He is the first thing you see in the morning. He is your heart. He may be bounding out of bed ahead of you and then eagerly bouncing from bed to floor, to the door as if to say, come on- it’s a great day, I am ready to go. That eager carefree spirit helps drag you out of bed because you don’t want to disappoint him by rolling over and going to sleep again.
He is the nucleus. He is probably the first one in the house that gets fed. After all he deserves it. He is always there for you to comfort you, encourage you and bolsters your self-esteem. I know my days are often designed around when I can spend time with him. Who is he? Your dog of course.
I can’t think of a better way to celebrate his love than to make hime the center of attention in a photo session. This isn’t just any session. It is a session that will be designed around the way you live and celebrate your dog everyday. It is a session in which not only will we capture images of your dog, we will capture images of the two of you together. We will capture your bond through the things you love to do together.
Maybe you have thought about pet portraits, but don’t know what it entails, or what to even ask about. We can discuss these things in a discovery call. Just schedule at time and we can talk about ways for us to create the best session for your dog.
Once you have booked your dog Portrait session, what happens next?
I will send you a session guide which provides you plenty of information regarding the session. The session guide will reiterate some of the things we talked about during our discovery call. It discusses that safety is the key and that leashes are used often when photographing animals. These can generally be removed during the final editing of your images.
The guide will offer some suggestions on what to wear for your session. I find that neutrals work well with most situations. Consider your dogs coloring when selecting your outfit. It is generally best to wear colors that compliment your dogs fur rather than match it. (ie. avoid black clothes with black fur. Layers of fabric or textures can add some visual interest and dimension to your images. It will will also discuss your dogs ‘outfit’ such as collars and leashes and when the best time to groom your pet.
The Dog Portrait Session
Since we have already designed the session around the traits and personality you love about your dog, session day will be a breeze. This is the time to just spend and be with your pet. I may take you to certain areas which may have better light, or give a little prompt for your interaction together. The photos will come from your authentic interaction with your dog though. There is no need to fret about your dog misbehaving or not listening to you. I don’t expect your dog to be perfect, and we have just introduced him to a new situation that he may not know how to handle. If he feels your stress, He is going to be stressed as well- So take a breath and let it out slow and have fun.We may just walk casually for a short time to calm your dog , then resume when he has calmed down.
While I will have a stash of treats, I tend to use them as a last resort. Once your pup gets fixated on treats, he may not be as cooperative. Instead, I invite you to bring a favorite squeeky or toy. I also have a variety of noises I utilize to get your dogs attention. If he has a favorite tasty treat, you may want to bring that as well so he gets a great reward for a job well done at the end of the session.
After the session
Now it’s wait time. I will contact you the day after the session to schedule your review session. Generally the review session is about 1-2 weeks after the photo session. This is when we get to review your images and choose that artwork that speaks to you. Is it a single framed piece for over the fireplace, that you see every morning when you come downstairs for your cup of coffee, or is it an album of the best images from your session that tell the story of the journey you have been on with your dog.
How will you ultimately make your dog the center of attention in your space?
It’s an International circle!
Join the fun! This group of International Professional Pet Photographers bring you information on our weekly topics. While we focus on one broad subject, we may each have a different spin on it or provide you with additional information from our world of pet photography. Follow the next link to view how the next amazing photographer tackles this weeks challenge. Follow each link at the end of each blog until you return to me. Then you have successfully completed our blog circle. Enjoy!
+++++ NOW head over to:
Meet Callie!
Sweet Callie is around 2 years old and she loves everyone she meets. She is crate trained, likes to play with other dogs and is the happiest being by your side. She is an active girl who would love a home with a yard so she can run and play.
Please contact Friends of Second Chance.
Friends of Second Chance Canine Adoption Shelter
6660 E. Seneca Turnpike
Jamesville, NY 13078
315-435-5584
https://jamesvillesecondchance.com
Capture your journey with your pet. Nancy Kieffer is a pet and nature photographer serving Central New York, the Adirondacks and Beyond. Capture how you share your life with your pet! It may be a vacation adventure or curled up on the couch. Travel assignments welcomed.
Love the corgi in the snow!!! So fun! Loved learning about your process 🙂
Love this! they definitely should be the center of attention.
Great insight into your process! You are so right–everyone needs to celebrate their pet with a photo session!
Great overview and you’re 100% right, let’s give them ALL the attention!!!