Canine Prep Guide
Welcome to your free preparation guide for your dog photoshoot! The tips and tricks shared below come from my extensive experience in dog photography. By following this guide, you’ll help make your photoshoot an enjoyable and successful experience, leading to stunning artwork that highlights your dog’s unique charm and the special connection you have with them.
PLEASE KEEP IN MIND…
I can perform some editing magic in post-production, but any extra touch-ups you request may incur a fee per image. To achieve the best results, please adhere to the recommendations outlined in this guide.
Treat Your Pup to a Spa Day!
The portraits from your photoshoot are designed to be enlarged and displayed in your home for years to come. Help your furry friend look their absolute best by booking a professional grooming appointment. If you’re grooming at home, make sure to give them a thorough bath, brush out their coat, and tidy up any stray hairs so their smiles and wagging tails truly shine in the photos.
After grooming, please keep your pup away from mud and freshly cut grass!
Control Food Intake
If your photoshoot is set to take place within a few hours of your dog's mealtime, please feed them ONLY HALF of their usual portion. No need to worry—your dog won't go hungry! We’ll be rewarding them with treats during the session.
The reason for this is simple: a hungry dog will be a more motivated dog!
And don’t forget to bring along their favorite snacks! This is so important!
Bring Treats!
Indulge your pup with special treats they don’t get every day. Consider small cubes of cheese, sliced hot dogs, bacon bits, or Puperoni. Your dog will be more motivated to perform for these delicious, extra-special snacks!
Bring Their Beloved Toys!
If your dog isn’t particularly food-driven but has a favorite toy, make sure to take it out two days before the photoshoot. When your pup sees their cherished toy again at the session, they’ll be thrilled and ready to engage, making them more enthusiastic about the experience!
Leashes & Collars
Please avoid using shock collars, bark collars, or harnesses (unless specifically required for working purposes) during your photoshoot, as these can obscure your dog’s appearance and distract from the overall image. Opt for flat or rolled collars instead! Ensure they are clean and properly fitted to prevent your dog from slipping out.
For leashed dogs, thin leather or cotton leashes that are 6-10 feet long work best. I will provide a longer catch cord from my personal equipment, allowing your dog to play freely while still being leashed. This thin catch cord will be removed during post-production. If your dog is well-trained and can play off-leash, that’s always the preferred option!
Exercise Your Dog
s your pup bursting with energy? Be sure to exercise them before the photoshoot. This will let your dog burn off some steam and have fun as a wild child before we need them to listen or stay still for 15-30 seconds at a time. Don’t worry; we’ll still capture some fantastic action shots! A tired dog will help you relax and enjoy the experience more.
If it’s a hot day, plan for breaks with water and time to cool down so your pup can comfortably catch their breath.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
Don’t hesitate to reach out! I am looking forward to our upcoming photoshoot and can not wait to make beautiful images with you!