A Little Secret About Dog Photo Sessions…
One thing I hear all the time is…my dog won’t sit still. Sometimes, I hear…my dog is too crazy.
My big secret is…your dog doesn’t have to sit still!
We photograph all of our dogs on leash. So when you see a dog sitting perfectly, they are actually on leash. Using the leash provides safety first and foremost, but it also allows us to guide the dog into the area that we are photographing.
We don’t only photograph dogs who are off leash with perfect recall. Nope! We have had the chance to photograph all different breeds, sizes, energy levels, training levels, shyness levels; and we have loved each one! My favorite thing to hear after a photo reveal is…you really got their personality. My goal in our session is to create portraits that capture the true charm of YOUR pup.
We just let your dog be a dog. It is what they are best at!
I like to follow the lead of the dog, so if they want to run…we run.
If they want to play…we play!
If they want to swim…we swim!
So next time you think my dog won’t do that, remember that it’s okay! They don’t have to be anything but themselves!
Send me a message with all of your questions!
Capturing Natural Pet Portraits: My Approach to Stress-Free Photography Sessions
During each of my photography sessions, I aim to create a relaxed and creative atmosphere where everyone—especially your pet—feels comfortable and has fun. One of the reasons I love photographing animals outdoors is because it’s such a natural setting. That environment helps your pet feel at ease, which in turn leads to portraits that genuinely reflect their personality.
Depending on where your pet is comfortable, we can have our session in a variety of settings.
I like to let your pet guide the session. If they love to run, we’ll capture them in motion. If they enjoy swimming, we’ll head to the water. By following their lead, I can ensure the final images showcase who they truly are. Of course, I also work to capture a variety of images, including more traditional posed portraits, but flexibility is key. If your dog isn’t feeling a certain pose or setting, we’ll adjust—either finding a new approach or shifting to something that suits them better.
Mako had a fun session at Jamestown Beach a few years ago. Mako is very active and when we first started the session, he was not all that into the idea of standing still (I can’t blame him…there is water right there!) So we pivoted and encouraged Mako to enjoy the beach. What resulted were these amazing, fun, and personality-filled images!
Levi is a sweet mama’s boy who did not want to stray too far from his person. So, we went with it and ended up with some of the sweetest images!
Lovable Lola was a little nervous at the start of our session, so we gave her some extra time to warm up. I also photographed her with a longer lens so she felt like her space was respected and she could still be herself.
Before the session, I always consult with you to understand your vision and how you plan to use the photos. This helps me tailor the experience to match your expectations and create images you’ll truly love!