4 Best tips to prepare your dog for their portrait session
If you’ve ever thought about the experience of a dog portrait session but felt unsure about how to prepare, you’re not alone. Our dogs are family, and it’s only natural to want the experience to be as relaxed, enjoyable, and fun for them as possible.
The good news? A little preparation goes a long way in helping your dog feel comfortable and ready to shine in front of the camera. To help you get started, I’ve put together four simple tips to make the most of your dog’s portrait session. These will ensure the experience is stress-free, full of fun, and captures your dog’s unique personality beautifully.
Keep reading to discover how to make your dog’s photoshoot an unforgettable experience!
1. Encouraging Calm Before the Camera
A photoshoot can feel like a very new experience for your dog. With so much attention on them, it’s natural if they take a little while to relax. One of the best ways to help your dog feel comfortable is to give them a short walk before the session. This not only helps release some energy but also gives them a chance to explore the surroundings.
If the photoshoot is taking place somewhere new, a few minutes to sniff, wander, and get their bearings can make all the difference. By the time we start, your dog will be calmer, more focused, and ready to enjoy their moment in front of the camera.
✨ Top Tip: If possible, aim to arrive 10–15 minutes early. This gives your dog extra time to settle in and ensures we can begin the session in a calm, relaxed way.
2 . Pre Shoot playtime
If your dog is full of energy and usually needs a good run at the start of their walk, it’s important to let them have that time before the photoshoot. There’s nothing worse than trying to make your dog sit still when all they want to do is race around!
Giving your dog the chance to let off steam, whether that’s chasing a ball, running free, or enjoying an energetic play session, means that by the time we begin, they’ll naturally be more relaxed. Once that initial burst of excitement has passed, it’s much easier for your dog to settle into the session and enjoy it.
3 . what makes your dog happy?
Does your dog have a favourite toy or treat that always makes their tail wag? Maybe it’s the squeak of a ball, a well-loved soft toy, or the irresistible smell of their favourite snacks. Whatever it is, bring it along!
Having something your dog truly loves not only helps them feel happy and comfortable, but it also gives us the perfect way to capture those genuine expressions of joy that make for the most beautiful portraits.
4 . relax and have fun!
The most important thing to remember on the day of your dog’s photoshoot? Relax and enjoy the moment! Together, we’ve picked a stunning location to serve as the backdrop for your session, and everything is designed to move at your dog’s pace.
This experience is all about capturing your pup’s unique spirit and personality, from the gorgeous grins, the curious sniffs, the tail wags, and those quiet, soulful moments too. Think of the session as a laid-back adventure, where your dog gets to explore, play, and just be themselves.
There’s no pressure, no rush. The more relaxed and happy your dog is, the more natural and joyful the photos will be, and that’s when I get to do what I love most: freezing those special little moments in time.