My Dog would never be able to do a photo session!

I recently attended several pet events and I heard the following several times over the course of these events:

• "My dog is just too {nervous, anxious, fearful} for a photo session
• "My dog would never sit still long enough for photos"
• "My dog isn't well trained, I don't think you could get a good photo"
• "My dog will never look at the camera"

I wanted to address each of these comments. No dog is perfect and most dogs are not fully trained. Your dog is perfect just the way they are. If your dog is reactive or nervous or anxious, I have plenty of patience and you deserve to get beautiful photos of them.

I've worked with hundreds of dogs over the last 10 years and I can only remember one dog that I was unable to get a photo of. It was a short holiday session at a pet store. The dog was super nervous. The flooring was slippery, the room was small and the dog felt generally uncomfortable being inside the store. I ended up following up with them after that day and we easily captured images outside with a holiday hat on. The dog just needed a more comfortable space. 

My dog is just too (nervous, anxious, fearful, reactive} for a photo session

Don't worry, I work with these types of dogs all the time. My sessions generally start with a brief walk to the session location so your dog can start to adjust to me. Sometimes that's all your dog needs, is a little time to decompress. We don't want to rush into anything without a proper introduction. 

There's no need for me to be close to your dog; distance is often all your dog needs. I can shoot from a distance. If the dog does allow me to get close, I will let them sniff my equipment and hear me depressing the shutter just to make sure they are comfortable with it. Praise, treats, toys and a soft voice can help set the tone. We don't have to get started until they are ready. 

I pick quiet locations where distractions are kept to a minimum. The locations I choose typically have several wonderful spots for creating images. If one spot makes them nervous, we take a break and move to another one. This can help keep anxiety to a minimum.

My dog would never sit still long enough

There are many reasons for this concern; maybe the dog is super excited, or they are a puppy with a lot of energy. I often suggest that you walk your dog a bit before the session to get the edge off and they'll be able to focus more during the session. Walking at the photo session location is always a good idea if its a new spot the dog has never visited.

Did you know it takes just a split second to capture a great image? A well timed sound may be just what you need to get a good photo. I carry a series of fun sound makers during every session to get your dog's attention. The best attention getter is a squeaker from within a dog toy. It's a distinctive sound that they love. 

Did you know that your dog is always on leash at your session. Unless someone tells me their dog has 100% recall, they will be on leash. This keeps your dogs safe but can also help keep them in place. I will edit leashes out of the images. 

My dog isn't well trained, I don't think you could get a good photo

This is similar to the "never sit still long enough" comment, but I'll add that your dog doesn't need to sit or lay down on command. I can take photos of your dog doing whatever they prefer, whether they are standing, sitting, laying down etc. All the poses can make great photos. If the dog follows commands great, if not, I'll take what they are willing to give me. I also know that sitting or laying dog may be painful for an older dog or one with an injury. I'll never ask your dog to do something that makes them uncomfortable.

My dog will never look at the camera

I have one of these dogs. Stick a cell phone or camera in their face and all of a sudden they are really interested in whatever is going on behind them. Some people have suggested that the camera lens can sometimes look like a giant eyeball and makes them nervous. I'm not sure I buy that reasoning but there are ways around it. Again, a strategically placed sound can get them looking my way. A dog or person passing behind me can get them looking my way or a second human standing near me might be just what it takes to get them looking towards me. 

No matter how well behaved or NOT well behaved your dog is, I know we can capture some wonderful photos. I've worked with anxious dogs, fearful dogs, young dogs, older dogs, dogs in heat, dogs super obsessed with food, dogs with no interest in food, deaf dogs, blind dogs, large dogs, small dogs and dogs with limited mobility. If you think you've got a unique situation and want to ask questions, please reach out. 

I don't want you to miss out on the opportunity to get great photos of you best friend. 

Please note: I do sessions both in studio and on location which gives us the flexibility to choose the setting that works best for your dog.