You’re getting ready for your dog’s photo session and you’ll need to think of what to bring with you!

🐶 Collar—Just like you would choose your best outfit for school pictures, you should also consider your dog’s collar for the photo session. If your dog has a bulky or unattractive collar, consider using a different one for the session. Keep in mind that collars will not be edited out in post-processing, so it’s important to choose one that complements your dog’s appearance and the overall look of the photos.

🐶 Leash—It’s ideal to use a thin leash for the photo session as it will be less visible in the final images and can be easily removed in post-processing. However, if you don’t have one, don’t worry, I always have leashes on hand. Keep in mind that most dogs will be on leash during the photo session for safety reasons, but it will be removed in post-processing.

🐶 Toys/Balls—Action shots are a great way to capture your dog’s personality and energy, and toys or balls can be a useful tool to help create these types of images. You can bring your dog’s favorite toys or balls and even throw them towards me to capture your dog running towards the camera. I usually have a variety of toys and balls on hand, but if your dog has a special one, it’s always best to bring it along.

🐶 Treats—If your dog is motivated by treats, it’s a good idea to bring their favorite ones to the photo session. Treats can be used to help focus your dog’s attention and reward them for good behavior during the session. But don’t worry if you forget, the photographer usually has some treats as well.

🐶 Water bowl—It can be a good idea to bring your dog’s water bowl, especially if they are picky about where they drink from. Some dogs prefer their own bowls, so if this sounds like your dog, pack it. However, if you forget the bowl, don’t worry, I always have water and a few choices of bowls available.

🐶 Brush for grooming—It’s important that your dog looks their best during the photo session, so bring along any grooming supplies you may need, such as a brush. This can help to keep your dog’s coat looking neat and tidy between shots, and ensure that the final images are as polished as possible.

🐶 People—It’s usually best to have one or two people present during the photo session, one person can be in charge of the leash while the other can assist in getting your dog’s attention or help out behind the camera. However, if you’re coming alone, that’s completely fine as well. I have lots of experience working with solo clients, so don’t worry if you don’t have anyone to come with you. It’s important to keep in mind that too many people can be distracting for your dog, so it’s best to bring only the necessary amount of people to the session. You know your dog best, so consider what would make them most comfortable.

🐶 Patience—I’m super chill and very patient. No shot is worth stressing out your dog. We take lots of breaks. There’ll be lots of treats (if okay by you!)…keep in mind my camera can shoot at very high speeds so I need just a fraction of a second to capture a great pic. So, just know you can relax, even if your dog is “crazy”…trust me, most of the dogs I photograph aren’t trained very well. I seriously don’t care. 🙂

🐶 Anything else you usually pack for your dog…I’ve had some clients bring bags full of things! No judgement from me! 😀

There you have it…while this may seem like a long list, most of these items are probably things that you already travel with and know about your dog. The key is to be prepared and bring along items that will make the photo session as comfortable and enjoyable as possible for your dog. Remember to keep in mind that I’m experienced and patient and will work with you to create beautiful and memorable images of your furry companion.