Preparing for a pet photoshoot
You’ve booked, this is what would really help the photoshoot go smoothly.
Summary:
Before the shoot give them a bath or book them into their groomer
If they have long hair, consider a cut that trims the fur around their eyes
Have their favourite treat or toy nearby for rewards
Reinforce commands including sit, stay, drop/down and ‘on your mat’ in a week or so leading up to the session
Give your house or yard a tidy if we’re shooting there
Consider a nice collar, bandanna or bowtie they can show off
What do I bring to the session?
I will bring my camera gear and some props, my calm demeanour and my photography skills. I’ll also have a few treats up my sleeve, but you know your pets better than I do. Have some treats that they like (especially if they’re picky). Something high value is good, unless you know they get too excited for them. Alternatively, if they are toy-focused, have their favourite toy nearby that we can use to get their attention and reward them. This is also an opportunity for them to dress up – consider having a nice collar for them to wear or a bandanna or bowtie that they can show off.
You want them to look their best.
Ideally, book in for a grooming appointment shortly before the photoshoot or take them for a bath. For medium and long coated dogs (especially of an ‘oodle variety), consider trimming the fur around their eyes too, as it both helps them to see and to capture their cute expressions. I’m slack about trimming my fringe too, so I understand the challenge.
Getting them to pay attention.
Training-wise (especially for dogs), it can really help if they have strong sit, drop, stay and ‘on your mat’ commands as it will help to get them positioned and stay in place. Don’t worry if they wander off – like for human children, sometimes the photography experience can become overwhelming. We’ll give it a bit of time and then try again. Cats, are well, cats and while they are trainable, their response to commands is often more on their terms. I’m very patient and eventually we’ll get them comfortable. Remember that this is probably a new experience for them and I aim to make it a positive one.
Think about the location.
If the photoshoot is at your home, give it a quick tidy and vacuum, mow or sweep to make it as presentable as you would like to see in the photos and the same goes for you if you’re wanting to be in the photos. There are many guides online about what to wear for photos so they don’t date (mostly it’s jeans and a neutral shirt), but I think that you should wear what makes you feel comfortable.
If we’re outdoors, it is very likely that your pet will have to stay on-lead and you may need to be nearby (and possibly in-frame). We will have a discussion about this before the session, but with a bit of preparation, you will disappear from the image with a bit of editing magic.
