3 things I wish every dog owner knew before their photo session

If you have a photo session coming up with your dog, there's a good chance you've already started worrying about how it's going to go. Will they sit still? What if they don't listen? What if they spend the whole time sniffing the ground instead of looking at the camera? These are some of the most common concerns I hear from dog owners before their session, and I completely understand why you feel that way.

The good news is that almost every dog owner arrives with these same worries, and almost every single one leaves saying, "I can't believe how easy that was." After photographing dogs for more than 13 years, I've learned that creating beautiful images has very little to do with having the perfect dog. It comes down to understanding dogs, working with their personalities, and creating an experience where both you and your dog can simply relax and enjoy the moment.

If there were 3 things I wish every dog owner knew before their photo session, it would be these things.

1. Your dog doesn't have to behave perfectly.

I really, really, really mean this. Don't worry about your dog's behaviour. I have many tips and tricks up my sleeve to help every dog feel comfortable in front of the camera. In the last 13 years, there is yet to be a dog I can't photograph. Whether your dog is energetic, shy, distracted or thinks every bird needs investigating, I know how to work with them rather than expecting them to be someone they are not.

2. Your relationship matters more than posing.

Lots of people find being in front of the camera quite daunting, but trust me when I say the connection between you and your dog will always shine through and melt those worries away. Don't worry about the pose, focus on your love.


3. The best images usually happen naturally.

This is so true! I have a set few positions I ask owners to place their dogs in, but sometimes when they look a different direction or move their body a certain way it can make for an equally stunning photo. This is why I don't mind dogs that move, because sometimes they will set themselves up naturally without human interaction.

At the end of the day, your session is not about having the most obedient dog or remembering every direction perfectly. It is about celebrating your dog's unique personality and the bond you share together. My job is to guide you through the entire experience, make it enjoyable, and create photographs that feel genuine and full of emotion. So take a deep breath, leave the pressure behind, and simply enjoy spending time with your best friend. Those are the moments that become the photographs you'll treasure for years to come.