Photography is all about capturing the moments that matter most to you, holding onto memories for years to come. So, what better way to celebrate your love for your pet than with a professional pet photo session?

If you’ve never had professional photos taken of your pet before, you may be unsure how to prepare. After all, pet sessions are quite different from family or other portrait sessions. For one thing, you don’t have to worry about dressing a pet like you do a child, but there are plenty of other things to take into consideration.

That’s why we put together this handy guide on how to prepare for and get the most out of your pet photo session!

Walk it out­—or take a nap

You want your furry friend to feel relaxed during your session, so take them for a nice long walk the morning before. Getting some exercise is especially important if your dog is high-energy, since the more they run around, the harder it will be for your photographer to capture images that aren’t blurry.

However, if you have an older dog who is more low-energy, they may just need some time to rest and sleep before their session. Know your dog’s personality and what works best for them and plan accordingly.

Bring a few favorite things

Prior to your session, pack a bag of your pet’s favorite toys and treats. A little reward can go a long way in helping your dog to sit still and pose for photos or even do a trick or two. Squeaky toys are always a great hit and help encourage your pet to make some of those adorable, playful expressions. Toys and treats are also a great way to get your pup to look at the camera.

Pack a bag

In addition to favorite treats and toys, pack some water and a bowl, as well as bags for picking up waste, a brush for grooming, and your best collar and leash. If the only leash you have is looking kind of rough, you may want to pick up a new one, as it may appear in some of the photos.

Get groomed

If you regularly take your dog to a groomer, try to schedule an appointment the week before your session to ensure that your pet isn’t looking too shaggy. If you do your grooming at home, take some time to give your dog a bath and brush them before your session. And don’t forget to trim those nails!

Brush up on basic commands

Getting great photos will partly depend on how well your dog obeys basic commands. So take some time in the weeks before your session to brush up on sit, stay, down, and any other commands your pup knows. However, if your dog doesn’t know any of these commands or is just too excited during your session to listen, don’t worry! We know how to deal with any breed or personality, and we’re willing to be patient and work with you and your dog to still get some great images.

Choose your own outfit

While this photoshoot may be all about your dog, you want to look good too! Take some time to pick out your own outfit: something casual and comfortable that will allow you to easily move around and play with your pet. As far as shoes, go for something that is comfortable for walking, like a nice pair of sneakers. You want to feel comfortable but also look good in photos. If you’re not sure what to wear, don’t be afraid to ask!

Talk to your photographer

If your dog has any behavioral issues or anxieties, let your photographer know ahead of time so they can be prepared. This can be especially important when choosing locations, so tell your photographer if your pet has any specific fears, like traffic noises or other dogs, that could affect where they want to shoot.

Be patient

We get it—you paid for a professional photo session, and you want some awesome images of your pet to hang on your walls and share with family and friends. It can be frustrating when your dog just isn’t cooperating, won’t pay attention, or even actively ignores commands. Or maybe your dog is incredibly shy and won’t show off the charming personality they have at home.

Regardless of your pet’s personality, we will get photos you’ll love. Just relax, have fun, and trust us! We’ve worked with every kind of dog, from the anxious to the over-active, and sometimes all it takes is a few treats and a whole lot of patience to get the photos you want. So, if your dog is acting up, don’t yell at them or use a stern tone. Let’s just keep things light and fun. Trust us, your photos will turn out great!