What to Bring for Your Dog's Portrait Session
Are you nervous about your dog’s first portrait session and wondering what to bring? Never fear, we’ve got your checklist right here:
1. Treats – If your dog is at all “food-motivated”, meaning will do anything for food, bring your dog a little hungry and don’t forget their favorite high-value treats, you know the ones they really like. This could be store-bought dog cookies, boiled chicken, cut up hot dogs or string cheese. If you have been giving them the same old treats lately, get something new that might be more exciting.
This portrait of Lily was possible because she will get up on her hind legs for a treat.
2. Toys – If your dog has a stuffed animal that they carry around, or love to kill over and over, bring it along. Even if it looks dirty and damaged, brush it off and pack it. There is many a toy that I have made look new again in Photoshop. A favorite toy can bring out your dog’s personality and is a fun prop to pose your dog next to. If your dog is feeling blah about their usual toys, get something new and exciting.
Wilson’s mom brought his favorite little gnome toy and we were able to get a portrait of them together.
Delilah’s mom brought this new toy, a flamingo head on a rope, to their session. It really got Delilah having fun with tug o’ war and we were able to capture the joy of destroying a new toy.
3. Blanket - Bring your dog’s favorite blanket, both for comfort, especially if your dog is a little anxious in new places, and for those fun “peeking out from under the covers” shots.
Anora loves this blanket and was willing to do a little posing partway under it.
4. Bed - A dog bed is great for dogs that have trouble settling down since they are familiar and comfortable. They also can be a fun prop.
For Charlie we took her blanket with her name on it, wrapped it around her dog bed and posed her with her Snoopy and Woodstock friends for a fun portrait.
So don’t forget your pet’s favorite treats and toys and bring along that dog bed or comfy blanket so we can use them in the portrait session. Email me at Pipi@SoulfulPetPhotography.com to start the process of getting your pet beautifully photographed.