7 Tips for Your Dog Photography Session
Booking a dog photography session is exciting but it's completely normal to wonder how your dog is going to behave.
The good news? They don't need to be perfectly trained - not in the slightest if I am honest, sit still for an hour or even look at the camera every time.
The best photos happen when your dog feels comfortable, relaxed and gets to be themselves. Here are a few simple tips to help you get the most out of your dog photography session.
Let your dog set the pace
Every dog is different.
Some dogs arrive full of excitement and need five minutes to zoom around before they're ready for photos. Others are a little unsure in a new place and just need a moment to settle in, have a sniff and are ready to go.
There's never any rush in our sessions. We'll follow your dog's energy, take breaks when we need to and keep the session fun from start to finish. A relaxed dog always photographs better than a stressed one.
Choose a location your dog loves
The best location isn't always the prettiest one—it's the one where your dog feels most confident.
Whether it's your favourite beach, a quiet park, a bush trail or somewhere you walk every weekend, familiar places help dogs relax much faster. They can sniff, explore and settle into the environment naturally, which creates much more authentic photos.
If you want to read more about how to choose the right location - check out this location blog post.
Bring your dog's favourite treats AND toy
Treats are basically my secret weapon. The currency that your dog will be paid in for participating well. Your dog is not a foodie? Bring their favourite toy or choose from my selection that I bring to every dog photoshoot.
Also make sure to bring something your dog absolutely loves, along with a favourite toy if they're toy motivated. These help keep their attention, reward them throughout the session and bring out those bright, happy expressions.
Want to learn more about what a photo session with Haggie Snaps Photography in Perth will look like? Have a look here!
Don't stress about perfect obedience
This is probably the biggest one.
Your dog doesn't need a perfect sit, stay or recall to have beautiful photos taken. I've photographed puppies, rescue dogs, reactive dogs and dogs who would much rather sniff the grass than look at me.
My job is to work with the dog in front of me, not expect them to be someone they're not - being a qualified dog trainer helps me to handle all dogs in a releaxed manner, whoever they are!
Wear something that feels like you
You're part of these photos too. Or at least I hope you would like to be! I promise you, you will absolutely not regret it!
Choose outfits that are comfortable and easy to move around in. Neutral and earthy colours tend to photograph beautifully outdoors and keep the focus on you and your dog.
Most importantly, wear something that makes you feel confident - you'll enjoy the experience so much more.
Would like to read more about this? Click here to read about what to wear and bring for your dog photoshoot.
Embrace the candid moments
Most of my favourite images aren't the posed ones.
They're the moments where your dog leans into you, looks up at you, shakes off after a swim or sprints across a field with ears flying everywhere.
Those little in-between moments are often the ones that end up meaning the most because they capture your dog's personality exactly as they are.
Trust the process
Your session doesn't have to look perfect to create beautiful photographs.
Dogs get distracted. They sniff everything. They pull funny faces. They make us laugh.
That's part of photographing dogs, and honestly, it's part of what makes the gallery feel so personal. You don't need to worry about getting everything right - just come ready to spend time with your dog and I'll take care of the rest.
It's about more than just photos
A dog photography session isn't about creating perfectly posed portraits. It's about capturing the relationship you have with your dog right now. The way they look at you, the way they make you laugh and all the little moments you'll want to remember years from now.
If you've been thinking about booking a dog photography session in Perth, I'd love to help you create photographs that feel like your story.
