Tips for Including Your Pets in Your Photos
I am asked all the time if it’s ok to bring pets to a session. The answer is an overwhelming YES! As a mom to two fur babies myself, I know your pets are part of your family. Including them in your photo session is not only important, but it often makes the session even more fun. Over the years I’ve developed a few tips and tricks for ensuring a successful session that includes your pet. Check out these tips before your next appointment with me and we’re sure to capture some great shots of both you and your fur baby together!
Bring treats or a favorite toy to get Fido’s attention.
Just like young children, pets often need extrinsic motivation to behave well during a session. With so many new stimuli, it’s only natural for your pet to be easily distracted or less well-behaved than at home. If your pet is treat-motivated, feel free to bring along plenty of bribes so Fido is more likely to sit, lay down, or walk nicely on the leash. If there is a toy that works well to get your pet’s attention, bring this along too. Oftentimes I can squeak a toy with my foot to get Fido’s attention on the camera just long enough to snap a few perfect shots.
Bring along a friend to hold on to your pet when THEY ARE not in photos.
This may be my most important tip of all! If you’d like to include your pet in your photo session, invite a friend or family member who is familiar with your pet to care for the pet when he’s not in photos. It’s likely you won’t want Fido in every image we shoot and, for your pet’s safety, it’s essential there is someone there to care for him when he’s not in the shot. Additionally, pets are often unpredictable. A dog that does well in most settings may be having a bad day and unwilling to cooperate for photos. I’m never okay leaving a pet unattended in a car, so it’s important to have another person ready to take care of a pet who isn’t cooperating during a session. A bonus of having another person along is that person can also help get the pet’s attention with a squeaker toy or feed treats as needed. An extra set of hands is never a bad thing when it comes to including pets in photo sessions!
Having shared all of my favorite tips with you, please check with me before bringing a pet to a rented indoor space. Though most locations will allow pets in the studio, some do not and it’s important for us to inquire about permission to include pets ahead of your session.
If you’ve been on the fence about including your pets in a session, I hope these tips will make you more comfortable and help you feel more prepared. I can’t wait to see your fur baby during our next session together!
