Wanting to include your dog in your wedding, engagement session or family photos? This blog is for you. I am a traveling professional photographer and I LOVE DOGS!! I thoroughly enjoy photographing dogs with their families or by themselves. Dogs are loyal family members, and this always comes through in the photos taken of them. They have eyes that show emotion and deep love for their tribe. Their adoring family is the ones they live with and do life with every day. Dog photos capture the way they patiently sit by the feet of the family they love, their play disposition, and their personality. I photograph engagements, elopements, weddings, anniversaries, couple, and family sessions. I also make quality time for eye-catching dog photography. Dogs can never be left out; they are just way too cute!

Six tips for including dogs in your photos

Tip 1: Let them be dogs

Let them run, stick their tongue out, roll around, bark, and enjoy being the subject of the photoshoot. We want to have who they honestly are in the photos not a staged form of them. In my experience, it becomes stressful if you try to discipline your dog to be perfect for the photoshoot. Dogs are born to please and they will show sad, insecure emotions if they sense you are not happy with them. If you are enjoying your time with them at the photo shoot, you will get the best out of them. Remind yourself that it is the photographer’s job to succeed with the perfect pics, just relax. Be yourself and allow your dogs to be themselves too.

Tip 2: Pick a familiar location

The world is your oyster when it comes to locations for photoshoots, but I highly recommend an outdoor space that is dog friendly. Beautiful landscape backdrops on the beach, woodlands, mountains, grasslands, gardens, or backyards are perfect. So as not to overwhelm your dog, it is best that the location you choose is one that is familiar to them. That means that you may need to take them to the location to sniff it out before the photo shoot takes place. Ensure dogs are allowed in the area or give me some options and I will check for you. A location that provides plenty of space to sniff, toilet, play, relax and bring a smile to their puppy face. Yes, a dog smiles and some even show their teeth a little. Some hang their tongue to the side of their face showing their complete joy in life.

Tip 3: Reduce distractions

Dogs can be easily distracted. Let’s look at a few things that can distract them – smells, other dogs, people, birds, cars. They are so naturally curious that just about anything can distract them and usually does. The more private and secluded the space is, the better opportunity your dog will have to remain focused. We want to make it easy for your dog to be relaxed and explore the space around them without too many distractions. As professional photographers, our aim should always be to get raw, natural, and authentic photos. Let’s all do our best to set your dog up to enjoy their photoshoot and get some gorgeous pics of them.

Tip 4: Bring treats

Treats are essential for dogs as a reward for listening and obeying, or just being their wonderful selves. Dog treats are certainly helpful during photos. I also highly recommend you bring your dog’s favorite toy and blanket. When they feel comfortable and familiar with their surroundings, they will enjoy the space where the photo shoot is taking place.

Tip 5: Consider your clothing

Wear clothes for photos that won’t show dirt when your dog comes and snuggles you after playing. Maybe bring a towel and cleaning cloth just in case. It is lovely to also bring a change of clothes if you would like more than one looks for yourselves with your dogs.

Tip 6: Bring a neutral color leash

If you prefer to not let your dog off-leash, please bring a neutral-colored leash and collar. This will help it to blend in much better with the natural surroundings. For example, a pink, diamante studded collar and leash stand out too much in the dog photos. Remember your beautiful dog is what the photos are celebrating.

If you would like to chat about photos to celebrate any wonderful people, pets, or events in your life, please click the link.

Browse the inspiration below for posing ideas with dogs: