Family Photos With Your Pet
Pets are one of the family, and to leave a furry friend out of a family photo would be like leaving the last piece out of a finished puzzle. Here are a few guidelines to follow when including your pet in your professional family photo shoot.
Always discuss with your photographer well beforehand and check they are happy to include animals in your shoot. Not all photographers will embrace the idea of photographing animals especially in studio. Also, most photographers need prep time to plan and set up appropriately for every individual shoot. I have had a client ring me 30 minutes before the shoot to notify me the dog was in the car - not cool.
Family and pet shoots are always challenging for the photographer. Be aware that results from a shoot with an animal can never be guaranteed. Go into the shoot with the expectation that things may not work out ideally.
Exercise your dog well before the shoot, so they will be as calm as possible at the time of the session.
Brush and if needed, have your dog groomed before the session - we all like to look our best for photos
I always request someone to take the dog away, out of the shoot part way through the session. This includes outdoor shoots.
If your dog has any quirks let your photographer know beforehand. I always allow a dog to sniff the environment and calm down first before I start shooting, a bit like toddlers!
Bring your dog on a lead. However, I usually aim for collar removal for the shoot.
Bring treats for your dog especially if your pup is food motivated. I prefer clients to bring their own pup treats due to sensitivities and allergies.
Composites are commonly used in for the finished photos especially with babies and dogs. This means that some of the actual shots may seem odd when I am taking them, but will come together nicely afterwards.
Safety is paramount. I always use two spotters when shooting babies and dogs together - one for baby, one for dog.
Again, safety is paramount: if you are at all worried how they will react in the studio or photography environment then err on the side of caution and do not bring them.
My studio and all surfaces used are always thoroughly cleaned after all photography sessions, pets or no pets.
