ask a good friend to act as your assistant during your photoshoot. They can stand behind the photographer, holding a treat or squeaking a toy near the camera lens. This gives the illusion that your dog is looking at the camera.
