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The 5 Must-Have Photos For Your Dog's Portrait Session

Friday, June 04, 2021 | By: Tracy Allard

Every session location that I frequent around the Dallas - Fort Worth metroplex has something special to offer and I try to make the most of each one, incorporating unique elements into the photo shoot. I've learned that with pet photography, you need to keep an open mind because you never know what the dog will do and often times favorite images are the ones you DIDN'T plan. With that said, there are always a few "must-have" images that I try to capture in every dog photo shoot and with good reason, they're classic favorites for how we see our dogs and how we want to remember them always.

So What Are The 5 Must-Have Pictures For Your Dog's Photo Session?

1. A Personality-Filled Headshot Of Your Dog

I love to shoot wide, epic portraits of dogs, but you also need to zoom in on their adorable face. A personality-filled close up of your dog's face is a must in your session. Whether serious or smiling (with just the right amount of tongue showing as Moana is demonstrating below), these are always client favorites. Head tilt optional; some people love 'em, others not so much. Me? I like just the hint of a tilt. Every now and then I photograph a pup with a strong head tilt and it kinda looks like he was assembled wrong at the factory. 

2. The Rock Star Pose

I call this the "Rock Star" shot because it makes your dog look like the rock star they are! I don't really have any rules in my sessions except that we're going to have fun. Everyone. Especially the dog. And...let's not use the word "sit". I always prefer a dog standing versus sitting because, well, they look like rock stars when they stand. I'll photograph a dog sitting for variety and I prefer a sit for a close up portrait of the face, but I'll take standing, preferably on a rock like Princess below, overlooking their kingdom any day of the week and twice on Sunday! 

3. The Cuddle

I encourage you to be photographed with your dog. Please. You will want these images down the road. We all have hundreds of pictures of our dogs on phones (hopefully that's not just me) but we don't have any WITH our dogs. Cuddling them, caressing their ears, stroking their backs as we do every day at home. These images are an important part of your dog's story and who hasn't noticed the smile on Lucy's face below as she's cuddling with her mom? Don't you you want to see yourself with your dog like that? 

4. At Our Feet

So you REALLY don't want to be photographed right now because a) your roots have grown out b) you're carrying a few extra COVID pounds (aren't we all?) or c) insert your excuse here. Ok, I'll compromise with you. Let's photograph your dog at your feet. Whether they lay at your feet in your home office, on the bed or the dining room table, capturing them at your feet is a peek into their view of the world. Oreo's dad specifically requested this image during his Silver Session saying "he's always at my feet, that's how I'll remember him, please photograph that". 

5. From Above

I call this the "mommy shot" because this is how us dog moms typically see our dogs, from above, as they look up at us (although with my dog Ginger, how I see her is up close and personal laying on top of my chest first thing in the morning after the alarm goes off). I love this angle, especially with young puppies and seniors; one day I hope to photograph a dog as a pup, an adult and then again as a senior; I think having that series as a triptych on the wall would be the ultimate story of a dog. 

Bonus Picture - Action Shot / At Play

Your dog doesn't necessarily have to be off leash for an action shot,. I've done them plenty of times with the owner running along side of the dog while on leash and then I edit all of that out in the final image. Whether on leash, or off (in a safe area of course), capturing a dog running or at play is a bonus must-have image in a session. I encourage clients to bring along their dog's favorite toy to incorporate into the images. It's kind of like a child's "blanky"; dogs, and puppies alike, often have one that they favor so capturing them with it is a nice memory to have. 

All Around The Circle

It's time to globe trot around the world to see what other pet photographers consider their must-have pictures for a dog photo shoot. How does it work? Easy, start by visiting Kylee Doyle of Kylee Doyle Photography sharing 7 must-have photos for your pup's Pet Portrait Session in Sacramento, CA and at the bottom of her post you'll see a link to another fab pet photographer who will share their must-haves, keep going until you land right back here and then you've completed the circle! 

Tracy Allard of Penny Whistle Photography is a Certified Professional Photographer with the organization Professional Photographers of America; a designation held by fewer than 2,000 photographers nationwide and a hallmark of consistency, technical skill, artistry and professionalism. Tracy was recently awarded the Diamond Medal at the annual Texas Professional Photographers Association's annual print competition, the highest medal awarded, for her animal portrait work. 

Penny Whistle specializes in both on-location and studio photography providing pet, equine, family, couples & engagement and high school senior portraits as well as corporate headshots and commercial photography services in her studio located in historic downtown Carrollton as well as on location in Coppell, Grapevine, Southlake, Flower Mound and surrounding communities in Dallas – Fort Worth, Texas.

What picture have you ALWAYS wanted of your dog?
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