How to Prepare Your Pup for a Studio Photoshoot

If you’ve never experience a photo shoot with your dog, you might be wondering how to best prepare yourself and your dog for his big close-up. And you wouldn’t be alone! The vast of majority of my clients have never booked a photo shoot for their dog, let alone a studio portrait session for themselves or their families. What’s more is many haven’t been around a professional photographer since their high school senior pictures or their wedding!

A little preparation goes a long way in ensuring your dog’s portrait session goes off without a hitch— and to keep any pre-session stress or jitters at bay. Read on to learn my top tips to a portrait session that will create some fantastic (and boop-worthy) results!

2-4 weeks before photo session

VISIT THE GROOMER FOR A FRESH ‘DO

Whether or not your pooch visits the dog spa regularly for grooming, stopping in for a clean up is a great idea. I’m a firm believer that a few hours at the spa can do wonders for your pooch’s confidence and I swear they know how stinkin’ cute they after their appointment!

For best results, make sure your dog’s eyes are free from extra fluff. It’s so important to be able to capture their eyes because that’s how I make sure your dog’s personality will shine through. Eye-contact with the camera is an important element of portraits.

1-2 weeks before photo session

GET A PEDICURE

Not a doggie spa kinda pooch? No worries! I do recommend giving your pooch a pedicure before their session. Cleanly trimmed nails (with time for the "fresh-cut" look to file down a bit) makes your pup all the more camera-ready. Nails that are overgrown can distract from your dog’s adorable-ness for certain capture angles.

TAKE A BATH

If you bathe your pooch at home, plan to give her a good washing about a week before the session. You know your dog’s coat best, so plan accordingly for the shiniest fur. For my black Lab mix, Sequoia, her coat is shiniest the first week after a bath. For my Westie, Fraser, a bath the night before is the best option. His white fur is brightest the day after a bath— especially since giving a bath too far in advance nearly guarantees he’ll find something deliciously messy to roll in in the yard.

Morning of your pup’s big photo session!

GET SOME EXERCISE

Being in a photo studio can be a lot to handle for some pup. New smells, sounds, and textures, paired with flashing lights can create the perfect storm for major excitement! I always recommend getting some exercise in before your session to get out all the nervous energy and prevent any in-studio zoomies. That could be sticking to your regular morning walk schedule, or adding in a walk before your session that’s long enough to tire your pup but not so long that it exhausts them. Depending on your pooch, that’s likely somewhere between 15 minutes to 30 minutes.

Crunched for time? Park a few extra blocks away from the studio and you can get a walk in on your way to the studio!

REMOVE THE SLEEP SEEDS

Paws-down, thee FASTEST way to get your dog camera ready is remove those blasted eye-boogies! Only takes a couple moments to remove and she’ll thank you for boosting her on-camera confidence!

Don't worry too much if some show up during the session (especially with puppies). Eye boogs are always removed in post-production editing.

BRUSH IT OUT

Give your pup a good brushing before her session. It helps keep her looking polished and removes any tangles in her fur that could be distracting on camera.

Some pets with dry skin may not benefit as much from a brushing right before their session- especially those with short fur coats. Some of dry skin dander could show up in photos if you brush right before the session. You know your dog best so use your best judgement.

PACK SOME GOODIES

Please pack your dog's favorite things. This includes toys, treats, and comfort items that you know get an immediate reaction from your pooch. Sometimes a client is impervious to my noise makers that often work and having a special toy or high-value treat is exactly what we need.

Having smells from home and their favorite things can make the transition into the studio a simple one. Plus, having the best toys from home can really bring out your pup's personality in their portraits. When in doubt, bring it!

… AND THE LATEST ‘FIT

If sweaters, vests, jackets, and costumes are your dog's idea of a good time, please bring them with! I recommend bringing no more than 3 options, but have a clear idea of which ones you NEED to get a portrait of and which ones are ok if it doesn't work out.

I can help you pick which outfits work best with your backdrop color selection during your session.

Tips for Taking a Pic with your Pup

I love when a client’s human wants to jump in for a photo or two. It’s a great way to capture the bond you and your dog share.

Here are some suggestion when it comes to preparing you for your close-up:

WHAT TO WEAR

• A favorite outfit that makes you feel confident and comfortable, but also slightly dressier than your everyday look (e.g. jeans and a nice blouse or shirt, a summer dress etc.)

• Opt for footwear that completes your outfit.

  • I love capturing photos of a dog sitting beside his owner’s feet.

• Clothes that flatter your body type

• Clothes that you don't mind getting a little dirty. #DogHairDon’tCare

• If you choose to wear makeup, apply it slightly heavier than normal so your features will pop on camera.

WHAT TO AVOID:

• Logos and bold patterns

• Dirty shoes

  • Clean shoes only on paper backdrops

Need some professional insight? Contact The Dog Photog here.