Tips To Guarantee Authentic Photos With Your Dog At Your San Francisco Bay Area Portrait Session
Few things wiggle their way into our hearts and families quite like our canine fur babies. Because they always greet us with a smile they truly are our best friends. As a dog owner I know first hand how they make themselves at home in our hearts and become cherished members of our family. Therefore it only feels natural that we want to incorporate them into our portrait sessions. You can include your dog into your senior portrait session or your family portrait session. The San Francisco Bay Area offers many wonderful locations for a portraits session with your dog. However, before we include them here are a few handy tips to help your session run as smoothly as possible.
TIP 1: PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE
We know all too well that our furry friends can have a mind of their own. Oftentimes they can feel like a toddler because they want to do what they want to do and not much else. This can range from sniffing allllll the things at your portrait location to not wanting to sit still or face the camera. Dogs love to sit with their backs to the camera lol. I always tell my clients stay ready for the photo by keeping your pose and continuously smiling. I will keep snapping away and am guaranteed to get some of your doggo looking photo ready in between their moments of distraction.
TIP 2: EXERCISE THEM VERY WELL BEFORE THE SESSION
Take a long walk the day of your session. This will not only tire them out physically, but mentally as well. On your walk let them sniff a lot because this will stimulate and tire them mentally. This will help your dog be a bit more relaxed at your session. They will still have excitement and energy when they arrive to your session location because of all the new things, which brings us to…
TIP 3: ARRIVE EARLY AND LET THEM SMELL THE LOCATION
Dogs are perpetual sniffers. This is how they learn about people, the environment they are in, and how they explore the world around them. When you get to a new location dogs feel a strong urge to smell every new nook and cranny. By arriving to your session early and giving your pooch time to explore and check it out, they may be more compliant when it comes to photo time. This exploration will also allow them an opportunity to get some extra wiggles out. The more wiggles they get out the more they will be willing to sit when it comes to photo time. Will they still want to smell things and wander? Of course! For them this is a new adventure, but their initial introduction to a location is when they are most eager to explore.
TIP 4: BRING SOMEONE TO CARE FOR YOUR DOG WHEN THEY ARE NOT IN THE PHOTOS
Typically dogs have limited patience (there is that toddler comparison again lol!) and after some time they will be done with all the photo taking or will need a break. It is handy to have a family member or friend on hand to take over the care and entertainment of your dog while we finish your portrait session. Some clients have opted to tie their dog to a nearby fence post or tree, but sometimes they feel like they are missing out on all the fun and get anxious. That can make it hard to relax for your photos because of your concern for your dog who may be whining or barking. My two dogs are what we call “velcro dogs” and don’t want to be separated from the family. They would have meltdown if they didn’t have someone to love on them while their family is several feet away and distracted. Having someone to love on them during this time makes for a happy fur baby and also gives you the freedom to relax a bit.
TIP 5: BRING TREATS (AKA BRIBERY)
Treats always help encourage and reward good behavior. Because many dogs have allergies to certain foods or ingredients these are not something I offer at sessions. However, feel free to bring along something you know is safe for them to eat so we can reward your dog for all that good posing. Their treats don’t have to be big and can even be pieces of their kibble. Just something small and portable to let them know they are doing a good job.
TIP 6: ENJOY THE CANDID MOMENTS
Not every photo needs to be posed. Your portrait session is about telling the story of your family and capturing your dynamic. Candid moments with your dog are important to preserve this love you have for them. Let’s focus on the snuggles, the joy your heart feels when you nuzzle your face in their fur, the way they make your kids laugh, and those sloppy, wet dog kisses that kind of gross us out but make us feel oh-so-loved. Our biggest wish as dog owners is that our dogs lived longer. Having authentic moments with our dogs captured is something that is priceless and can enjoyed over the years. So feel free to let loose and set your gaze on your pampered pooch rather than the camera.
TIP 7: TELL ME ABOUT YOUR DOG
Before our session tell me a little bit about your dog. I want to get to know every member of your family that I am photographing, including the furry ones. We can discuss your dog in your consultation or you can share some notes in your client questionnaire. Please share any information that you think will be helpful for me to know at your portrait session.
Ultimately a portrait session with your dog(s) is always an adventure and you never know what you’re going to get, right? That is what makes it so fun! Rest assured as a lover of dogs I have plenty of patience, knowledge of how to get some cherished photos, and the ability to create a little Photoshop magic when all else fails. To me it is important that you just get to relax and enjoy your session while we preserve some pretty special memories of you, your family, and those beloved furry family members.
Looking for a family photographer in Alameda County, Contra Costa County, or the San Francisco Bay Area? I would love the opportunity to get to know you and work with you to capture this moment in time for your cherished family! My clients come from all over the Northern California and the Bay Area - Pleasanton, Fremont, Danville, Dublin, Walnut Creek, Castro Valley, San Ramon, Livermore. Book a consult with the button below so we can get to know one another and start planning your family's custom portrait experience.
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