Bring Your Dog for Your Family Session
Hey there! Guess what? I'm a huge dog lover! We have two at home (Betty + Daisy) and fur doesn’t bother me in the slightest. In this blog post, I'm going to spill the beans on how to rock your family photography session with your beloved four-legged pal. So, grab a cup of coffee for you and a Milk Bone for your friend and let's dive in!
Prepping for the Photo Session:
a) Basic Training: Now, I'm not talking about sending your pup to obedience school, but a few basic commands like sit, stay, and come can make a world of difference. It helps keep things in control and increases the chances of getting those perfect shots.
b) Exercise and Rest: Let's tire out that furball! Take your dog for a good walk or play session before the shoot. A tired pooch is a calmer one, and trust me, it'll make your session a breeze. Oh, and don't forget to let them catch some zzz's beforehand, so they're not all cranky pants (same goes for your children).
c) Grooming: We all want to look our best, right? Well, the same goes for your furry friend. Schedule a grooming session a few days before the shoot. Trim those nails, brush that fur, and give them a good scrub to make sure they're picture-perfect.
Finding the Perfect Location:
a) Dog-Friendly Outdoor Spaces: Look for locations that welcome our furry companions with open arms. Think parks, beaches, or nature reserves. Somewhere safe and secure where your dog can roam and have a blast.
b) Your Home for In-Home Sessions: I bet your dog is happy at home, let’s include them in your in-home and family sessions!
c) Familiarize Your Dog: Take your pup on a scouting adventure before the actual shoot. Let them sniff around, get comfortable with the surroundings, and mark their territory (in a good way, of course). This will help them relax and feel at ease during the session.
Fun Ideas for Including Your Dog:
a) Family Huddle: Let's get cozy! Gather your loved ones in a big ol' circle, with your dog right in the middle. This adorable arrangement symbolizes the love and unity within your family. Plus, it makes for a super cute photo!
b) Action Shots: Who doesn't love some action-packed shots? Let your dog's energy shine through by including some action shots in the session. Play fetch, let them chase bubbles, or capture them mid-air during a jump. These lively shots will add a playful touch to your family portraits.
c) Candid Moments: Sometimes, the most precious moments are the ones caught off guard. Encourage natural interactions between your dog and family members. Let them play, cuddle, or share a sweet moment of affection. Candid shots capture the true essence of your family's bond.
d) Snuggles on the bed: In-home sessions should always include your pup, it’s their house too! Invite them into a space where they are typically welcome and give them cuddles.
Including your dog in your family photography session is a recipe for pure awesomeness. Just remember to be patient and persistent, embrace those candid moments, and have a ton of fun! If you're in Orlando and looking for a laid-back and casual photographer who specializes in family and newborn photography, I'm your gal. Check out my portfolio see some of my work and let's capture those timeless memories together.
Also, I believe that all dogs need homes, but I want to include a few Orlando area rescues, including Animal Advocates, where we got our Betty girl, and Pet Rescue by Judy, where we got our fluffy black cat, Axl.
Animal Advocates: https://animaladvocatesfl.org/
Pet Rescue by Judy: https://www.petrescuebyjudy.com/
Polka Dogz: https://polkadogz.org/
