Pet photography can be so much more than snapping a quick action shot on your phone—it’s about capturing their personality, their quirks, and the bond you share. So, what makes your dog unique? Whether it’s their goofy grin, soulful eyes, or tail-wagging excitement, our dogs are our family, and moments with them deserve to be remembered.
And with a little prep, a photo session with your dog can be a fun and rewarding experience for both of you.
Here are my five essential tips to help you and your dog shine:
1. Keep treats in your pocket.
This is my number one piece of advice when preparing for photos with your dog. Carrying treats provides three keys for your photoshoot:
Incentive/bribery
Joy
A way to command their attention where you want it (i.e. the camera lens).
And bring plenty! You or your photographer can put them on top of the camera or above your dog to help guide their eyes and face in the most photogenic direction.
2. Check ahead to ensure your location allows pets.
If you’re working with a local photographer, they should take care of this step for you. (Pro tip: search the web for “dog photographer near me,” or “pet photographer near me,” and let Google find those photographers who have already identified themselves as working with pets!)
But if you’re not working with a local photographer, make sure you choose a pet-friendly location. Unfortunately, just because it’s an outdoor space doesn’t mean our furry fam is welcome.
For example, in the Nashville area, two of my most-popular photo spots won’t allow pets: Arrington Vineyards and Radnor Lake. It would be a bummer to get everyone dressed and ready, drive out to one of those gorgeous locations, only to be turned away and have to come up with a new plan on the spot. Just be sure to check the venue’s website or call ahead.
3. Go for a long walk before the photo session.
Bringing an energetic pup who’s been cooped up all day is likely to make for a chaotic photoshoot. After all, they have plenty to be excited about: meeting the photographer, being the star of the show, treats, and maybe even… squirrel! Do yourself a favor by walking your dog beforehand, and make sure he or she isn’t starving for attention.
4. Get on your dog’s level.
This is the tip I use with children—especially on lifestyle shoots—and the principle applies for pets, too. It doesn’t matter if you crouch, kneel, squat, or lay all the way down—getting on their eye level is what takes an image from “meh” to meaningful in a split second. Plus, they’re more likely to interact with the camera this way—which makes for some really fun, playful shots.
5. Don’t stress, have fun!
Your dog’s behavior might be a wild card on the day of the photoshoot, but I promise, that’s okay! I’ve seen so many sessions where dog moms and dads became stressed out if their pup wasn’t perfectly behaved or kept getting distracted. But when I deliver their edited photos, they’re surprised and delighted to have a healthy mix of perfect poses and authentic captures of their pet’s unique personality.
An extreme example I have is from a recent session on Christmas Eve with a couple and their three boxers. Unfortunately, on the day of the shoot, the oldest woke up with an eye infection! I assured them we could work some Photoshop magic later on and we proceeded with the shoot as if everything was normal. The dogs played with each other, their parents loved on them, and they all wore matching outfits. It was adorable!
…And I bet you can’t tell which eyeball was digitally reconstructed:
Let’s have a puppy play date!
I would be honored to capture special memories of you and your dog in and around Nashville. We can take a couple hours for multiple locations (like in the example below), or I can come to you in the comfort of your own home.
