How to Prepare Your Pup for a Studio Photoshoot
If you’ve never experienced a photo shoot with your dog, you might be wondering how to best prepare yourself and your dog for his big close‑up. And you wouldn’t be alone!
The vast majority of my clients have never booked a photo shoot for their dog, let alone a studio portrait session for themselves or their families. What’s more, many haven’t been around a professional photographer since their high school senior pictures or their wedding!
A little preparation goes a long way in ensuring your dog’s portrait session goes off without a hitch — and keeps any pre‑session stress or jitters at bay. Read on to learn exactly how I prepare my clients and their pups so we can create some fantastic (and boop‑worthy) results.
2–4 Weeks Before Your Session: Groomer Time
Visit the Groomer for a Fresh ‘Do
Whether or not your pooch visits the dog spa regularly for grooming, stopping in for a clean‑up is a great idea. I’m a firm believer that a few hours at the spa can do wonders for your pooch’s confidence — and I swear they know how stinkin’ cute they are after their appointment!
For best results, make sure your dog’s eyes are free from extra fluff. It’s so important to be able to capture their eyes because that’s how I make sure your dog’s personality shines through. Eye contact with the camera is a key element of expressive dog portraits.
1–2 Weeks Before Your Session: Nails & Bath
Get a Pedicure
Not a doggie spa‑kinda pooch? No worries! I do recommend giving your pooch a pedicure before their session. Cleanly trimmed nails (with time for the “fresh‑cut” look to file down a bit) makes your pup all the more camera‑ready. Overgrown nails can distract from your dog’s adorable‑ness in certain angles.
Take a Bath
If you bathe your pooch at home, plan to give her a good wash about a week before the session. You know your dog’s coat best, so plan accordingly for the shiniest fur. For example, my black Lab‑mix Sequoia’s coat shines best in the first week after a bath, while my Westie Fraser’s white fur is brightest the day after a bath — especially since bathing too far in advance nearly guarantees a rolling mishap in the yard!
Morning of Your Pup’s Big Photo Session
Get Some Exercise
Being in a photo studio can be a lot to handle for some pups. New smells, sounds, textures, and even the anticipation of lights and cameras can create the perfect storm for excitement! I always recommend getting some exercise in before your session so we burn off nervous energy and prevent any in‑studio zoomies. That could be sticking to your regular morning walk schedule, or adding in a walk long enough to tire your pup but not so long that it exhausts them — usually about 15–30 minutes.
Remove the Sleep Seeds
Hands‑down, the fastest way to get your dog camera‑ready is to remove those blasted eye boogies! It only takes a couple of moments, and your pup will thank you for that on‑camera confidence boost. And don’t worry if a little shows up during the session (especially with puppies) — eye boogies are easily removed in post‑production.
Brush It Out
Give your pup a good brushing before the session. It helps them look polished and removes tangles that could be distracting on camera. Some dogs with dry skin may not benefit as much from brushing right before the session — especially those with short fur coats, as dry skin dander could show in photos. You know your dog best, so use your best judgment.
Pack Some Goodies
Please pack your dog’s favorite things. This includes toys, treats, and comfort items you know get an immediate reaction from your pooch. Sometimes a pup is impervious to my noise makers, and having a special toy or high‑value treat is exactly what we need. Having familiar smells and favorite items from home can make the transition into the studio much easier — and often brings out personality that makes portraits special. When in doubt, bring it!
…And the Latest ‘Fit
If sweaters, vests, jackets, or costumes are your dog’s idea of a good time, please bring them along! I recommend bringing no more than three options, but have a clear idea of which looks you must capture and which ones are okay if they don’t work out. I can help you pick outfits that work best with your chosen backdrop colors during your session.
Tips for Taking a Pic With Your Pup
I love when a client’s human wants to jump in for a photo or two. It’s a great way to capture the bond you and your dog share.
What to Wear:
A favorite outfit that makes you feel confident and comfortable, but slightly dressier than everyday
Footwear that completes your outfit — I love capturing a dog next to their human’s feet
Clothes that flatter your body type
Clothes you don’t mind getting a little dog hair on — #DogHairDontCare
If you choose to wear makeup, a slightly heavier application helps features pop on camera
What to Avoid:
Logos and bold patterns
Dirty shoes — please keep shoes clean on paper backdrops, plus clean shoes looks nicer!
If preparing for your dog’s studio session has you excited about capturing real moments and genuine personality, request a session to start plan your pup’s portrait experience in our Minneapolis dog‑friendly studio.
