Are you a high school senior who wants to include your furry friend in your senior portraits? Whether your dog has been a loyal companion through your high school years or holds a special place in your heart, incorporating them into your senior pictures can make the experience even more memorable. Dogs add personality, emotion, and a fun dynamic to photos, which can truly reflect your unique style. But before you bring your dog along for the shoot, there are a few tips to make sure the session goes smoothly and the results are picture-perfect.
In this blog, I’ll give you all the tips and tricks for successfully including your dog in your senior portraits, based on my own experience photographing seniors and their pets. Plus, I’ll share some of my favorite images from a recent session where a senior brought her two dogs to the shoot!
1. Choose the Right Location
The location of your senior portraits plays a significant role in the success of your photos — and that goes for your dog too. Not all settings are suitable for pets, so you’ll want to consider a few key factors:
- Open spaces: Look for places like parks, nature trails, or even your own backyard where your dog has room to roam. Locations with less foot traffic are ideal to avoid distractions.
- Dog-friendly spots: If you’re planning to go to a public location, check that it’s pet-friendly. Some Albuquerque locations have rules about dogs, so it’s always good to ask beforehand.
- Minimal distractions: Keep in mind that dogs can get distracted easily. If you’re at a busy park or a crowded spot, your dog might be more focused on other people, other animals, or new smells than on posing for pictures!
2. Prep Your Dog Before the Shoot
The key to a smooth senior portrait session with a dog is preparation. Here are a few things to do before your shoot:
- Groom your dog: A fresh bath and grooming session will ensure your dog looks their best for the camera. Brushing their fur and trimming nails also helps with the overall look of the photos.
- Bring treats and toys: Dogs love treats, and they can be a great motivator to get them to look in the right direction or stay calm during the shoot. Toys are also helpful for capturing some playful action shots.
- Exercise your dog: If your dog is full of energy, consider taking them for a short walk or playing with them before the shoot. A tired dog will be more likely to stay focused and calm during the photo session.
- Practice commands: If your dog knows basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” or “look,” practice them ahead of time to ensure they can follow your directions during the shoot.
3. Keep Your Dog’s Safety in Mind
Safety is paramount when bringing your dog to a photoshoot. Here’s what you should keep in mind:
- Leash up when necessary: If you’re shooting in a public space or an area with other animals, keep your dog on a leash to ensure they stay safe and under control.
4. Be Prepared for the Unexpected
While dogs can be wonderful additions to senior portraits, they can also be unpredictable! They might get a little too excited, or they could decide they’d rather take a nap than pose for the camera. That’s all part of the fun! Keep these tips in mind to stay calm:
- Patience is key: Take your time and allow your dog to get comfortable with the environment.
- Flexibility: Sometimes the best moments happen when you least expect them. Allow your photographer to capture candid shots, whether it’s your dog running toward you or giving you a loving lick.
- Keep your expectations realistic: Dogs aren’t always going to follow every command or stay in one place for long. The best photos often come when you let them just be themselves.
5. Have Fun and Enjoy the Experience
Your senior portrait session should be an enjoyable experience, so don’t stress too much about everything being perfect. Let your dog be themselves, and let your photographer guide you in capturing natural, authentic moments. Whether it’s a calm pose or an action shot of your dog running toward you, the goal is to have fun and create memories you’ll cherish for years to come.
Conclusion
Including your dog in your senior portraits is a wonderful way to add a personal touch to your photos. With the right preparation and a little flexibility, your senior session can be a memorable experience for both you and your furry friend. If you’re ready to capture your senior year with your dog by your side, I’d love to help make it happen!
Ready to book your senior portrait session with your dog?
Contact me today, and let’s plan the perfect photo session that includes your beloved dog I’ll work with you to ensure your senior portraits are everything you’ve dreamed of. Click HERE to get in touch with me today!
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