portraitS, engagements, and weddings

FUR BABIEs in PHOTOS-
10 Tips

Your pet wants to be a part of your family portraits, vow renewals, anniversary events, and the big day that is your wedding, too. Here’s how to get great results.

key considerations

Top-Dog Tips for Great Photos

Imagine the happy barks and the special memories made with your pet by your side. Let’s make memorable, tail-wagging, fantastic photos together!

  • Assess Your Dog’s Personality: Just like some people are shy, some dogs may not like being photographed or being around people. Consider what length, location, and type of photo session make sense for the well-being of your dog. Think about the time, place, number of people, noise, and any special quirks your dog might have and how those will add to or detract from your session.
  • Choose a Dog-Friendly Location: In Colorado, we are lucky to have many outdoor spaces, parks and dedicated dog parks that welcome dogs. Many of these locations offer great lighting and the freedom for you and your dog to move around. Your dog may have a favorite park or a spot in your backyard that would provide a soothing and comfortable location.
  • Time Your Session: Your dog will unlikely show the best behavior during your entire session. Think about the length of your session and consider starting with your dog shots first and letting them go off to explore later.
  • Groom Your Dog Beforehand: Most dogs love being active and somehow always find the best muddy spots for play. Be sure to clean your dog beforehand and comb their hair before getting their photo taken.
  • Brush Up on Commands: In the time leading up to your session, practice commands with your dog like sit, stay, and down. Additionally, if your dog knows any special tricks be sure to practice those, too, since they can make for great images.
  • Work Off Some Energy: To tone down some of your dog’s wildness, find a way to get some energy out beforehand. Take a long walk or jog with them. Consider having them spend the day before the session at a daycare to play with other dogs.
  • Stay Relaxed: Most dogs pick up on and sense people’s moods. The calmer and more positive you are, the more you will put your dog at ease during the photo session. Don’t stress over whether the session goes perfectly. Instead, go with the flow, and your dog will pick up on your attitude.
  • Bring Treats: Be generous with rewards for good behavior. Bring a bag of your dog’s favorite treats as an enticement to obey commands and look at the camera. Just don’t feed them too much beforehand or they may not be interested.
  • Stash a Favorite Toy: Bring your dog’s favorite toy, but keep it hidden until later in the session as a last resort. Sometimes, toys can distract dogs to the point where they lose all focus on the session.
  • Let Them Express Personality: Let your dogs be themselves! Instead of coaxing your dog into unnatural poses, let them move in their element. Put an arm around them or pet their fur to get them into the scene. Physical contact helps your dog feel comfortable and is a great way to show off their personality and relationship with you.
  • Dress with Dog in Mind: Consider your dog when planning outfits for the family. Choose colors that complement their fur. If your dog sheds, avoid darker colors that show their hair. Be sure to de-lint your clothing before your session.
  • A man and woman hold their fur babies during a portrait session.
  • A family of five--mom, dad, two boys and a daughter--lean against a fence as their dog looks on during their autumn family portrait session.
  • The best holiday mini session Colorado includes candids like this one. A puppy kisses his millennial owner while his wife looks on and laughs.
  • An engaged couple kisses during their autumn photo session as their dog looks on.

Leash Requirements

If your session takes place in a public space, check on any leash laws and any other requirements for dog owners. If yes, bring a nice-looking leash for your session. With help from your photographer, you can hide the leash in the scene by bringing your family in closer and/or adjusting hand positions. If you’re worried about the leash showing, many times for a small retouching fee, the leash can be digitally removed from the photograph.

Get a helper or handler

During the session, appoint one family member with the authority to ensure the dog does not wander off and get muddy or dirty. Ideally this person will be familiar with your dog and can walk or play with them while the rest of your family finishes up with the photo session. For events like weddings, there are also services like Pets of Honor to ensure your furry friend is pampered, primped, and ready to charm, turning potential chaos into cute, carefree moments.

Home » Family Portraits with Dogs – 10 Tips

Vary the poses

Make sure your photographer captures a mix of posed and relaxed photos. Take advantage of and capture candid moments when kids and dogs let themselves get lost in the moment and forget they are being photographed.

Final Thoughts

Your pet is part of your family. Be patient in knowing that even the smartest and most obedient dog can change its mind about staying still. Remember your dog’s unpredictable nature is one of the many reasons why you love them.