The Hue+Hound Color Guide: Picking the Perfect Backdrop for Your Dog’s Studio Portrait
A studio portrait is more than a photo — it’s a story about your dog’s personality, their coat, their eyes, and yes, even the little quirks that make them them. The background color matters just as much as your dog in the frame. It can make their coat shine, bring out their expression, and set the tone for the whole image.
That’s exactly why I created the Hue+Hound Color Guide. It’s my way of taking the guesswork out of backdrop selection while giving each client something tailored specifically for their pup.
What Is the Hue+Hound Color Guide?
Think of it as a 16‑page backstage pass to your dog’s studio portraits. I hand-pick my top three background colors for your dog, based on coat, tone, and personality, and explain why each color works. It’s all about helping you visualize the final images before the camera even comes out.
You’ll review the guide and select your final backdrop choices through an easy online questionnaire. While I offer my top three picks based on years of experience in dog photography, you can always skip my recommendations and pick any of the colors from the full backdrop library. Total creative freedom, but with expert guidance at your fingertips.
Why It Matters
The right backdrop does more than just “match your dog’s coat.” The Hue+Hound Color Guide:
Highlights your dog’s best features
Creates contrast so they really pop
Sets the mood for the portrait
Gives the final image an intentional, artful feel
Clients often tell me that having the guide ahead of time makes them feel prepared and excited for the session instead of stressed. You can see how each color will interact with your dog’s coat, and make confident choices that will translate to stunning portraits.
Bringing the Guide to Life in Your Session
Once you’ve picked your backgrounds, we’re ready to roll. During your session, we work with the colors you’ve chosen — starting with your first choice color, then swapping to your second choice halfway through the session— to make sure every shot is exactly what you envisioned.
It’s not just about pretty backdrops; it’s about creating portraits that feel intentional, timeless, and your dog to the core.
Why Each Pup Gets a Hue+Hound
Every dog is unique, and every studio session should reflect that. The Hue+Hound Color Guide is my way of combining expertise, experience, and a little bit of magic to make sure every client leaves with portraits they’ll cherish — and their dog shines in every frame.
If you’re ready to start thinking about colors that will make your dog pop, I'd love for you to request a session and get your pup their own Hue+Hound Color Guide!
