You’ve booked a gift voucher for your friend/family member or your very own dog photoshoot How exciting! You might be feeling a bit nervous, full of excitement, or somewhere in between. Either way, I’m sure you’d like to know exactly how you can get the best photos of your dog on the day.
Have no fear, Rowan is here! P.S. to get to know me and my dogs even more click here
I’m going to walk you through some dog photography tips to prepare for the shoot. And we’ll cover what I do on the day to help both you and your dog to feel at ease. So that you walk away with stonking photos of your dog that you’ll treasure forever.
Dog Photography Tip #1: Relax
We’ve chosen a beautiful location for your dog shoot, and we’re going to work at your dog’s pace. We want to capture your dog’s spirit and personality, so this is all about allowing your dog to relax and enjoy themselves, so I can get click happy capturing their joy. Your photoshoot is like a relaxed training session. We want your dog to have free rein to show off their personality and character.
Dog Photography Tip # 2: Helping your dog to settle
A photoshoot can seem like a strange experience for your dog. With a lot of attention focused on them, they may find it tricky to settle initially. The best way to help your dog to feel settled and at ease is to take them for a walk to let off steam and to explore the environment before your photoshoot. A new place can be exciting for your dog, so allowing some time to explore and have a good sniff around can help your dog to take their enthusiasm just a smidge down before we begin the shoot!
Dog Photography Tip #3: Pre-shoot energy burn
If you have a high-energy dog who just needs to run and have a crazy few when they first start their walk, then we want to make sure they have that need met before we start the shoot. We don’t want to be trying to lure or force your dog into staying still or moving slowly when every bone of their being wants to run hell for leather. Throw a ball or let them run free for a while before your dog shoot, and it will feel more natural to your dog to slow their pace a little once the initial excitement has waned.
Dog Photography Tip #4: What does your dog love?
Does your dog have a favourite toy or treat that makes their eyes light up with joy? Maybe the squeak of a ball or the smell of those special beef treats sets your dog’s world on fire? Please bring whatever it is with you! When your dog has an item or treats that creates immediate focus, it makes it easy for us to get those beautiful shots of pure delight.
Dog Photography Tip #5: To groom or not to groom?
Now this one is very personal, and there is no right or wrong! If you’d like your pup preened and polished for the shoot, then absolutely book in a dog grooming session or give your dog a home pamper session before the shoot. I’d recommend doing this a day or so beforehand, so your dog doesn’t have too much going on in one day. If you like your pooch au natural, then rock up just as you are. These photos are for you. And they are to be cherished for years and years to come. So decide what feels right for you and your dog, and throw the rule book out the window!
Dog Photography Tip #6: What about the dog lead?
Not all dogs can go off lead, and that is absolutely fine. It’s not a problem at all. My own don’t go off lead either, so you’re right at home with me! You can opt for a pretty lead and collar set, or I can photoshop them out when we get to the magical editing stage. I do recommend that you don’t use a harness for your photoshoot, though. If your dog pulls a lot, then bring your harness and a collar, and we’ll simply take the harness off when needed.
Dog Photography Tip #7: Have at least a couple of shots with you in the photo
Don’t run for the hills. I’m not a pushy person, I promise. But there is something very special about having photos of you and your dog together. Even if you never want to show them to another soul, I promise you’ll be glad you have them. When I’m not doing dog shoots, I am also a wedding photographer who specialises in fun, relaxed and personal shoots. So I have a bit of a knack for helping humans, as well as dogs to feel comfortable in front of a lens! Wear something you love and avoid busy patterns as they don’t photograph well. And just see how you feel on the day. There will be no pressure from me, but if you’re dressed in something you love, you might want to give it a quick try!
P.S to learn more about me and my style of dog photography click here
Rowan is top-notch! You can see it for yourself, her photography is amazing! But the experience is so much more than a photoshoot. She is one of the most personable people I’ve had the pleasure to meet. It is obvious that the connection she develops with her clients is genuine and that she truly loves dogs! My dog may be a supermodel but I hate cameras! Rowan made me feel comfortable, was patient, coached me through what to do and the results are some of the best pictures I’ve ever had in my life. I cannot recommend the experience of a Pooch & Pineapple photoshoot enough!
Ashley and Saint
Dog Photography Tip #8: What to bring to your photoshoot
On the day you’ll want to make sure your phone is well charged, just in case we have any problems finding each other when we arrive. You’ll need water for you and your dog and your dog’s favourite toy or treats. And that’s it. You’re not a packhorse, and I want you to feel as comfortable as your dog on the big day! That’s it. I hope now you are feeling a lot less nervous and very prepared for our day of fun together! If you want to know what happens at a photoshoot, you can read more here.
After your dog’s photoshoot, I go and squirrel away in my magical editing suite. I’ll edit all the useable photos, which takes me around two weeks. And then the day of reckoning comes! I’ll upload your beautiful images to an online gallery where you can while away an evening (or two) taking all the magic in.
Perhaps the most challenging part of a photoshoot is actually choosing your final images! It’s a tough call. Your basic photoshoot fee includes one image to download and one to print. If you selected a standard or premium package, then you have an enhanced collection of downloads and credit to spend on printing. I offer a choice of print sizes, wooden framed prints, metal mounted prints and a calendar.
If you wind up wanting more images than are included in your original package, then don’t fret, just give me a shout, and we can boost your dog’s portfolio, so you have everything you want.
