A pet is a beloved part of the family, and preserving the memories of your dog, cat, hamster, or goldfish in photos is as important as it is for any other family member.
Of course, photographing our furry and feathered friends isn’t quite as easy as photographing humans, who usually respond to “sit” and “tilt your head a little to the left, and put your hand on your hip” on the first try. To make sure we capture photos that represent your pet and your relationship with him or her, here are a few tips.
Tell Me About Your Pet
She’s got as much personality as you do, so shine some light on it. Let me know about her attitude, her likes and dislikes, and what traits you’re hoping to see reflected in the photographs.
Bath Time!
You would take a shower before your photo shoot, right? (Please say yes. It makes my job a lot easier.) Your dog should get a bath before his, too! That way, his fur will be shiny and clean, and he’ll be looking his best. Otherwise, just like any other family member, he’ll be mad at you for allowing embarrassing photos to be taken of him and posted on the internet.
Bring Treats
Make sure you bring her favorite goodies to encourage her to pose and pay attention. It helps if your dog is a little bit hungry when we get started; that way, she’s more likely to respond to the treats amidst all the excitement of being a model.
Judge the Energy Level
If you have a high-energy pet, take him to the park or on a walk before we get started. Unless, of course, you want nothing but action shots.
Get Involved
Your pet doesn’t have to steal all the limelight — let’s get you in these photos, too, and capture the relationship you share with your furry (or scaly) one. Keep that in mind as you get ready on the day of the session.
No Snakes
I said scaly, but I didn’t mean it.
Okay, Snakes
But I have to meet them first.
Toys!
If your pet has a favorite stuffed animal or chew toy, bring it along. If your pet has a favorite sports team and you want to wear matching jerseys, bring them along. That goes for just about anything that helps you showcase who your pet is.
Take a Deep Breath
I get it, and it’s okay: despite the training, some pups retain their own wild, indomitable spirits. We’ll get the shots that show the dog you know and love, even if he doesn’t listen to a thing we say.
What About Cats?
Most of these tips are given with dogs in mind, but cats and other pets are welcome, too. Some of the same suggestions apply:
- Bathe your cat before you arrive. Good luck with that. Or maybe let your cat take care of that himself.
- Bring treats and props (including, perhaps, the cat’s favorite bed or blanket).
- Be prepared to be in the photos with him.
In addition, maybe consider a bell or something new that might catch her attention for a moment if we want her to look in a certain direction. Otherwise, let’s just call this what it is: Queen Cat is going to call the shots, and we’re going to let her, and the photos are going to be beautiful.
The impact our animals have on our lives can’t be overstated. If you’re fortunate enough to have one or two in your family, take the time to schedule a professional photo session with them. You’ll love looking at the pictures as much as you love your pets, now and for years to come.
Contact me today to inquire about your pet portrait session!