As a fellow canine enthusiast and professional dog photographer, I understand the anticipation of capturing your pup's unique personality on camera. But, just like us humans, our four-legged friends need a little preparation to shine in front of the lens. So, how can you get your pooch ready for their big day? Let's fetch some answers!
1. A Well-Exercised Dog is a Photogenic Dog
Tire 'em out. A fun play session or a good walk before the dog photography session can help burn off excess energy. Lower energy levels during the session will help your dog be less nervous and easier to work with in front of the camera. Just allow some time for your pup to cool down, catch their breath, and recover before they strike a pose. A tired dog is a calm dog; calm dogs make for fantastic models.
2. Grooming for the Glamour Shot
We all want to look our best in photos, and our furry friends are no exception! For pets with long coats, I recommend a thorough brushing to remove any dead hairs, mats, and tangles. A quick trip to the groomer can work wonders in making your pup camera-ready. Try to plan your visit at least a few days before your session. New haircuts tend to look better after the first few days, plus it can be overwhelming for most pups to go straight from the groomer to a photo session. Here are a few recommendations for dog groomers from my clients. In Port Coquitlam, check out Good Dog Grooming. Pet Parlour is highly recommended for my Vancouver dog parents, and for our friends in Maple Ridge, be sure to check out Golden Ears Grooming and ask for Judy.
3. Puppy Dog Eyes
The eyes are the key to an engaging pet portrait. Let's give those peepers the spotlight they deserve by trimming away stray hairs. Oh, and don't forget to pack a damp towel to gently wipe away any eye gunk. Your fur baby will thank you! Having your pet look directly into the camera may seem like an impossible task, but I've developed a repertoire of noises as well as having some unique noisemakers to try if I can't win them over with my charming personality.
4. Pack the Essentials
Don't forget to bring along your dog's favourite toys and treats. These can serve as excellent attention grabbers during the photo session. Plus, they offer a familiarity that can help your dog relax in the new environment.
5. Feeding on Session Day
Feeding Fido less or at least a few hours before the session is an excellent idea to help keep energy levels manageable and encourage good behaviour! When your pup is a little hungry, they will be more inclined to behave for treats.
6. Accessorize
Beautiful collars or outfits can add a lot of personality to your session and help to tell the story of your beloved pet. Flat collars generally present better in portraits. If your dog requires a harness or a special collar for walking, perhaps we can switch to a flat collar once we reach our location. To ensure the focus remains on your dog, removing any potentially distracting tags or licenses from their collars for the photo session is advisable.
7. Keep it Fun
Remember, this should be an enjoyable experience for you and your pup. Keep the atmosphere light and playful. Your dog will pick up on your energy; if you're having fun, they will too! Our pets teach us so much about being in the moment, so be present and enjoy the time with your best friend. You will be rewarded with amazing images.
Lastly, for those of you who are exceptionally eager to ensure perfect pet portraits (akin to the determination of a border collie), practice basic commands with your dog. Simple cues like sit, stay, and look here can be incredibly helpful during the session. And if your pup isn't the obedient type? No worries! Some of the best shots are candid ones.
One of our delighted dog parents, Lisa, shared her experience: "Deborah is so much fun to work with, and she was great with our dogs; very accommodating. We were beyond pleased with the photos! The packaging and presentation were outstanding."
So there you have it, folks! With a bit of preparation and a lot of love, your dog's photo session will not only result in stunning photographs but will be a fun, shared experience that you will look back on with fond memories.
Now that you have everything you need to get your dog ready for their photo session, it's time to start thinking about how you might like to display the stunning images of your adorable bestie! Check out the article I wrote on Creating the Perfect Gallery Wall.