Have you ever considered bringing your dog to your family photo shoot? They are family after all! Maybe you’re afraid that they won’t behave themselves or won’t sit still and you’ll be left without a decent photo to choose from?
It’s true, photographing dogs can be challenging, but trust us when we say that it’s always worth it! When you see the finished photos of your dog by your side, you’ll be wondering how you ever took a photo without your lovable pooch! That said, it’s important to make the proper preparations before the photo session.. Check out these seven tips for including your dog in your family photos:
Brush up on basic commands
In the weeks and days leading up to your session, take time to practice commands with your dog, like sit, stay, and down. These commands can be incredibly helpful when positioning your dog for photos or getting them to cooperate with the photographer. Let your photographer know ahead of time which commands they respond best to, so they can be equipped to help with the process!
Tire them out beforehand
Many dog owners will already know this, but the best way to keep any dog calm is exercise!. On the day of the session, take a long walk or jog around the park. Send them to a doggy daycare to play with other dogs in the morning. A little exercise goes a long way in keeping them still during the shoot..
Make sure that you relax!
The calmer and more positive you are about your session, the more at ease your dog will feel. If you’re stressed or anxious, your dog will pick up on your emotions and develop a similar attitude. Just go with the flow of the session and don’t worry if everything doesn’t go according to plan!
Bring plenty of treats and toys
Don’t skimp on the rewards! Be sure to bring along a bag of your dog’s favorite treats to entice them to obey commands and look at the camera. It’s also a good idea to bring along your dog’s favorite toy, though you may want to wait until the end to bring it out;. the sight of their favorite ball or squeaky toy may cause your dog to lose all focus from your photographer.
Have noisemakers handy
A noise maker is a great way to grab that curious expression that dogs do so well.Just be sure not to overuse these toys and allow your dog to become accustomed to them. Save your noisemakers for when you really need your furry friend to pay attention.
Let them express their personality
Instead of trying to coax your dog into unnatural poses, treat them like you would a child. Allow your dog to run around and play, giving the photographer a chance to capture them in their element, and then bring them in for the posed photos by putting an arm around them or petting their fur. Physical contact is a great way to help your dog feel comfortable and show off more of their unique personality.
Dress with your dog in mind
When you’re planning outfits for your family session, think about your dog. Avoid colors that will clash with the color of their fur and go for simple solids or neutral tones. If your dog is a shedder, avoid wearing a color that will really show their hair. Putting a little extra thought into how your outfits will look with your dog can help make for the best images.
Your pet is a part of your family, so they deserve to be in your family photos! Just be patient with your dog and remember that their unpredictability is part of why you love them so much. When the session is said and done, the results will speak, or rather, “bark” for themselves.
Don’t forget to fill out our contact form at https://chicagobaby.net/contact to book your session today!