I love when my clients ask if they can bring their dog to their photo session! Your furry friend is always welcome! Here are five easy tips to help you set your pup up for success when bringing your dog to your photo session.

1. Bring a squeaky toy to help get your dogs attention

Having a toy that makes noise or that they enjoy playing with, makes this a fun experience. This will help me get their attention to look at the camera!

2. Have a friend or family member come with you

Anytime you bring your dog to a photo session, I suggest bringing along a friend or family member to be your dog handler! You may be taking engagement photos for an hour or so, and you won’t be able to get your dog’s attention for that long period of time. Having someone there to hold your dog allows us time to take photos of just you guys!

3. Bring dog treats

This point speaks for itself. Reward your dog for great behavior! If you have them sit over and over again, it may be tiring. I would recommend having a few treats on hand to keep them engaged. Also along with your bag of dog goodies, don’t forget some water and doggy bags.

4. Have a neutral colored dog leash

You probably won’t think about the color of your dog leash or collar until you see your photos! I know my dog’s leash is hot pink, and I definitely don’t want that distracting in our photos. By choosing a cream, grey, or black leash, it will blend in best for photos.

5. Choose a location with less distractions

Your dog could be easily distracted by cars, squirrels, people, or other dogs. Let’s work together to choose a more private location, to help set your session up for success.

If your dog barks at cars, we should probably avoid downtown! If your dog is distracted by other dogs or animals, we can try to popular parks on the weekends. Be transparent with me about what is best for your dog and we can find a great time and location for your portrait session!

Plus a special BONUS tip for you!

Wear colors that complement the fur color of your dog. I know it sounds crazy, but trust me! For example, if you have a black dog, don’t wear black pants because you will blend in with your pup!

Sometimes taking photos with dogs can be hard, but it doesn’t have to be! I hope you found these tips helpful to prepare for bringing your dog to your next photo session! Comment below if you have any other helpful tips you’d like to share!

For more information on booking your photo session with your pup, fill out my contact form here!