Can I bring my dog? Tips for including your dog in your outdoor photoshoot
Q: Can my dog be in some photos too?
A: Yes!
The answer is always yes!
Outdoor photoshoots in Cornwall are a great way to capture lasting memories with your loved ones. And if you're a dog owner, including your furry friend in the photos can make the experience even more special. But before you bring your dog along to the photoshoot, there are some important things to consider.
Here are some tips for families who want to bring their dog to their family photoshoot.
01. Choose a pet-friendly location
Before bringing your pet to your photoshoot, make sure the location allows dogs at that time. During the Summer in Cornwall many beaches restrict the times that dogs can go on the beach.
We will check all of this before your shoot to ensure we have the right spot selected.
If it’s an indoor shoot, that’s ok. My studio is reasonably pet-friendly for well behaved furry friends (make sure you let me know in advance!).
02. Prepare your dog
Before the photoshoot, if your dog needs grooming and a clean don’t forget to factor this in!
The best thing to do before the session is make sure they get some exercise. Take them for a good long walk, or arrive early and let them run off some steam if that will help. What works best is a relaxed, contented pet!
03. Bring treats and toys
This is key! To keep your dog happy and engaged during the photoshoot, bring their favourite treats and toys. This will help them stay focused and attentive.
04. Consider your dog's temperament
It's important to consider your dog's temperament when contemplating a photoshoot with them.
I know many clients decide to leave their dogs at home if they think having them there will be too stressful for everyone.
If you do have a tricky dog, we can think about locations that are quieter and less crowded if that helps. And if your dog is super energetic and playful, we can make sure there's enough space for them to run around and play.
I would also advise arriving 20 minutes early and letting them have a good run around so that they are a bit more calm and settled for the session.
05. Be flexible
Remember that dogs can be unpredictable, so it's important to be flexible during the photoshoot. If your dog isn't behaving as expected, just go with the flow and relax! The aim is to capture what is, not what ‘should be’!
06. Practice your commands & tricks
They don’t have to do any circus performances but just practising some of the basics like sit, stay etc is really helpful.
07. Have fun!
The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the experience with your family - humans & canines!
Bringing your dog to your photoshoot can be a fun and memorable experience. By choosing the right Cornish location, preparing your dog, and being flexible, we can create beautiful photos that capture your family's love for each other and your beloved pet.
To book or enquire about a session with me, get in touch - I’d love to learn more.
