Essential Guide to Preparing for Your Pop-Up Studio Dog Photography Session
Welcome to your ultimate guide for preparing for a pop-up studio dog photography session in London!
Whether you’re a seasoned dog owner or new to pet photography, this post will provide you with all the essential tips to ensure your dog has a fantastic experience. My goal is to make your dog’s time in my temporary studio environments as enjoyable and stress-free as possible, so we can capture beautiful, memorable portraits.
HOMEWORK:
While I aim to capture your pet's natural charm, a little preparation goes a long way. In the days leading up to the session.
Practice simple commands like "wait" or "stay" to keep your pet feeling confident and focused. If your dog has longer hair around their eyes, consider a slight trim, or pack a comb and/or some natural Vaseline for the day.
Acclimate to Camera Sounds: If your dog is sensitive to noises, it might help to play recordings of camera shutter sounds or use a similar noise to desensitize them in the days leading up to the session.
Familiarize with Camera Equipment: If possible, let your dog see and sniff a camera beforehand. This can help reduce any fear or anxiety about the equipment.
If your dog has longer hair around their eyes, consider a slight trim, or pack a comb and/or some natural Vaseline for the day.
WHAT TO BRING:
Though I will do my best to ensure that the photography session is very low-stress for your dog, a studio session with a stranger in a new environment is a very stimulating experience.
I firmly believe in positive reinforcement, shaping, and food-based luring, so we will pay our model generously for their time.
I recommend bringing various high-value treats, including their favourites, from home. If their diet allows, I encourage you to bring fresh chicken, cheese cubes, or cut-up pieces of hotdog, as these are incredibly enticing rewards.
Please also bring a towel (and a brush if needed) in case you need to give them a little spa treatment before they're photographed.
THE BIG DAY:
You know your pet best, so plan activities to manage their energy levels before the session.
Strike a balance between burning off excess energy and ensuring they're not too tired for the shoot. Upon arriving at the venue, I recommend walking your dog around for a little while before coming for your session so that they get used to the sounds, smells, and environment before being asked to stand still.
This will ensure they don't feel like they're missing out on exploring anything and will be much happier posing for me.
Before photographing your dog, I will spend some time desensitising them to my backdrop, lighting equipment, camera, and myself. If you arrive a few minutes early and are waiting where your dog can see and hear my flash going off, please begin feeding them treats whenever the flash goes, as this is part of the desensitization process to make sure they're comfortable with the sound and light.
The session itself is very relaxed. If you want to attempt any specific tricks or behaviours, please let me know, and we will do our best to capture them. However, if your dog is not comfortable doing tricks, etc., we will move on to something else and circle back to ask again, as the session is all about keeping your dog happy, relaxed, and confident about what is happening.
IT'S ALL FOR YOUR DOG; YOU GET THE BEAUTIFUL PHOTOS AFTERWARDS:
Let's be honest: your dog doesn't care that you now have a gorgeous, solid wood framed portrait of them hanging above your sofa, bringing you incredible joy every time you look at it.
What they do care about is their experience on the day. I hope by now I have assured you that your pet comes first when working with me and that I will take every measure possible to keep them safe, confident, and happy. I will always advocate for them, and I need you to remember the most important tip out of all the ones I've given you so far: DON'T STRESS.
Most of the pets I photograph have no special training. You do not need to worry about them being on their best behaviour or posing how they are asked to. We will not push their boundaries in any way, and their confidence will remain high due to how we communicate with them. I am very ethical regarding animals and will always be their voice when I notice something making them uncomfortable.
Show up for your session with a positive attitude; remember that repeating poses and shots is entirely normal, and have fun!
Thank you for reading my guide on preparing for your pop-up studio dog photography session. I’m excited to work with you and your pet to create stunning portraits that you’ll cherish forever. By following these tips, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience on the day.
If you’re a venue owner or manager interested in hosting your own pop-up dog photography session, I’d love to collaborate with you! Pop-up sessions are fantastic for special holidays, community events, or any time you want to offer something unique and exciting to your patrons. Let’s work together to create memorable experiences for pet owners and their beloved dogs.
