In recent years, the world of pet ownership has witnessed a heartwarming trend - a rise of dog photoshoots. Dog owners are recognizing the value of preserving moments with their furry companions through fun images. Although this is great, signing up for a photoshoot can be overwhelming! This article is here to walk you through my dog photoshoots and help you properly prepare.
Christmas photoshoot from a doggy daycare session
Preparing for the Photoshoot
Choosing the Right Location
Selecting a good location for the dog photoshoot is an essential part to getting stunning results. Once the photoshoot is booked, we will discuss possible locations near you. Luckily, Maine is filled with great locations!
Consideration of Natural Light and Backgrounds
When choosing a location, I prioritize spots with lots natural light. Soft, warm sunlight during the golden hours (early morning or late afternoon) enhances the overall aesthetic and warmth of the photos. Additionally, I consider backgrounds that complement your dog's fur color and personality, ensuring they stand out in the final images.
Safety and Comfort for the Dog
I prioritize your furry friend's safety and comfort when deciding on a location. I try to avoid busy or noisy areas that might stress out your dog. Familiar places where they can relax, be themselves, and unleash their playful spirit are ideal. A comfortable and happy dog will result in more authentic and natural photographs.
Grooming and Styling
Preparing your dog for the photoshoot involves more than just picking the right location; grooming and styling can play a significant role in achieving the perfect look.
Tips for a Clean and Well-Groomed Appearance
Ensure your dog is clean and well-groomed before the photoshoot. Brush their coat to remove loose fur and consider a bath if they’re dirty. Trim nails and tidy up any messy fur around the eyes, ears, and paws. A well-groomed dog not only looks more photogenic but also shows a sense of care and attention to detail.
Selecting Accessories
If you want to add a touch of personality to the photos, consider bringing some fun accessories! This could range from a stylish bandana or bowtie to a seasonal prop. However, be sure the accessories are comfortable for your dog.
Note: I bring a handful of props to the session so we can mix in some fun photos along with the more serious ones but if there is a specific prop you want in a photo, bring it!
Communication
Communication is incredibly important when planning a photo session for the first time. Every dog is different and it helps greatly to talk about your dog’s behavior, preferences, and what type of photos you’re looking for.
Discussing Expectations and Vision for the Photoshoot
Share Your Vision: Clearly explain what you’d like to get out of the photoshoot. Whether you envision candid moments of playfulness or more posed shots, providing this insight allows me to align my approach with your preferences.
Highlight Important Details: Communicate any specific themes or emotions you want the photos to convey. For example, if the shoot is to commemorate a special occasion or simply celebrate the joy of companionship, conveying these details helps me tailor the session to you.
Discuss Style Preferences: Share your thoughts on the photographic style you prefer. Whether it's a more natural and documentary approach or a stylized and artistic look, expressing your stylistic preferences helps me cater the results to you.
Note: Please keep in mind that as a photographer, I’ve developed a consistent style for my photos. Please take a look at previous work to see if this is something that aligns what you’re looking for. I’m happy to make small changes but I can’t completely alter my style. If you have any questions, I’m happy to talk about it!
Sharing Any Specific Preferences or Ideas
Every dog is unique, and so are their owners' preferences. Take the time to communicate any specific preferences or creative ideas you have in mind for the photoshoot.
Highlight Your Dog's Personality: Share insights into your dog's personality traits, quirks, and favorite activities. This information can help me capture moments that showcase your dog's personality.
Favorite Locations or Props: If there are specific locations or props that hold significance for you and your dog, communicate these to me. Incorporating elements that resonate with you both can add a personal touch to the final images.
Discuss Potential Challenges: If your dog has any behavioral traits or sensitivities, such as shyness or excitement around new environments, PLEASE let me know. This helps me plan accordingly to create a comfortable and enjoyable experience for your dog.
Having open communication is essential to not only making the session go smooth, but also creating images that are catered to you.
My dog posing during an outdoor session
During the Photoshoot
Creating a Comfortable Environment
Creating a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere during the photoshoot is a great way to capture authentic moments with your furry friend.
Bringing Familiar Toys or Treats to the Dog Photoshoot
Familiarity can be comforting for your dog during the session. Bring along your dog's favorite toys or treats to create a sense of comfortability. Not only can these items be incorporated into the shots for added charm, but they can also serve as positive reinforcements, making the experience enjoyable for your dog.
Allowing Time for Me and Your Dog to Get Comfortable
Many dogs need time to become comfortable around new people. When we first get to the location, we’ll spend time talking and let the dog get used to me. This can involve casual interactions, offering treats, or letting your dog explore the surroundings. This will ultimately lead to more natural looking images and put your pup at ease.
Natural and Candid Shots
Candid shots are images taken while your dog is running around, playing, and exploring the surroundings. These types of images look authentic and add a nice variety to the final gallery when mixed in with standard posed shots.
Encouraging Playfulness and Capturing Spontaneous Moments
Bring out the playful side of your dog by engaging in their favorite activities. Whether it's a game of fetch, a stroll in the park, or a splash in the water, capturing these spontaneous moments adds a lively and genuine touch to the photos.
By creating a comfortable setting and encouraging a mix of natural, candid moments, your dog photoshoot will result in a blend of images that accurately reflect the personality of your dog.
After the Photoshoot
Waiting for the Images
So, we've wrapped up the photoshoot, and now it's time to wait for the results. I get it – the anticipation is real. While your excitement might be on overdrive, just know that it takes time to go through every image and add the finishing touches to each shot. If you have any questions or concerns while waiting for the images, please reach out so we can chat!
Receiving the Final Gallery
When the photos are ready for delivery, I’ll send you and email with a link to an online gallery. This will contain all of the final images and let you preview each one. In the preview, every image will be watermarked (please note that this is only in the preview). When you download your favorite images, they will be watermark-free. Depending on which package you selected, you will be able to download a certain number of digital images. Once you reach your download limit, you may purchase more images for an additional fee.
Prints and Custom Frames
After you have a chance to review the online gallery and select your favorite photos, you get to choose which photos you’d like printed! Most of my packages come with some prints included. Please review the description of the package you selected to determine how many prints you’ll get. Once you figure out which photos you’d like printed, reply to my email and let me know! I print all my photos in-house so I’ll get started right away. If your package comes with a hand-made photo frame, this will be delivered along with the prints. You may request more prints or frames than what your package includes for an additional fee (pricing on my website). Prints will be delivered through the mail with a personalized message and a discount to use on future photoshoots.
Feedback and how you can Help!
I’ll be transparent. My photography business is relatively new and I’m working hard to grow. If you enjoyed your experience and are happy with the final images, please leave a review on Google. This is fastest and easiest way to support me. Leaving a review takes less than a minute and helps me more than you could imagine! I put a link to leave a review in every gallery delivery email so if you’re having trouble finding where to go, refer to that email.
Another direct way that you can support me is to refer a friend. I’m happy to give a discount on referrals because I appreciate anyone who enjoys the experience enough to send another client my way.
Conclusion
Dog photoshoots are my favorite type of sessions. I grew up with dogs and they have a special place in my heart. I take pride in making every session an enjoyable experience for you and your furry friend. The best thing you can do to help the photoshoot go well is to have open communication so I can best create the experience and results you’re looking for. If you have any questions about dog photoshoots or you’d like to discuss anything in more detail, please contact me. Thanks!
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