5 Tips for taking cute snaps of your pet
“When I open my camera, my pet….”
…finish the sentence. Maybe they run away or turn their head. I hear so many funny stories about how your pet reacts to your phone camera. Sometimes your pet is just being adorable and you want a quick photo. Here are my top tips for getting your pet to cooperate with your hope for a cute snap…
Use treats!
No shame in a little “bribe”, although I like to just think of it as “payment”. Nobody likes working for free, including your dog. Use something that you know is motivating to your pet. Additionally, I find that a small and soft treat serves my purpose much better than a crunchy milk bone. Those smaller treats get swallowed a lot faster and allow you to get back in there and capture another photo. Otherwise I find that the pup likes crunch and focus on their treat before reengaging with you.
2. Make noises!
No shame here! Make all the noises to get your pet’s attention. The louder/more exciting/high pitched noises the better. Noises are one of my secret weapons to get those cute expressions in my portraits. My “dolphin noise” is usually a clincher and often gets that head tilt!
3. Give them time and space!
My first priority during our sessions is always the pet’s comfort and working with them instead of against them. Just like us, sometimes your pet might not want a photo. Give them some time and come back to it later or another day! You are definitely not going to get that laid back or comfortable look you are wanting if he/she starts in a place of annoyance lol!
4. Get low!
Get on their level! One of the biggest differences you can make in your shots is getting more of an eye level photo. It allows for such a better connection between your pet and the camera! it stand out
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
5. Have fun!
The best way to get personality filled photos is to enjoy yourself and make sure your pet is enjoying themselves as well. They will be much more likely to put on that smile you love if you are just having fun!
When to Hire a Professional Pet Photographer
While snapping day-to-day photos of your pet is wonderful (and with a few tips, you can absolutely improve your own shots!), there are some special moments that deserve something more.
As a professional, I bring more than just a camera—I bring experience, patience, and a deep understanding of how to connect with animals to truly bring out their personalities.
Here are just a few benefits of hiring a pro like me:
You get to relax and enjoy the experience. No stress, no chasing the perfect shot—just you and your pet having a great time.
Your pet gets to be the star. Most animals love the attention and play, making the shoot fun and natural.
I capture your pet's true personality. Whether it’s their quirky smile, soulful eyes, or signature head tilt, I specialize in creating portraits that reflect the way you see them.
High-quality, lasting artwork. Each photo is professionally edited, designed, and printed to create heirloom-quality pieces you’ll treasure forever.
A snapshot captures a moment—my portraits tell a story. Let’s create something beautiful together!
Would you like me to help turn this into a blog post, social media caption, or something else?
Paws & Paths: 5 Outdoor Adventures to Enjoy with Your Dog in Williamsburg, Virginia
Paws & Paths: 5 Outdoor Adventures to Enjoy with Your Dog in Williamsburg, Virginia
York River State Park
York River State Park is one of our favorite parks in the Hampton Roads area. There are tons of paths and lots of wildlife. Since the park borders the York River, you are able to see gorgeous waters as well as forest paths. Our favorite trail goes right down to the beach!
Pros: Variety of trails, soft paths for our pawed friends, water views, equestrian trails, hike options with some elevation
Good to Know Before You Go: Since this is a Virginia State Park, there is a $5 parking fee. Dogs are not allowed on canoes.
Colonial Williamsburg
Colonial Williamsburg is a beautiful spot to stroll with your dog. You can grab coffee from Aroma’s, Eleva, Hohl, or the Bake Shop in the morning. In the evening, make your way over to Precarious Beer or Amber Ox for a beer or cocktail.
Colonial Williamsburg is one of our favorite places to photograph, so make sure you stop and grab a photo with your phone to capture your adventure. There are lots of sights for you and your dog to enjoy on Duke of Gloucester Street. Ellie loves to meet all of the actor-interpreters walking around (and sometimes carrying treats)!
Pros: Lots of spots to stop and grab food or drinks, outdoor dining tables where you can take a break, lots of people and dogs (if your dog is into that)
Good to Know Before You Go: Lots of people and dogs (if you dog is not into that), paved paths, streets are fairly sunny so be cautious mid day in the summer
Freedom Park
Freedom Park is another of my favorite places to photograph. It has really beautiful light that streams through the trees in the morning. There is also a small botanical garden that blooms in spring and definitely worth a walk through. Many of the paths at Freedom Park are paved. There are unpaved paths through the woods, but they are shared with mountain bikers. Although the pup can’t go, Go Ape is a fun outing and shares a parking lot with Freedom Park.
Pros: Shaded paths, flowers/gardens
Good to Know: Unpaved paths are shared with bikers which can be stressful (Ellie likes to stand in the middle of course), the rest of the paths are paved, mostly wooded so not much scenery
New Quarter Park
New Quarter Park can be accessed off of the Colonial Parkway which provides a beautiful backdrop for your drive. When you arrive, you will find a disc golf course (where ellie likes to watch the frisbees bring thrown), as well as endless paths. You could wander around the paths all day if you wanted.
Pros: Lots of trails, gravel trails, lots of tree coverage/shade for your hike, spots overlooking water, the park has enough space that you can distance yourself from others
Good to Know: Mostly tree lined paths (so if you are not into a forest hike this is not the place for you), limited/confusing parking
Waller Mill Park
Waller Mill Park provides a great variety of activities in one place. There are a few unpaved paths that twist and turn through the tress and provide for great hikes. There is a nice lake and a dock to catch a sunset. And to top it off, there is a dog park! If your dog needs to burn some energy or really needs a play date, there is a fenced dog park with lots of shade for you. If you are looking for more of a true hike, Waller Mill is a great spot. The paths wind through woods with changing elevations. Hiking shoes are never a bad idea here though.
Pros: Dog park, hiking paths (ups and downs/twists and turns), water views
Good to Know: Entry fee to visit (some days), not a lot of paved or flat trails, dogs are not allowed on rented canoes or paddle boats
So go ahead and make your and your pup’s day by checking out one of these great spots that make Williamsburg so special!
Make sure to let us know what you think!