A Dog Professional Photographer's Tips
Prepare Your Dog for A Photo Shoot – Expert Tips from a Professional Dog Photographer Covering Coventry, Daventry, Rugby, Leicester, Market Harborough, Derby & Solihull.
A professional dog photography session is the perfect way to capture the personality, charm, and character of your furry friend. Whether you’re travelling from Coventry, Daventry, Rugby, Leicester, Market Harborough, Derby or Solihull, a well-prepared dog can make the experience enjoyable—and the results stunning.
Here’s how to prepare your dog for their big moment in front of the camera.
🐾 1. Get Your Dog Used to the Camera
Some dogs are shy or nervous around unfamiliar objects. If your dog has never seen a camera before, let them sniff and explore a camera or phone at home in the days leading up to the session. This can reduce anxiety and help them feel comfortable. If you have a camera with a flash use around your dog to get them familiar with the flash so they know there’s nothing to worry about.
🐶 2. Exercise Before the Session
A tired dog is usually a cooperative dog. Give your pup a good walk or play session before their photo shoot, especially if they tend to be energetic or excitable. However, avoid overexerting—your dog should be relaxed but not exhausted.
Dog photography in Coventry. If you’re seeking a dog-friendly park between Lutterworth and Coventry, South Lodge Meadows is an excellent option.
Dog portraits in Daventry Braunston Fields – Braunston is a dog friendly park as is Daventry Country Park.
Dog photography in Rugby. If you’re seeking a dog-friendly park between Lutterworth and Rugby, Fosse Meadows Nature Reserve is perfect to walk your dog.
Leicester dog photography There are many dog friendly walks in Leicester including Bradgate Park, Aylestone Meadows and Abbey Park to name a few.
Market Harborough dog photo sessions. A dog-friendly park between Lutterworth and Market Harborough is Husbands Bosworth Dog Walking Paddock.
Dog photoshoots in Derby. If you’re seeking dog-friendly parks between Lutterworth and Derby, here are some excellent options to consider: Field of Dreams Secure Dog Park – Overseal, Derbyshire, Pawsome Pasture – Ockbrook, Derbyshire and Secure Paws Derby – Derby, Derbyshire
Dog photoshoots in Solihull. If you’re seeking dog-friendly parks between Lutterworth and Solihull, here are some excellent options to consider: Swallowfield Dog Walking Fields – Near Solihull, Solihull Riding Club – Secure Dog Walking Pen and Malvern and Brueton Park – Solihull.
There are many more dog friendly parks than those listed here and a simple Google search will find many more. But it shouldn’t be ignored how a good walk before the photo session will help things go smoothly.
🧼 3. Grooming Matters
While we love dogs in all their natural glory, a little grooming can make a big difference in photos:
Brush your dog the day before to remove loose hair.
Trim around their eyes if fur covers them.
Clean their paws and remove any tear stains.
If your dog needs a professional groom, schedule it a few days in advance or enough time for the fur to regrow back a little.
🦴 4. Bring Their Favourite Treats and Toys
Treats are essential for encouraging poses and rewarding good behavior. Bring high-value, bite-sized treats your dog loves. But use treats sparingly otherwise you can find you’ve run out before the shoot has ended. I always recommend breaking the treats up to make them last longer. A squeaky toy or their favourite ball can also help grab attention for those perfect head tilts. But hold off on using dog toys unless we need to pick up the dog’s engagement. If we get the dog too excited we may never get them to calm down again before the shoot is over.
🐕 5. Use a Collar and Lead You Don’t Mind Being Seen
- In many dog photoshoots, a collar or lead might be visible. Use one that looks clean and neutral—or stylish if that’s your vibe. We can usually digitally remove leads in post-production if needed, but it’s best to use something photogenic.
- The use of a lead can be a good way to control an overly energetic dog.
📸 6. Choose the Right Location
Choosing the right setting helps your dog shine. John Jenkins Photography studio offers a relaxed environment for you and your dog with the majority of our photography equipment hanging from the ceiling on a High Glide System to reduce clutter in the studio and so offers a good space for your dog.
📅 7. Arrive Early and Stay Relaxed
Dogs pick up on our emotions. If you’re rushed or tense, your dog might be too. Arriving early gives you both time to relax and explore the space. Our sessions are designed to be calm, positive experiences that allow your dog to feel safe and at ease.
❓Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long is a typical dog photography session?
Sessions last around 30 to 60 minutes, depending on your dog’s needs and how the session goes
Do you photograph reactive or anxious dogs?
Absolutely. We work slowly and patiently, always prioritizing your dog’s comfort.
Can I be in the photo with my dog?
Yes! We always ask that you be in some of the photos with the dog especially at the start of the shoot as it settles them in. Even if you hate having your photo taken, at the end of the day you are the only person in the world who’ll see the photos, unless of course, you love them! Many clients love including a few portraits with their dogs and the session can include photos of the family as well.
What’s included in a dog photography session?
Every session includes, the shoot itself, and a private viewing session at our studio a few days later. This allows me time to edit the photos down to the best, Photoshop them and crop them. Finally, I’ll turn them into the movie that we’ll blow up on a huge viewing screen. After we’ve watched the movie we’ll go through the images individually and chose your favourites.
Ready to Book Your Dog's Photoshoot?
Whether you’re searching for a dog photographer in Coventry, a pet photography session in Daventry, or a dog-friendly studio near Rugby, a Solihull dog photographer, a dog photoshoot Derby or a dog & owner photo shoot Market Harborough John Jenkins Photography is here to help you create lasting memories.
📞 Call us on 01455 557074 📞
Let’s capture the heart and personality of your best friend—paw by paw.
