PETS ARE FAMILY TOO!
I love it when my clients bring their furry family members along! However, I know it can feel a little daunting to wonder if your pet will "behave" for the camera. To make sure we have the best experience possible, I’ve put together my top seven tips for a seamless, stress-free session.
1. Know the Personality (and the Venue)
Every pet is different. If your dog is fear-reactive or gets "set off" by other people and animals, a public park might be stressful.
The Solution: Suggest a controlled environment. In Omaha, locations like The Bark Park in Omaha can be rented for around $20 an hour, depending on the amount of pets you have with you. It provides total peace of mind and zero distractions so we can focus on the photos.
2. Arrive Early for the "Sniff Safari"
New environments are full of exciting smells! It’s completely normal for a dog to want to explore the moment they hop out of the car.
The Strategy: Arrive 15 minutes early to let them run off some steam and sniff the area. Burning that initial energy helps them settle in once the camera comes out.
3. "Sit, Stay, and Tilt!"
If your dog knows the basics, it’s a total game-changer. But beyond commands, I want to know their trigger words. Does their head go sideways at the word "Ball" or "Wanna go for a...?"? Tell me those magic words so I can capture those iconic, curious expressions! My dog's favorite word is "Frisbee", I can get her to do just about anything with that!
4. High-Value Rewards
I like to work around the dog's natural rhythm. Since many pets have a short "on" switch, we’ll work in quick bursts and take frequent breaks.
The Reward: Bring their favorite treats or toys. If they feel like they are being rewarded for their reactions, they’ll keep giving us those gold-medal poses!
5. Managing the "Human-Only" Shots
If you want a few photos without your pet, we need a game plan for where they go.
Pro Tip: Bring a sturdy leash we can secure nearby or a pop-up kennel. Even better? Bring a "Pet Wrangler", a friend or family member who can hold the leash or take the dog for a short walk while we focus on your individual portraits. This will give us all a peace of mind on the dog's secure location while we snap a few solo shots!
6. Coordinate the Gear
You spent time picking out your outfit, so don't forget the dog’s "outfit" too! Bright neon leashes or bulky harnesses can be distracting in a professional portrait. Opt for neutral gear (black, gray, or white). A simple leather or neutral leash keeps the focus on your pet’s face, not their equipment, and makes editing the pictures much easier!
7. Patience is My Specialty
This is the most important thing to remember: Photos with pets take time. Between squirrels, birds, and new noises, there is a lot for them to process. I am extremely patient, and I want you to feel relaxed, too. We might not get the "perfect" shot in the first ten minutes, but I promise we will do what it takes to get it right!
Ready to book your session?
Whether your pet is a professional model or a chaotic ball of energy, I can’t wait to work with them!
Get in touch
Grab the leash and lets get these memories captured!
