| Get a fresh bath, not a groom
Just like us, our pets look their best when they feel their best! Plus, who wants a dull and dusty coat to show up on your once-in-a-lifetime moments? But why just a bath and not a full groom? Unless you know your groomer very well and they have experience grooming your pet, I don’t recommend scheduling a groom right before your pup’s photo shoot. Why? If you and your pup don’t have a history with your groomer, there is a chance your pup’s groom may not turn out perfect and take away from the character and your favorite highlight of your pet’s appearance.
| Exercise your pet a few hours prior, not directly before
I do recommend giving your pet some special time before your scheduled photo shoot to burn that extra energy, especially if you’ve got a companion who loves to run circles around you. However, why is it not a good idea to do this directly before your scheduled photo shoot? If your pet has had too much exercise right before a session where they may be expected to sit still or focus, they run the chances of:
A) Feeling too over-exhausted mentally and physically to listen to commands and offer full focus.
B) They may be still stuck in go-go-go mode and be unable to settle.
C) There is a potential for their exhaustion to show physically, with panting, wide or red eyes, and create an overall disinterested appearance due to exhaustion.
However, by letting your pet have a good run around a few hours prior to your scheduled session, followed by some quality rest will bring your pet to their best self, right on schedule for amazing memories.
| Arrive early to scope your spot
If you have chosen a location that you are unfamiliar with or are shooting in a location outside of home, I recommend arriving a few minutes early to scope out potential spots or scenery that you may want photos around. This will give you a chance to settle in and plan your photos, but it will also give your pet a chance to familiarize themself with the area and reduce some of their anxiety.
| Bring sentimental items
If you are honoring a senior pet in your photo session, bring something significant to your memories with them. For example, if they have a special blanket, toy, or bowl, bring these items with you to include in your session. Even if they are bedraggled and dirty, these items will always hold a near and dear meaning to you and your pet, which we sometimes do not recognize until they are gone.
| Bring a noise maker
We always see those photos of pets with their ears perfectly pricked at the camera, peeking through the lens into the viewer. How? A squeaker toy or a rattling food container do the trick! This works especially well if you and your pet have a specific item that they are very familiar with.
| Relax
Like it or not, our pets pick up on our emotions. If you are stressed or anxious, I promise your pet will pick up on those emotions too, which may not represent their best self. If you are working with a professional pet photographer, they know the best memories are the goofiest, sweetest, and most sincere moments you share with your pet.
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