I’ve been wanting to write this one for a while because SO many of my clients bring their dogs along to sessions! I will always say YES to bringing along your furry friend, but there’s a few key rules here to make sure it’s successful and not a hot mess! Here are my top 5 tips for bringing your dog along to a photo session!

ONE: Make sure the location is dog friendly!

Most parks and local wetlands allow dogs on leads, and I’ll never take you to a location where they’re not permitted! It’s also important to make sure the location is quiet and is out of the general public way so we’re not surrounded by other people walking their dogs, kids and other distractions. It’s great if there’s space for you to play with your dog, making sure he/she doesn’t get bored quickly. Extra points if there are bins so you can, ahem, dispose of the stinky stuff if nature calls!

TWO: Bring a back up person to take the dog.

This is especially important if you have kids with you. Ask a friend or other family member who’s not being photographed to come to grab the dog 20 minutes after your session has started, so they can take him/her for a walk, or take them home so you don’t have to worry. It’s hard enough wrangling kids let alone an animal that just wants to play!

THREE: Have a good looking lead and collar.

If your dog is just as much a member of the family as your own kids, they deserve a little extra fanciness too! Head to Kmart or your local pet store and buy a neutral coloured collar and lead that matches well with the rest of the family. Sounds silly, but I will NOT Photoshop out your bright yellow, fluorescent running lead in your gorgeous family photos! #justsaying

FOUR: Snacks, snacks and more snacks.

Sounds like a given, right, but bring something a little “extra” for the dog that I can use as a distraction to get him/her to look at the camera. You’ve got to remember, they don’t know me yet, you’re their master, so naturally, they’re going to want to look at YOU, not me, so snacks, give me all the power!!!

FIVE: Don’t stress, it’s okay to have fun!!

I’ve seen it all, don’t worry! I’ve seen crazy dogs, mean dogs, dogs that are so cared they won’t leave their owners arms! I’m a dog person myself, and I want them to be included in your images if it means something special to you!

Did this blog help? Drop me a comment below and let me know what you think!