How to Prepare Your Dog for Their Photoshoot
Tips to help your pet feel comfortable, confident, and camera-ready — in studio or on location.
Whether your dog is bold and outgoing or calm and reserved, a professional photoshoot can be an exciting and memorable experience — for both of you. I treat every session as a collaboration, working with your pet’s natural energy and personality to create timeless portraits.
To help your session go smoothly and ensure your dog feels their best, here are a few simple tips to prepare — whether we’re shooting in the studio or outdoors on location.
🐾 Preparing for a Studio Session
1. Give Your Dog Time to Acclimate
The studio is a new environment with unfamiliar smells, sounds, and surfaces. We’ll allow plenty of time for your dog to sniff around, explore, and get comfortable before we begin photographing. Feel free to arrive a little early to let them settle in naturally.
2. Pack Familiar Comforts
Bring along their favorite toy, treats, or even a blanket they love to lie on. These familiar items can help your dog feel secure and may also make a meaningful prop in your portraits.
3. Keep Energy Balanced
Try to avoid overstimulating your dog right before the session. A short walk beforehand is great to take the edge off any nervous energy — but we want to keep them alert, not exhausted.
4. Groom, But Don’t Overdo It
A quick brushing is usually all that’s needed. If your dog is due for grooming, try to schedule it a few days prior to the session — not the same day. A fresh haircut or bath can sometimes be stressful or leave their coat looking too “fluffed” for portraits.
5. Stay Relaxed Yourself
Dogs are incredibly intuitive — if you’re calm, they’re more likely to stay calm too. Let the session unfold naturally. We work at your dog’s pace, and there’s no pressure for them to “perform.”
🌳 Preparing for an On-Location Session
1. Choose the Right Setting
During our pre-shoot consultation, we’ll talk about ideal locations — parks, quiet trails, or even your own backyard. Consider your dog’s personality: Do they love wide open spaces or prefer a quieter setting with fewer distractions?
2. Arrive Early for Sniffing & Settling
Just like in the studio, arriving 10–15 minutes early gives your dog time to explore the area and get used to the sights and smells. This simple step makes a huge difference in how settled they feel when we begin shooting.
3. Bring the Essentials
Water, poop bags, a brush, and a few high-value treats are must-haves. If your dog has a favorite ball or toy, it may help capture more authentic expressions during the shoot.
4. Use a Simple Collar or Harness
If your dog will remain leashed (as they often do in outdoor settings), opt for a clean, simple collar or harness. Bright colors can work beautifully — or we can remove the leash digitally afterward if needed.
5. Dress Comfortably (for You, Too)
If you’re planning to be in some of the photos (and I encourage you to be!), wear something you feel good in and that complements your dog without clashing. Solid colors tend to work best and help keep the focus on your bond.
📸 A Few Final Thoughts
No matter where we shoot, the goal is the same: to capture your dog’s spirit and the bond you share. The best portraits come when your pet feels safe, seen, and at ease. That’s why every session is paced with patience and tailored to your dog’s personality — whether they’re a bouncing ball of energy or a laid-back couch companion.
Pro Tip:
Don’t worry if your dog doesn’t sit still. Most dogs don’t! Beautiful portraits come from real moments — a glance, a lean into your side, a wagging tail mid-motion. The magic is in the in-between.