If you haven’t hired a professional photographer before, don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Before any session takes place, you should’ve already talked to your photographer and have a good sense of what they’re like and how the session will go. A good photographer (not just a dog one, but any) will communicate all the necessary information to you. You should not be left wondering what to do before a session or what to wear.
At a session, you should expect your dog photographer to greet your dog in their own way. I like to sit on the ground or hang out with the parents while the dog sniffs around. I take cues from the dog’s body language and from the parents (after all, you know your dog best). Sometimes, I’ll greet them, and other times, I’ll wait for them to come to me. In no way should a photographer force their presence on the dog.
I also take it a step further by providing all my clients with a short worksheet, which helps me understand the dog’s triggers, likes, and dislikes. I’ll also have already discussed with you what you’re looking for out of a session and what we’ll be doing during it.
This way, I enter the session with the knowledge of how to approach and interact with the dog! And I’m not wasting time asking you to play fetch if your dog doesn’t care much for that game. Clients also receive a prep guide!
After a bit of warming-up time, the camera comes out. Camera bodies and bulky lenses can be a little scary for dogs, so it’s best to let them inspect the equipment before the photographer starts using it.
In studio sessions, it’s likely that your dog photographer will give you cues on where to stand and what to do with your dog.
In outdoor documentary sessions, like the kind I do, you should expect less “directing.” There shouldn’t be any “sit here and hold your dog and smile at the camera” nonsense. My clients are provided with a loose schedule that includes warm-up time, walking around, breaks, etc. A good dog photographer will be familiar with dog body language. They’re not mind readers, though, so you should also communicate with your photographer if they aren’t noticing some cues.
For your dog, it should feel like a walk in the park, a play session, or a general fun outing with a friend. If you’re in a scenic area, movement should be expected: you want different backgrounds and activities in your photo gallery!
And lastly, your dog photographer should be professional. They should have clear communication, be punctual, and have a friendly demeanor. If you have questions, they should answer them and explain in a way that doesn’t feel insulting. Finally, you should leave the session feeling good about it and have an understanding of the next steps.
Outdoor dog photography sessions in San Francisco
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