Behind the Scenes: What really happens during a Pet Portrait Photo Session
We all adore those heartwarming pictures of pets that flood our social media feeds, capturing their irresistible cuteness and unique personalities. But have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes? In this blog post, I pull back the curtain and give you an exclusive glimpse into the fun and choatic world of capturing the perfect pet portraits.
Preparation and Planning: Before my clients arrive for their pet’s session, we’ve already spoken on the phone and/or in-person so I can learn all the quirks about their pet. What gets them excited, treats or toys, what’s going to be that high-value treat, what are the things that might make their pet nervous, how are they with wearing props or catching treats, and what do the owners want most out of the session! On the day of the session, I’m prepping the studio with my backdrops, lights, props etc. I ensure my studio is pet-friendly, safe, and welcoming, creating a comfortable space for the animals and their people.
Paw Print Studio in West Hartford
Meeting the Stars: As my clients arrive with their adorable companions, there is an instant surge of excitement in the air. The dogs are curious and excited. I take the time to let the pets come to me when they are ready, building trust and a sense of calm. Each dog is unique and may require a different approach to bring out their best qualities. Patience is key!
Patience: If there is one thing that every pet owner and photographer knows, it's that working with animals requires an abundance of patience. Pets may be curious, nervous, or even overly excited, making it necessary for me to adapt to their needs. I take the time to play, cuddle, and establish a connection with the pets, ensuring they feel comfortable in my studio and start to teach them what they need to do to get that treat!
The Magic of Treats and Toys: Treats and toys are indispensable tools in the world of pet photography. I use them as incentives to grab the attention of the dogs, encouraging them to look right at the treat I’m holding and pause while they wait for me to give it to them. It is also helpful in redirecting a pet's focus or capturing their playful energy. I usually have a range of treats and save their absolute favorites for key moments when we need to remind the dog what to do.
The Art of Distraction: It may appear from my photos that the dogs are waiting patiently and staring directly into my camera - but I promise that rarely happens if ever! While the dogs are excited and looking at everyone in the room, all it takes is a squeaky toy from me, a funny sound or some movement to grab their attention for a split second. And that’s all I need! One of my clients most common concerns is that their dog won’t cooperate or sit still - I’m here to tell you that is absolutely not required!
Dog Handler (aka my husband): My husband helps on most of my shoots as the dog handler. He has a very calm demeanor that inevitably results in all dogs calling him their new favorite person by the end of the shoot! On occasions where dogs are frightened of men, we ask the owners to help with putting the dog in the right spot and helping to keep them calm.
Post-Processing Magic: During the shoot, my clients can see the images on my computer screen as I shoot. However, they are a looooong way from what the final photos will look like! The real magic happens during the post-processing phase. Firstly, I have to cull down from about 200 images to the best 30-40. Then I crop, adjust lighting, color, and other edits to create stunning portraits that you know and love as my signature style.
A studio pet portrait session is a labor of love, combining patience, creativity, and a deep understanding of animals. Behind those heartwarming pet portraits lie countless moments of playfulness, cuddles, and laughter. The result? Timeless images that capture the essence of our beloved furry friends.
Get in touch to start planning your dog’s portrait session! Contact Me
