Don't Forget Fido in Your Next Family Photo Shoot!
Some of the best family portraits are those that feature the entire extended family – including the family pet! Including your dog in the photoshoot can offer some of the best candid shots and countless opportunities for great photos. Pets add something special to the photo session – a certain element of warmth and humor. They bring a playful energy and add an extra element of fun to the experience. The kids will love posing with their favorite animal and looking back on these photographs when they are older.
Capturing your family in an honest, pure moment is what photography is all about. And that’s hard to do without all members accounted for! So if you are looking to include your pet in your photo shoot, it is a possibility. Here’s how:
TIRE THEM OUT
Especially for younger dogs and those that have a lot of energy, a tired subject is a well behaved subject. Preparing your pet for a photo shoot is basically the opposite of preparing a young child. Go for a long walk, run around the yard or spend some time playing with toys before we begin our shoot. An excited dog is much less likely than one who has had a morning full of fun! Bring a few toys along with your just in case. A quick game of fetch between shots can make a world of difference as well.
CHOOSE FAMILIAR SURROUNDINGS
While there are plenty of beautiful outdoor locations for us to visit, some dogs might do better being photographed at home or in another location they feel comfortable. Strange and new things – like a photographer posing your whole family – can be stressful for your pooch. Adding in a new place full of sights and smells they have never experienced, and sitting still will be the last thing on Fido’s mind. Locations away from home will also require a leash for all but the most obedient dogs, making your porch or backyard the perfect destination. Without the hindrance of a leash there are many more options we can try and it will be easy to put your pup inside to relax while we work on some human-only shots.
However if you would like to bring your dog to an outside location with you, that works too! Some dogs do very well out and about. Whatever location you choose, I promise to get some great shots!
BE PATIENT
Getting the perfect shot with your furry friend will take some time. Be patient and work in spurts. When your pet starts acting goofy or just can’t sit still, that’s our cue to take some photos of the kids alone. Dogs will be dogs, so don’t expect too much from your pup. Once we do get him into position, be ready to take as many shots as we can get!
We love our pets and want to remember them forever, just as we do with our friends and family. Next time you are planning a shoot for the family or looking to create beautiful seasonal Holiday Cards, remember to include your family pet. For an extra special treat, have some pictures taken of just your pets. I am great with animals and I know exactly how to incorporate them into your photographs.
So include the whole family – including furry members – to create a realistic representation of your life. Create a comfortable atmosphere and be flexible; and we can create the perfect shot!
