How to prepare for a photography session with your fur babies
If you are like me, your four-legged pets are your family, your children. Naturally you want to bring those babies along to your family session (I’m excited to have them!). Have you ever stopped and thought about how to prepare for a photography session with pets? Just like any other session, a little bit of thought and planning will help ensure an easy-going session that will produce images you will love!!!
Feel free to use my check list to help you plan. Let me know what works for you and if you would like to add anything (us parents have each other’s backs!).
ð Does the location you chose allow pets? What are the rules?
Tybee beaches for example, do not. Some beaches only allow pets on certain dates throughout the year. Feel free to reach out if you need help picking a location. If there is a location you are dying to take your fur baby to that is not pet friendly, I may know of a work around.
ð Is your baby clean, groomed, and otherwise looking their best? Just as you would shower, fix your hair, and dress well, so should your baby (this includes baths, hair grooming and brushing, nail trims, etc)!!
ð Does your pet listen and follow basic commands? Consider whether there will be other pets and owners around and how well your pet will obey your requests. If there is any question of obedience, or the location requires leashes, make sure your pet’s leash (and collar) is one you are ok with having in the photos. Pick a clean leash that coordinates with the family’s attire. Leashes will not be removed in post editing unless specifically requested by you and may come with an additional small fee (it takes extra time and effort to ensure it is done so in such a way that it does not affect the quality of your photograph). Please note I will make every effort to conceal the leash while shooting.
ð What motivates your baby to listen? For example, do you need to pack a pocket full of small treats (I’m not above bribing babies, human or otherwise)? Is there a favorite squeaker toy or ball?
ð Bring poop bags. Enough said.
ð Consider packing a small bag. Bring water bottles for you and the pups, poop bags, treats, toy, handkerchiefs or any wearable accessories, a blanket for sitting on (it helps if we get on their level and you will appreciate being able to pick a blanket you like that matches the family attire), small towel in case we get sandy or muddy and need to wipe them down (especially before they jump back in YOUR car).
ð Do you need to wear them out first? If your pet is high energy on a normal basis or they get overly excited in new areas with new people and smells, plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early. Walk that baby around before we start. Let them get all that energy out and pee on everything in sight!! This will hopefully tire them out a little bit, or at least give them time to adjust to their new surroundings before we start (hopefully increasing the odds they sit pretty and smile for us). Or- Do they need to rest instead? Consider their age (especially young puppies and seniors), physical limitations, etc.
ð Consider feeding times and amount of food. If your pet normally eats prior to session time, you may want to feed them half their normal amount or just give them a snack instead. This will help them be more motivated by our treats as well as deter issues like upset stomachs.
ð Be patient and don’t stress! Don’t worry about angles, lighting, etc--- that’s my job! Your pet will respond to your energy so make sure to put out good, chill vibes. We will have fun and create beautiful images, I promise!!!
