Bringing your pets to photos

Ready for photos with your pets? You’re in the right spot! I’ve been photographing families and couples in Chambersburg, PA with their pets for the past 5 years and have learned all the secrets to make it a success!

Photos with pets: Bring their favorite treats

Not just the treats they get every day, but the special occasion treats… you know the ones, mom. 😉 Fresh meat, cheese, if it makes their mouths water- bring it to the photos!

BONUS TIP: If your session is right before dinner time, it’s best to wait or feed them half the amount. (This is for healthy pets only and should not be done without consulting a vet first) 

They will have tons of opportunities for treats throughout the photos and this will increase their interest in the treats. This allows us to get cute photos and they saved enough room to indulge in their favorite treats, it’s a win-win for everyone! 

Let your photographer know any sounds or movements that may upset your animal

All animals are unique in their own ways, it’s important your photographer is aware if there’s a special need for your animal so they can work safely.

Photos with pets: Coordinate their accessories with your outfits

When in doubt, keep their collars and leashes neutral (black, tan, white) with a pop of color from a bandana or toy.

Bring their favorite toys

Just like the treats, these need to be the cream of the crop toys. The ones that they go NUTS for. The squeaky ones you never let them have, the stuffed animals they love to destroy, hand it over for the photos!

Consider locations

Choose a place where your dog will be comfortable. If they don’t like the car or get nervous in new places, an in-home or yard photoshoot may be best.

Energy Levels

You know your pet better than anyone. If your animal is more on the hyper side, take them on a walk earlier in the day or let them out to run before the session. On the flip side, it you have a senior or more lazy dog, let them rest up before the big photoshoot! This will allow their best personality to shine without being too distracted or sleepy.

Bonus tips for during the pet photo session:

if we can’t remove the leash, try your best to be aware of it’s placement and help me out by tucking it behind you or making it not as obvious in the photo.

Keep treats in your hands and give the photographer a few as well

Be patient and remember this is a new experience for them, it’s natural to need time to adjust to their new surroundings before caring about anything we want them to do and that’s okay.

Bring the basics: water (for you and your pet), poop bags, a brush if needed, and a hand towel just in case they get dirty or wet. Also, have fun! Go a little crazy and bring along anything else you could possibly think of that might add a little personality to your photos!

Don’t stress, have fun during these photos with your pets!

This tip might be the hardest yet but DON’T STRESS! Don’t worry about your pet posing properly or being the perfect angel. Most dogs and cats I photograph are just regular companion animals with no special training.

A pet with personality is super fun to photograph and we want that personality to come shining through in the pictures.

Creating great pet portraits takes a lot of time and patience. 

There will be a lot of waiting and repeating poses or shots several times. This is totally normal. It’s best to show up with a positive attitude and low expectations for your pet. Remember to have fun! Leave the rest up to me and I’ll guide you through exactly what to do the rest of the way.

Ready to plan your family photos with your pets?

Let’s set up a chat and plan all the fun details!