How To Prepare For Your Pet Photoshoot
Whether you have already made the decision to book a pet photo shoot, or you're still wondering whether I'm the best fit for you and your furry bestie, I wanted to give you a glimpse into the magic that goes into creating my gorgeous London dog photography before it finds its home on your wall to enjoy every day.
If you have already booked a session with me, you may wonder how it will go and how we can ensure it goes wonderfully. Firstly, it's going to be amazing, so don't worry! I have worked with all kinds of pets with different needs and personalities, and I am very adept at dealing with all sorts of dogs and their behaviours.
Here are a few things you can do before your photo shoot to best prepare:
Visualise The Perfect Outcome
I recommend daydreaming about the artwork and how you'd love to display it. You may like multiple framed pieces hanging in your living room, where you can see them and smile each time you and your guests use the space. Or perhaps you would prefer a gorgeous presentation box containing multiple prints, which you can display individually or flip through with family and friends.
Is there somewhere you spend time with your pet that means a lot to you? A park where you spend your days together, or streets that play a part in the narrative of your dog's life?
Thinking about these things will help me get a feel for the kind of portraits you would like to achieve during your session.
Collaborate With Your Photographer
Communication before your photography session is vital. I want to deliver as close to your vision as possible.
The Discovery Call is the perfect opportunity for us to discuss your ideas for your artwork and any needs your dog may have. Are they a young pup who gets excited easily? Or perhaps a rescue who needs time to warm up to new people.
Not only have I grown up around dogs my entire life, but I also have a vested interest in dog training and behaviour, so no matter your dog's personality, I promise to make them comfortable. It is always possible to create incredible portraits of them.
We will also discuss your location choices and the best time of day for your session. It is paramount that your pet remains confident, so urban sessions, for example, always take place in the early mornings to minimise distractions from people or traffic.
Time of day is also a factor. Sessions occur when the light is best, either in the early morning or late afternoon. Some locations are better in the morning than evening, and early sessions are perfect for nervous dogs. Though I understand that not everyone is a morning person, so we'll go over all the possible options during your Discovery Call.
Time For Some Homework
We are showcasing your dog's personality, so please do not stress about the level of their training! We aren't aiming for multiple photographs of your dog sitting down against various backdrops; I aim to immortalise your dog experiencing the world around them in ways you've never seen before.
However, posing and shots may be repeated, so I recommend practising your dog's "wait" or "stay" in the week leading up to your session so that it's nice and fresh in your dog's mind. If they aren't the best at staying still, that is fine, and there is no need for concern.
Consider a pre-session spa day for your pup. If you need to schedule a grooming appointment, do it a few days in advance so that the fur has settled and excess energy from the experience has had the time to be expelled. It's an excellent tip to never book a grooming appointment on the same day as your photography session.
If you have a dog with longer or thicker fur, remember the hair around their eyes. We want your dog to look their best for their photos, but these images are for you to cherish for the years to come, so you decide what's right for you and your dog.
Packing For The Day
Though I will do my best to ensure that the photography session is very low-stress for your dog, we will ask a fair bit of them during their time in front of my camera.
I firmly believe in positive reinforcement, shaping, and food-based luring, so we will pay our model generously for their time.
I recommend bringing various high-value treats, including their favourites, from home. If their diet allows, I encourage you to bring fresh chicken, cheese cubes, or cut-up pieces of hotdog, as these are incredibly enticing rewards.
If your dog is more motivated by toys or squeakers and will look at them when held, please pack a few of their favourites.
Though the dogs I photograph appear nude in their final imagery, they are almost always on lead. If you would like to photograph your dog wearing their favourite collar, please make sure it's nice and clean and bring it along, and if you have a thin lead, pack that also. I have a show lead in my gear bag, so if you don't have a thin lead, don't worry!
And, of course, there are the basics: water (for both you and your dog), poo bags, a brush if needed, and a towel for if they find something muddy to frolick in.
The Big Day
You know your dog better than anyone. And you will want to figure out the best way to manage their energy levels to help them focus during their photo shoot.
Consider the lengths of your walks, play sessions, and stimulating adventures on the day, and the day before your photography session. We want them to have burned off some excess energy but not be exhausted.
For example, if you have a high-energy dog, it would be unfair of us to ask them to stand still for a photo if they are buzzing and ready to run.
Alternatively, if you have a senior dog, it's a good idea to let them relax before their session so they have lots of energy to play.
Before asking your dog to "work", there will be time to explore the environment and get used to me being nearby. They will be much happier to model for us if they have had time to sniff around and explore.
Because we will be feeding your dogs lots during their session, it is better to feed them half their usual breakfast amount. If your dog has special dietary needs, please check with your vet whether this is okay.
If your pet arrives with a full tummy, they will be less motivated by the treats we offer them for poses and more challenging to work with. Being a little hungry makes them more inclined to focus and perform for their snacks.
It's All For Your Dog, You Get The Beautiful Photos Afterwards
Let's be honest: your dog doesn't care that you now have a gorgeous, solid wood framed portrait of them hanging above your sofa, bringing you incredible joy every time you look at it. What they do care about is their experience on the day.
I hope by now I have assured you that your pet comes first when working with me and that I will take every measure possible to keep them safe, confident, and happy. I will always advocate for them, and I need you to remember the most important tip out of all the ones I've given you so far: DON'T STRESS.
Most of the pets I photograph have no special training. You do not need to worry about them being on their best behaviour or posing how they are asked to. I will walk you through the images I'm trying to capture, showing you how best to guide your dog into the scenes. We will not push their boundaries in any way, and their confidence will remain high due to how we communicate with them. I am very ethical regarding animals and will always be their voice when I notice something making them uncomfortable.
Show up for your session with a positive attitude; remember that repeating poses and shots is entirely normal, and have fun!
Every pet is unique, which is why I love them so much. If you’d like to learn more, or you still have questions or concerns you would like to discuss, book a free consultation call with me to have a chat.
