So, you want to have a Pet Photography Session?
After being in Montana for a few months now, I have noticed many differences between here and where I used to live in Illinois. One of those main differences is that dogs are EVERYWHERE! Dogs are a very important part of people's lives (as they should be) and the entire town of Bozeman has prepared well for it.
Dog parks are everywhere. Dogs are welcome into stores. Dogs are placed high on the priority list as they an important part of society. Dogs run free off leash, are well trained, and friendly! They come when they are called and are a joy to be around.
The first time I saw a dog off leash running free, I was a little intimidated. Questions ran through my mind-will this dog attack me? Where is it's owner? But, as soon as those questions appeared, the owner came walking right behind and the dog ran right over to him. This is just a normal part of life here and I love it.
Most families have their photo sessions WITH their dogs/pets.
Most families here want their dogs with them in their photo session. After all, dogs are part of their family! But, what about having a photo session just for your dog?
At Songs of Life, we love having your pets in photos with you. We have yet to photograph a dog, cat, horse, or other pet alone. But, if you are doing that, we have some tips for you to help you and your pet have the best session ever!
Who is your Photographer?
Having a photo session with an experienced photographer is a good idea. If your photographer has never worked with dogs or other pets before, the session could not be as good as it could be. Often, if a photographer is in a portfolio building stage trying to start their business, then that is a different story. He or she is learning and if you are willing to work with that, then go for it!
Revisiting Training and Tricks
Whether you have a puppy in training, or an old, loyal sweetheart, it's a good idea to refresh training and maximize their need to please! If your pet can follow commands well, it can make it easier to get a wide variety of photos for you and make it more fun for your pet. Stay, sit, lay down, etc...all those age old commands that help your dog be still will also make for a great photograph!
Expressions
I have seen all kinds of great expressions from dogs. I can tell when they are mad, sad, and even happy! Most experienced pet photographers have ways to help your dog show those expressions, but if you have special words, or other ways to do it, then they should be used. Perhaps a treat will inspire an excited look that the photographer can capture beautifully.
Plan Ahead
Does your dog get fired up when you first go for a walk? If so, he or she might be too wound up for the session. Consider taking them for a short walk beforehand to allow them to let go of some of that excitement. That way, they might be calmer and easier to photograph.
When is your session? If it is right after your dog has eaten, he or she might not be as responsive to your commands with food treats as a reward. Perhaps book a different time, or give only part of the meal so your dog will still be driven to work for the food at the session.
Arrive Open Minded
However you think the session might go, be prepared for it to be totally different! Most pet photographers have a great plan, but often, those plans do not pan out as expected. If your pet is not feeling well, or perhaps there are too many squirrels nearby (distractions!), the plan will have to be changed. Move to another location, or take a break. Both will help the situation and eventually, you will have the session you are hoping for. Just have fun and enjoy every moment, whether that is a "blooper", a crazy expression, or both!
Family Storytelling Sessions
Even though we have never photographed a dog or other pet alone, we would love to start. We prefer, though, to photograph the ENTIRE family together, and that includes your dog! With this session, we could easily photograph your pet alone.
When you are ready to capture some real life moments of your family together, give us a call, or head over to our FAMILY STORYTELLING SESSIONS to learn more about the photographic experiences that we offer!
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