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.
1-3 Weeks Before Your Session: Spa Day
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.
Practice (If Your Dog Enjoys It)
Brushing up on some skills can help keep a session stress-free for you and your dog. Practicing commands like sit, stay, or look at me, that can sometimes be helpful during a session.
But don't worry if your dog isn't a perfect student. Beautiful portraits come from connection and personality—not a list of commands.
Share Anything Helpful
Every dog has their own needs. Let me know before your session if your dog is:
shy or nervous in new environments
reactive around other dogs or people
uncomfortable with certain handling
a senior or has mobility concerns
Knowing these details ahead of time helps me create the best experience possible for your dog.
5 Days - 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
Keep your dog's routine as normal as possible.
A calm, comfortable dog will have a much better experience than one who feels like their entire day has been turned upside down.
Feed Your Dog Breakfast
Consider giving a slightly smaller portion (to balance the amount of treats during the session). I don’t recommend skipping breakfast because it can make pups more food motivated than normal. And I can’t blame them. It’s hard to focus with an empty tummy!
Avoid introducing new foods or treats before your session to avoid upset tummies.
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 a bit 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.
You do not need to exhaust your dog out before arriving. Their natural energy, curiosity, and personality are often what make the portraits special.
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 a Favorite Outfit
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.
Your Dog Doesn’t Need to
Be Perfect
One of the most common questions I hear is: "What if my dog doesn't behave?"
The answer is simple: that's okay.
Some dogs are wiggly. Some are shy. Some are more interested in exploring the studio than looking at the camera. Some need a little extra patience before they are ready.
Those moments are part of who they are.
My job isn't to force your dog into a perfect pose. My job is to create a comfortable environment where your dog's personality can come through.
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 you feel good wearing! If it’s uncomfortable, it’ll show in the photos
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!
More Info to Make Your Life Easy:
Can You Be in the Photo with Your Dog? Read More →
Outfit Tips for Being Photographed with Your Dog. Read More →
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.
