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

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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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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How To Do A Photoshoot With Pets

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.

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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.

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.

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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!!

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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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