Why are photoshoots with dogs so hard?

Business Tips
Written By Kirstie McConnell

So you’re the one at the party always hanging out with the dog right? And you’re a photographer, or at least have a decent eye and desire to become a photographer. Pet photography is the perfect niche for you!

Except you tried to photograph your best friends dog and... it was a NIGHTMARE! The dog wouldn’t sit still and you barely got any good shots?

Ahh yep, I remember the days.

Photographing a new subject is always challenging. I mean, I love babies but I can NOT photograph them. That’s a whole new genre and something I have never learnt. Perhaps that’s you with pets? If so, fear not!

It gets easier with practise, plus I have some tips with you to make it easier!

SET YOURSELF UP FOR SUCCESSFUL DOG SHOOTS BY FOLLOWING THESE TIPS!

  1. Ask the right questions BEFORE the shoot

    • Can the dog comfortably sit? (Elderly dogs and some breeds like greyhounds can’t.)

    • Is the dog scared of anything in particular? (think; wheelie bins, men, loud noises, other dogs, the ocean, etc)

    • Does anything over excite the dog?

    • How are they with new people?

    • What training does that dog have? Can the “stay”, how is their recall, can they be off-leash etc

  2. Choose the right location based on the clients responses to your questions!

  3. Prepare the client with the right information!

    • Have the hair around the dogs eyes trimmed

    • Ask them to leave the treats at home (and supply your own!)

    • Toys should stay hidden for most of the shoot

  4. Ignore the dog when you first meet! - Let them come to you

  5. Supply all-natural treats, but try other things before bringing them out! Ensure that YOU are the one rewarding so that the dog listens to you throughout the shoot

  6. Learn that basics in dog behaviour. These ones are your biggest signs that the dog is anxious or unhappy at least

    • Ears back

    • Licking lips

    • Tail between the legs

    • Slow tail wag (who knew tail wags weren’t always happiness?)

  7. If you see any signs that the dog is unhappy, give them a break. Even a little walk and then ask them to do something simply like “sit” and reward them for it.

Enjoy your next dog shoot!

Kirstie McConnell
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