Being a dog mom has definitely become one of my defining characters as a human. The feeling when you walk through the door and your pup can’t calm down because they are so excited to see you, that feeling when they snuggle up to on your bad days, how they look into your eyes with unconditional love…. yea it’s the best. My husband and I share two amazing fur babies Lulu and Bun Bun. They are funny, loving, and adorable. Both have big personalities unique to each of them, and you bet, they are spoiled rotten. They bring a smile to my face daily…. and other days not so much haha But no matter what they do, when I stare into those big brown eyes, I just can’t believe how much love I have for them in my heart. It feels like it could burst. 

These adorable pups are my world, they are my like my children, and I know I am not alone in feeling this way. I understand the want… better yet… the HUGE DESIRE to bring your fur baby to your photo session. And you know what? I ENCOURAGE IT!

My job during your session is to capture all the things that are important to you. That includes the loving relationship you share with your dog (or cat, bunny, bird, I’m open minded! haha). Your baby will be treated like royalty. We will give them lots of snuggles and pets, and of course lots of treats for being a good boy/girl.

So… here are some TIPS when bringing your dog to your photo session: 

1. Bring a person that you trust

• I ask that you bring someone that can watch your fur baby when I am working with just the two of you, because let’s be real, pets have a limited attention span, they will not be in every shot during our hour long session! So having someone there to help watch them will give them (and you) a break! Can’t find a friend? Don’t worry! Let me know ahead of time and I will bring an assistant (someone I would trust my own fur children with) to watch your fur children! 

2. Treats or their favorite toy are a must

• I don’t know why I didn’t put this as the number one suggestion, because this is a biggie! Bringing your pups favorite treat is the best way for me to get their attention when I am shooting. It helps with commands to get them to sit and stay, it helps with getting them to look towards the camera, and it helps with creating trust between me, and them! It is also a sure-fire way to bring the happiness to their cheerful face which will undoubtedly bring a smile to yours! There is nothing wrong with bringing their favorite toy too, but one with a squeaker helps! 

3. Style your pup with a matching leash

• This may seem a little silly but it will add to the overall cohesiveness of your photos. I want them to look their best just like I want you to look your best! Plus, there is nothing more important to me than your dogs safety, so a leash helps with keeping them in a structured environment, especially if they aren’t well trained yet. 

4. Sometimes they don’t listen… AND THAT’S OK!

• If during our session your pup isn’t as cooperative as you wanted them to be, don’t get upset. Animals are unpredictable, they can’t really communicate with us, and new environments/people can stress them out or cause a lot of excitement! If they aren’t super comfortable or cooperative we will work around it! We will switch from posed images to candids. Instead of having them sit and stay, I’ll have you do interactive things with them and get some real moments captured instead. Trust me. These are just as adorable as any posed image. 

5. Finally, practice commands and tricks beforehand:

• Treats and toys are all good and great… if they know their commands. Understandably sometimes they just have a bad day and won’t listen, but if your fur baby doesn’t know any commands to begin with, then we are out of luck. Prepping them beforehand with simple commands like sit and stay will help tremendously in order for us to get them to hold still for the camera.

Dogs are an important part of our lives. They are a part of our families, and we want to show the world that. Below are some of my favorite sessions with furry friends! See for yourself why I am so obsessed with these kinds of shoots!