how to shoot pets – Kansas City Photography

Should I Bring My Pet To A Photoshoot? Our Top 3 Tips!

June 21, 2017 by Kcityphotography, posted in "How To" / Tips & Tricks!

Soooo, we’re gonna cut to the chase here. The answer is a resounding “YES!”

Your pet is a part of the family, so whether it’s engagement photos or family photos, including this furry part of your family is important!

However, we have a few tips to make sure it goes smoothly.

1. Make sure to bring someone else along to help hold the leash for the shots your dog won’t be in!

We know Fido won’t be in every shot, especially for those engagement photos! So, make sure to bring along a best friend or sibling to help watch and entertain your pet until it’s their time to shine! Make sure you have a leash, many locations have a leash policy.

2. Bring treats, their favorite toys, and tucker ’em out!

I encourage the pet helper to walk your pet around during the photos (when they aren’t the star). It gets them nice and tuckered out for when it’s time for their closeup!

Also, make sure to hand us the treats and/or favorite toy! We can hold them in front of the camera, squeak them, etc. When all else fails — we usually end up barking. That usually gets their attention for a second or two.

3. Pick a location that’s not too distracting!

Sure, maybe your dream is to have engagement photos at Loose Park. And while we can definitely make that dream a reality, we would recommend against taking your dog there.

There’s a lot going on at a busy location like that — and it’s easy for pups to get distracted. No matter how good the treat in front of them is, a new smell will win out their attention every time!

We would recommend picking a quieter location — like Unity Village or Bingham-Waggoner Estate. They are both featured in our Top 10 Photoshoot Locations in KC list!

We hope you find these tips helpful!

Are you a photographer? We have a post on tips for photographing pets as well!

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This Dog Posed With An Engagement Ring On Its Nose! A Unity Village Engagement Shoot

June 15, 2017June 15, 2017 by Kcityphotography, posted in Photoshoots

We first met Tyler in January, when he called Kansas City Photography about his secret plans for a surprise proposal for his girlfriend (now fiancée), Taelor!

This was his adorable spiel to me over the phone:

“I’m planning on proposing to my girlfriend, and I want a photographer to be there to capture the moment. But, I don’t want her to know you’re there for us until after I am down on one knee.”

We chatted about when and where to meet — everything was set in place. We met at Kaw Point Park … and then this happened:

Gorgeous, right?! It has one of the best views of the Kansas City skyline.

Since their surprise proposal session was a mini shoot, Tyler & Taelor decided to bank the rest of their engagement shoot time for when it was a bit warmer outside. Liiiike this Monday! And boy, it sure was a lot warmer. So hot, in fact, everyone at the shoot joked about jumping in the fountains there!

They picked Unity Village from our list of Top 10 Photo Locations in KC. It’s full of glorious roses, but has amazing architecture as well — as you can see:

This time, they even brought their doggy, Bentley! Tatiana was thrilled, dogs are pretty much her favorite thing in the world! Miss Bentley definitely isn’t well loved, poor thing!! 😉

Also, we absolutely have to mention how well behaved she is. Tatiana was able to put Taelor’s engagement ring on Bentley’s nose! She didn’t even try to eat it! Although, they did walk around Unity Village a few laps beforehand to make sure she was nice and tuckered out.

Taelor met Tyler through her brother, Alex. They all went to UCM together. Props, Alex! You introduced your sister to her future husband. That must feel really awesome!

Taelor also has impeccable taste in clothing. Both dresses she wore were beautiful. One was lacey, with an open back similar to a wedding dress (how fitting since she’s going to be a bride soon!):

And the other was long and flowy — perfect to twirl in! Also, great practice for their first dance at their reception!

Taelor, feel free to dress us any time — your taste is amazing! Tyler was dapper himself, don’t feel left out! That yellow was a perfect choice!

We are so excited for your wedding! To see their surprise proposal shoot, click here.

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How To Do A Photoshoot With Pets

February 16, 2017September 27, 2017 by Kcityphotography, posted in "How To" / Tips & Tricks!

I was asked how to coordinate a photoshoot that involves the family pets. The number one answer: Patience. Pets don’t listen like people do.

Animals can tell if you’re stressed out. And if you’re stressed out, they’re gonna be stressed out. So, take a few deep breaths, you’ll get the shots! It just may take a little longer than you’re used to when working with non-furry companions.

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Location is important, too. If you take a pet to a super active park — they’re gonna get distracted and want to smell all the new smells, and go see all the new things.

Try to pick a quiet park, a scenic backyard (yours, the client’s, a friend’s), etc. Stay away from dog parks! Wayyy too much excitement!

And a bit off the cuff, but barking helps. I am not kidding. If the dogs aren’t looking at me … I will bark. It works!

Another great tip is to ask the pet owners to bring a few favorite toys, especially any that make noise. You can hold them above the camera and squeak them! Treats work, too!

If all else fails — let the pet run! Sometimes getting rid of that energy is the trick! And then, you can always get some nice action shots that way, too! And if kiddos are around — let them run with their pet, too!!

So, let’s summarize!

Be patient
Don’t stress
Avoid high-traffic places and dog parks
DO use quiet places, off the beaten path, or utilize your backyard or a friend’s yard
DO ask the owners to bring the pet’s fav. toys, especially any that make noise
DO let the pet run and burn off some energy if it’s needed! Maybe even play some tug of war to build trust and help wear good ol’ pup out

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