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What To Expect During Your Pet Photo Session

Friday, August 13, 2021 | By: Tracy Allard

So the date for your pet portrait somewhere in the Dallas - Fort Worth metroplex is on the calendar, what's next? If you're scheduled for an outdoor session, I keep an eye on the weather and communicate with you again closer to your session date. Overcast skies are fine, but if there's a high likelihood of rain, then we'll find the next available spot on my calendar to rebook your session. There's no charge to rebook, so you don't have to worry about that occurrence. 

If your session is in the studio, I still reconfirm a day or so before to review all our preparation and answer any lingering questions you may have. 

Often during the period of time between your booking and the session, clients will text me pictures of their outfits, asking for my opinion on what goes together best and will be flattering on camera. I'm always happy to provide this feedback as the clothing you wear is one of the most important elements in your enjoyment of your images. 

At Some Point During Your Pet Portrait Session I Will Be Laying On The Ground

I will always arrive early at the appointed location as I like to take a stroll around, see what might have changed since my last time photographing there and build a session flow in my head. I encourage clients to arrive a few minutes early as well and let their dogs explore and burn off a little energy.

I also like to spend a few minutes just hanging out and letting your dog approach me rather than the other way around. As a dog trainer, I know it's better to let the dog set the pace of a meet and greet. While it pains me a little, and I try not to take it personally, I've photographed many dogs who I never pet. They didn't want it, and I didn't force myself onto them, and everyone was more relaxed as a result.

I don't recommend running your dog before a session to tire them out, we don't want a lolling tongue and a flagging dog. I prefer animation and variety - and let's just put this out there right now - your dog does not need to be well-trained for us to capture terrific pictures of them! They also do not need to be off leash (safety first, always!). The vast majority of dogs on my website and Instagram feed were on leash in the images, it was simply removed as part of my retouching process. 

I'll give a brief overview of what we're going to do, where we'll start and how I plan to work with you and your dog during the session. I explain my lens choices, which sometimes means I'm quite far away and might yell to you. I'll demonstrate how to handle the leash that I'll provide for the session as it's easier for me to remove in post processing. I'll give you a head's up that at some point during the session, I'll probably be laying on the ground, or standing in water, or hiding behind a tree - and that's perfectly normal. 

Speaking of leashes and collars, are you happy with yours? Or would you like to borrow a classic brown latigo leather collar or leash for the session?

I love it when pups come up for a visit when I'm on the ground

I Have Also Been Known To Get Into The Water To Get The Shot

Shoes off to get that perfect water action shot

Telephoto Lenses Create That Creamy, Dreamy Background

Long lenses make for beautiful portraits

A Sneak Peek Of The Back Of  The Camera Builds Confidence

I've had my picture taken a bunch of times and I'll admit, it's a bit nerve wracking. Did I wear the right clothing? I hate my smile. Is my hair ok? Let me just say this: we're on the same team. You want to look good in your pictures and I want you to look good in your pictures. If you don't look good, I don't look good! That's why I put a lot of effort into helping you select clothing that will look great on camera but you'll also feel comfortable in. I'll also probably fuss with your hair a bit (I always ask first) and will always let you know if it's out of place (and if I miss something, don't worry, I can usually address it in retouching). 

To help people feel more comfortable with the process, I like to show a few images on the back of the camera early in the session. I pride myself on "getting it right" in the camera to require minimal post processing, so I'm always happy to show images along the way. Sometimes I may ask you to stand somewhere, or do something, that will make you scratch your head. "Trust me" I say. I always show the back of the camera after those frames and I'm usually met with a "Wow, I did not see that there". 

Often I'll walk past something and will get an impromptu idea and say "let's try this", but if it's not coming together easily, I'll typically abandon it quite quickly and that's ok. Nothing stresses everyone out more than trying to push a rope uphill and my sessions are stress-free zones. Nobody did anything wrong and I've learned that usually means that there's some other "thing" somewhere else at the location that will make a better image because it will come together more naturally. 

Everybody likes to watch a photographer at work

Sharing a sneak peak on the back of the camera with a client

What To Bring To Your Pet Photo Session

Treats: I always have treats on me. Like literally, they're in every pocket of every fleece, jeans etc. In my sessions, I use the trail mix that I make for my dog training sessions. It's a mixture of freeze-dried raw yumminess that very few dogs can resist.  But if your dog has any dietary restrictions, which can often be the case with older or ill dogs in Silver Sessions, then do bring along something that is safe for them to eat and you know they'll love. I only bring out food when absolutely necessary as sometimes that can turn the dog into a crazed animal that only wants to get the treat from my hand (every image is a CLOSE UP) - or maybe that's just my dogs - but I do believe in paying my models. 

A favorite toy; by all means let's capture your dog with the toy the've had for years. The one that brings them joy and they carry everywhere. Their version of a toddler's blanky. But...if you have a tennis ball crazed dog - maybe not that. I find that for those dogs, a tennis ball creates too much excitement and it can be hard to bring them back down to earth after seeing one. 

