Clients are always surprised about everything that goes into a Dog Photography session!

From what to bring to what to wear to figuring out your dog’s needs to choose the right location and time of year and more.

In this post, I’ll give a broad overview of everything you need to know to be the most prepared for your pup’s session.

If you want to dig further into all of our best tips and what to expect from a Pet Portrait experience, be sure to download our free Pet Parent Session Guide.

A QUICK NOTE

Your dog doesn’t need to be perfect! Whether your dog is a playful puppy, a shy rescue, a chill senior, or somewhere in between, we've photographed dogs of every age, breed, personality, and energy level. The best portraits come from letting dogs be themselves—not expecting perfect obedience.

BEFORE BOOKING

Are we the right Dog Photographer for you? There is so much that goes into choosing the right person from style to pricing to experience, etc. Read our post all about Things To Consider Before Choosing A Pet Photographer.
Consider what time of year you might want to book your session. Time of year not only plays into temperatures that might be favorable for your dog but the colors of foliage do, too.
From browns to soft yellow to pale blue in Winter to vibrant greens in the Summer—planning your ideal season for a photo session will help with the finished product.
For your preferred season of choice, don’t wait until last minute to book! We always recommend clients reach out at least 8-10 weeks ahead of time to get their preferred date.
Think about how you'd like to enjoy your images. Are you dreaming of a large statement piece above the fireplace? A gallery wall in the hallway? An heirloom album to flip through for years to come? Thinking about the finished artwork before your session helps us create variety with your home and vision in mind.
Consider your dog’s personality. Is your dog a couch potato? A water lover? Ball obsessed? More comfortable in quiet places? Thinking about your dog's personality helps us choose the perfect location for them where they can thrive and be the most comfortable possible.

BEFORE THE SESSION

Have your dog groomed at least two to three days prior to your session so they look their very best!
If your dog tends to be excitable, anxious, or shy, take them to the session location prior to the shoot, so they can get more comfortable with the location. It’s one less thing for them to become acquainted with on session day.
Order any special accessories, like bow ties, collar, bandanas, you want to include ahead of time.
Pack their to go bag, so you have everything you need ready to go before session day.
If there any specific poses you want your dog to perform, top up on their skills by practicing at home starting at least two weeks prior to the session.

WHAT TO WEAR

Our Style Guide is simple, but effective helping you to decide on what colors to choose, what to wear and what to avoid, along with examples from real client sessions.

WHAT TO BRING

High-reward or high-value treats your dog doesn’t get everyday to keep them interested and engaged
Their favorite toy or ball, so we can incorporate play into the session
A neutral, flat collar and leash combination, so that it can be easily edited out via post-production. If your dog generally wears a harness, they can do so until we get to the session location and swap out with their collar instead for photos.
Long line (no retractable leashes, please!)
A collapsible dog bowl / fresh water
Poop bags
A neutral blanket that vibes with your wardrobe selection
Lint roller
Walking shoes
Any other items you’d like to incorporate into the session to make it uniquely yours

DAY OF THE SESSION

Proceed with normal daily activity. Most people want to wear their dog out, so they will be tired for the session. But, that’s actually counter intuitive. Continue with their normal daily activity as they will get plenty of activity in during their session.
Arrive early! Session times are all based on light. By arriving about 10-15 minutes beforehand, that gives your dogs the chance to potty, sniff, and be ready to roll for showtime!
Let your dog be a dog! Your dog's only job during the session is to be themselves. They don't need perfect obedience or a flawless "sit." We'll work at their pace, follow their lead, and capture the personality that makes them uniquely them.
Relax and trust the process. Dogs are incredibly in tune with our emotions. If you're feeling nervous about how your dog will behave, there's a good chance they'll notice, too. Take a deep breath—we'll guide you every step of the way and create a calm, enjoyable experience for both you and your dog.
Leave expectations at the door. Working with dogs is wonderfully unpredictable—and that's part of the magic. It's completely normal for clients to wonder, "Are we getting anything?" The answer is almost always yes. Some of the most beautiful images happen in the crazy, in-between moments that you don't even realize we're capturing.

We hope this quick recap of some of the most important things to know to best prepare for your dog’s photography experience helps you feel supported and well, prepared!

If you are interested in learning more about our session process and pricing, check out our Session Info page or if you are ready to inquire today to book a session, click here.