Studio sessions aren’t meant to be easy. Once in a while they are, but it’s definitely not the norm. I specialize in being patient. If I wasn’t patient in the studio, I would be in the wrong job. Dogs (and other pets and kids) are not always the best listeners. That’s normal, especially with new people and a new space.
So if you think your dog, cat or other pet might not be up for a studio session, I’d reconsider. What you see online are photos and not all the craziness behind the scenes. I often take over 200 in a session and pick 5-10 finals. Many of the photos I take aren’t good. Why? Because animals aren’t humans. They’re moving fast, not listening, getting distracted, etc…It’s ok.
Below are just a couple tips on how to prepare for our session. You can check out some of our favorite studio photos here! and contact u us with questions or to book a session here.
Relax, Be Patient & Have Fun
It’s imperative that we have fun! Your dog will feed off of your energy. I don’t expect them to listen to every command. It’s a new environment with photography equipment that they’ve never seen before and they might be a bit nervous at first. It’s completely normal. That’s why I give time for your pet to get comfortable, smell things and get to know me and the space.
Session Energy Burn
If you have a high-energy dog, I want to make sure they have that need met before we start the shoot. This helps release excess energy and makes it easier for them to stay calm and focused during the shoot.
Bring Some Favorite Treats & Toys
Bring a few of your dog’s favorite toys to grab their attention or create fun, playful shots. Do they have a ball or frisbee that they like to play with? Bring it! Let’s capture some air time! Bring high-value treats to reward them for good behavior and to encourage cooperation. Ensure the treats are small and non-messy. Consider giving them a lighter meal that morning so their more treat motivated at the shoot. I have plenty of treats and toys on hand if you forget or we run out of the ones you bring.
To Groom or Not Groom?
There is no right or wrong answer here. If you’d like your dog looking polished for the shoot, then definitely groom them. I’d recommend doing this a day or so beforehand, so your dog doesn’t have too much going on in one day. If you like your dog the way they normally look, more natural, then skip the grooming session. It’s up to you. Do what feels right!
Practice Basic Commands
I don’t expect your dog to be perfect. Again, new people, new environment, camera equipment, etc…It’s ok. With that being said, it wouldn’t hurt to practice basic commands like "sit," "stay," and "down," beforehand.
A Few Other Things:
Controlled Chaos: Studio sessions are sometimes “controlled chaos.” This is especially true with puppies. And that’s ok! Chaos can make for some fun photos. Some of my favorite photos were not planned and involved a dog running around on the backdrop.
Multiple Dogs/Pets: If you have more than one pet at the session and want to get them in a photo together, we’ll try to make that happen. If we can’t get one of them together, no problem! I’ll photoshop them together in a photo. Here’s just one of many examples. This photos is a combination of 2 photos taken during the same shoot.
Accidents: Even if your dog is house trained or goes to the bathroom before entering the studio, there is a 1 in 3 chance they will go to the bathroom in the studio. And that too is ok. It happens! There are a lot of smells in the studio and favorite spots for male dogs to lift their legs on:)
Clothing: If you plan on being in some photos, consider what colors you bring. Have a light colored dog who sheds a lot? Avoid black or other dark colored clothes. We have hair removers, but the minute you come in contact with your dog, it comes right back. Avoid busy patterns and all white tops. Not sure what to wear? We’re happy to help with suggestions! Don’t want to be in photos with your pets, that’s fine. We won’t pressure you.