Squeaker; no need to bring squeakers and other noise makers, I've got that covered in spades. Between a few callers and whistles that I have and some finely honed sounds that I make with my mouth, I can usually get your pup to look at the camera and if not, we're going to embrace those images too (I secretly love it when a dog is gazing off into the horizon). 

Collar; if you have a sentimental or ornate collar that you love, by all means put it on your pup. I always have classic brown leather collars with me in case that slipped your mind. For images with you, I'll give you a brown leather leash to use because if your leashes are anything like mine, they're probably well worn and maybe a bit dirty. For images of your pup alone, I use a thin lead that I can more easily remove in retouching. 

Water; it's hot in Texas. Even in the winter we can have some pretty warm days. I always have a collapsible bowl with me and I usually have some bottled water for everyone that we can share with your pup, but it's never a bad idea to bring along some travel water for your dog as well that way we have our bases covered. 

Drool towel; if your pup is a drooler, then do bring along a towel that you can occasionally mop up with. 

Sometimes The Best Photos Aren't Planned

I'll always recommend that you have some images taken with your pet, you'll never regret it so stop worrying about your roots needing a touch up, those few extra COVID pounds you may be carrying (we ALL are!), etc. etc.

Even if you're a firm no on the subject (and I won't press it), I'm always on the lookout for a great, connected image of you both and those are often the favorite ones from the session. They're usually a surprise at the viewing appointment and people melt when they see them. 

If you're in the "Yes, I want to be photographed with my pet", then here are a few tips to help you prepare for the session. 

Water; being a super model is hard work and it's hot here in Texas, hydration is key! 

Tissues; these are great for blotting facial face. I always have these in my "go kit" but sometimes we can go through quite a few on a humid day so it's a handy thing to have some extra in a tote for your session. 

Comfortable walking shoes; heels look great in an image, but may not be great for traipsing through a park with dewey grass. Bring along some comfortable shoes or flip flops that you can easily slip on for when we're moving about. 

Bobby pins, hair spray, safety pins, Static Guard, lint rollers, etc. - I've got your covered here. I have all of these items, and more, in my "go kit" that's always in my car as I regularly need to perform emergency wardrobe and hair surgery on location. 

Jacket or sweater; bringing along one item that you can easily remove is a simple way to add some variety to your images. 

 

A snuggle with Dad in between frames

A quick pit stop for a cuddle with this busy golden retriever puppy

While It's Not a Field Trip, We Still Need To Plan For Studio Sessions Too

While we don't need to plan to bring everything with us as we do when on location, I still put as much planning into my studio sessions as I do my on-location ones. It goes without saying that everything we may need for your session is only feet away; water bowl, pet wipes for eye boogers, treats, safety pins, dressy collars, flower crowns, etc. The studio is a magical place, it's a bit like dress up, or a grown up's fashions shoot, only with your dog or cat. 

As part of the consultation, we'll chat about the look you want for your images and I'll have everything all set up in the studio upon your arrival so the first few minutes can be spent relaxing and getting to know your furry one, showing them the camera, letting them explore the area and sharing a treat or two. 

I'll demonstrate how I'd like you to handle your pet, where to hold the leash (yes, we often put leashes on both dogs and cats and in the studio if it makes things go more smoothly) and where to stand. As with outdoor sessions, I'm the only one that gets to make noises during the session otherwise we risk your pet becoming desensitized to all the noises or only looking at you. So much of pet photography is the perfect sound at the exact moment when your pet looks fabulous (or funny) and clicking the shutter at that very second; it's actually a lot of hand and eye coordination. 

I'll typically pull a few things out for your consideration to include in the sessions; sometimes it might be a flower crown or bow tie or a container for a busy puppy or kitten. 

As with an outdoor sessions, bring along treats you know your pet will love, or if they have special dietary needs, as well as any favorite toys.  

Working to get this puppy's attention

Froggy was this puppy's favorite toy so had to be included in his portrait session

This bunny's owner knew that parsley was the way to her heart

All Around The Circle

A bit of planning goes a long way to ensure that we're ready for anything on the day of your session. Between us both, we can usually overcome any forgotten item, wardrobe malfunction or impromptu jump in the water after a duck (your dog, not you). These are not things to stress over; sessions are for making fun memories; the ones we'll print and the ones like watching your freshly bathed dog jumping in the pond on picture day or me standing in a park with a needle and thread and sewing that torn seam. 

I'm part of a circle of fabulously talented pet photographers from around the world and each week we blog on a topic, for the month of August we're writing about how our engagements work. Next up in the circle is Jessica Wasik with Bark & Gold Photography, sharing what to expect when preparing for your dog photography session, and continue clicking on the link at the bottom of each post for an around the world tour of beautiful pet photos until you're right back here where you started and then you will have 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. Penny Whistle Photography has been creating memorable pet portraits for over six years now and has won many state-wide, national and international awards for her portrait photography 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.

Let's talk about your pet's portrait!
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