Tips for Getting Your Dog Ready for a Professional Photoshoot

Captured by : Animalia by Ti Chu Photography

One of the most common questions I get is how my human can make me pose for the camera. If you're new here, I am a model and influencer, so I always pose for the camera, and I have the receipts—check out  @sweetlifeofcalvin on Instagram. 

Today, we'll dive into professional pet photography. I recently did several photoshoots in the past few weeks, and for those planning on booking a professional session for the holidays, whether to capture those precious memories or include your pup (or simply your pup) on the card, you'll have enough time to prepare. 

We'll break this down into three stages: pre-shoot, during the shoot, and post-photoshoot. I'll also help you choose the right photographer if you live in Los Angeles. Check out this article to see the different photography styles my favorite top LA Pet Photographers. 

Preparing Your Pup for the Photoshoot

1. Grooming is Key: Brush your pup, wipe down, and get those eye boogers out. I may not have a glorious beard like most schnauzers, but I still carry a brush to ensure my beard looks extra fluffy on camera. 

Tip: Schedule your grooming appointment a few days before your shoot just in case you get shaved down a little shorter than planned so you can find creative ways to deal with a bad haircut. 

2. Exercise First: A tired dog is a calm dog. A new set always piques our curiosity, and sometimes, we might get too excited and do zoomies on set—or worse, pee on set. This is why a long walk is always a must for me before I go on set, but don't overdo it because a tired pup might not be very cooperative, especially when doing certain poses. 

3. Practice Commands: Brush up on basic commands like sit, stay, and look. These will be invaluable during the shoot. I do not know many commands, but I know my sit, down, and wait, and with just those 3, I can give the photographer enough time to capture my best angle. 

Tip: Treats and praises are always a good motivation for a pup to sit and stay. Make sure you reward your pup while you practice. 

4. Get Them Used to Lights and Sounds: Spend time letting your dog get used to shutter sounds and flashes on your iPhone. Some pups might freak out hearing sounds or have eyes sensitive to light, so as much as we want to have amazing photos, you also want to make sure your pup is enjoying the experience.

Photoshoot Day: Things to Bring and What to Do

What to Bring

1. Treats and Toys: High-value treats and favorite toys are great for grabbing your pup's attention and rewarding good behavior. Please make sure you're generous with those treats during the session to keep us extra motivated. I usually get treats as soon as I get on set, in between takes, and after my sessions. It also helps me associate these activities with fun and unlimited treats. You know me, I'll do anything for treats. 

2. Outfits: Dressing up for a photoshoot makes a big difference. A cute bandana or bow makes any pup look extra adorable. A nice collar and harness can help you attain that touch of luxury or a fun twist in your photos. If you are extra like me, dress up to the set's theme. You would want a more cohesive look where you blend in your surroundings and make the final images look more fun.

Captured by : Pet Shot Studios

What to Do

1. Get Your Pup's Attention: It's time to use those treats and toys. Toys, especially the squeaky ones, are always a great way to get your pup's attention and get them to look at the camera. When I started, my human would bring a squeaky ball on set to help me look at the camera. Now, I'm more treat-motivated, so we always carry some trainer treats on set and get a treat all throughout the shoot.

Weird noises are also an excellent way to get a curious pup's attention. If only images had audio, you'd hear my human say treeeaaattt in a high-pitched tone. She also loves yelling words and phrases she knows I'll be excited about, such as "park," 'stick," "Do you want to go outside?", 'What's that?" and "Look!".  

2. Use Commands: You've been practicing, so now it's time to use those commands on set. As I have mentioned, I do not know many dog tricks, but I have seen some stand, hold an object in their mouths, or lie down on the floor, so honestly, the more you know, the more creative and fun your photos will turn out. I usually sit on sets, so the command we always use is "wait," which is my cue to hold that position. Then, when I hear, "Okay, let's go!, that's my sign to leave the set; either the shoot is over, or there are some set and outfit changes.

3. Be patient: Sometimes, your pup has difficulty holding a pose for 2 seconds or is too distracted. It happens. There are plenty of times when I prefer to kiss everyone on set rather than be on camera, so just be patient. Let your pup sniff around, get belly rubs, and even roll on set. It doesn't always have to be perfect; sometimes candid photos are more fun. 

Choosing the Right Photographer

1. Portfolio Review: Look for photographers who specialize in pet photography and check out their portfolios to see their style. Different photographers have different styles, and their style must align with what you need and how you envision these photos to turn out. A studio photographer might not be comfortable doing an outdoor shoot, or an action photographer might not have the elaborate holiday set you want to put on your holiday cards. 

As I mentioned earlier, I recently did a couple of photoshoots in the past month, and I want you to take a look at these two photos as an example. Two different photographers with two different styles and themes. Both images look stunning. It all comes down to personal preference. I love a combination of elaborate, fun sets where I get to dress up and a clean, minimalistic background where we focus on my cute face.

Captured by : Pet Shot Studios

Captured by : Animalia Ti Chu

Side note: My initial response when I see a camera is to sit and stay still, which is why we have not done any outdoor/action shoots until now. When we think of an outdoor/action shoot, we think of a pup running on the beach or jumping over logs on the trail. As much as it is crucial to find the right photographer for your needs, it is also important to assess your pup's capabilities to ensure you get the final images of how you imagine them to be. 

2. Budget and Packages: I know we are very adorable, and these photos are priceless, but budget will always come into play. If you are not ready to commit to a full session, most photographers offer mini or micro sessions. These are a great way to see how your pup reacts on set, especially for the first time or when trying out a new photographer.

Tip: Follow them on social media and sign up for their newsletters, as these types of promotions are usually offered during special events or for a limited time. 

Post photoshoot

1. Reward, Reward, Reward: Always reward your pup after a photoshoot. I know shoots can sometimes be stressful and humans get anxious about how the photos would turn out but at the end of the day, we all know that you'll be happy because it's our faces on it. I always see photoshoots as a perfect opportunity for me to get treats, so by rewarding us with a treat, a trip to the park, or a special meal, you help us associate this with a good experience. 

2. Assess your overall experience: At the beginning, my human would always take note of what commands I can do in a new environment, what captures my attention more, and we all know the answer to that and what I can and cannot do. Knowing your pup's strengths and weaknesses will help your next photoshoot experience more fun. It is also a perfect opportunity to work on tricks that can be used for future sessions. In the past, I would fall flat on the floor if you put something on my head, like a hat or set props, and we worked on that. Now, you can see me sporting different hats and head accessories with a big smile while I sit comfortably. 

This is also the time to assess if you'll be working with the same photographer in the future. Different photographers have different styles and approaches, so aside from the final product, you also want to look back at the beautiful experience you and your pup had. I am extremely lucky that I was able to work with amazing and very patient photographers who are always so playful on set and would give me head scratches and treats all throughout my session. You always see me with a big smile in my photos, and that's how you know I am comfortable on set and having so much fun.

Captured by : Pet Shot Studios

Pet photography is a fantastic way to capture your pup's unique personality and charm. I hope these tips will help you prepare for your next big photoshoot that results in beautiful, memorable images.

Make sure to sign up to my newsletter for more helpful tips and pawfessional advice. Tag me @sweetlifeofcalvin on Instagram and share the results of your photoshoot. I would love to see your cute face and hear about your experience.