How to Prepare for Your Pet’s Portrait Session: A Stress-Free Guide
Your pet’s portrait session is an exciting opportunity to capture their personality and create artwork that celebrates their place in your family. Whether it’s your first time working with a professional photographer or you’ve had photos taken before, it’s natural to wonder how to prepare. I’m here to guide you every step of the way so you and your pet feel relaxed, comfortable, and ready to shine.
Preparing for a pet photography session starts with knowing that it’s not about perfection—it’s about capturing your pet as they are. Dogs don’t need to be obedient or calm - as the professional, I know how to use treats and motivation to get them to work for me. Also, don’t forget, the incredible images are primarily because of my lighting set up - your dog just needs to be themselves and I will capture their adorable personality and beautiful eyes!
There are a few things that can be done before your session that will help - even if they aren’t required.
Grooming
The most important thing to consider for certain dog breeds is grooming. If you don’t typically groom your dog - then you should skip this step entirely. For dogs that have curly or shaggy fur that covers their eyes, they should have this trimmed as the bare minimum. When scheduling your grooming appointment, make sure you allow enough time for the fur to grow back in to the length you prefer. A nice bath is good for all dogs, assuming they like being bathed!
Training
Completely optional - but might be a fun thing to brush up on if you like to do things with your dog! Here are the top 3 training tips related to a photo session:
Practice Sit and Stay - with stay being the most important part. Try to keep their attention for longer and longer as they practice “stay” and don’t forget to reward them!
Exposure to new locations - make sure you are taking them out to a variety of places in the weeks leading up to your session. That way they don’t associate “car ride” with “vet”! I give them lots of time to get used to me and my space however its always helpful if they are already used to going places.
Things on their head! If you’d like to have photos with a flower crown or other cute props, it’s a good idea to start getting them used to having things on their head or around their neck. Don’t forget to reward!
What to Bring to Your Session
To help your pet feel at ease, you are welcome to bring along a few familiar items to the session. Favorite toys that grab their attention—whether it’s a squeaky ball or their favorite stuffed animal—can also help capture those playful expressions you know and love. If your pet has any special quirks or needs, let me know ahead of time so we can plan for a session that’s tailored to them. I have treats and toys at my studio as well.
Remember, this session is designed to be fun for both you and your pet. If you’re feeling nervous, trust that I have the experience to work with animals of all personalities, from shy to spunky. I’ll guide your pet through the process in a way that feels natural, with plenty of patience and care.
What Happens If Your Pet Isn’t “Perfect”?
One of the biggest concerns I hear from clients is worry about their pet’s behavior during the session. Rest assured, no pet is "too hyper," "too shy," or "too stubborn" for professional photography. Whether your dog has a case of the zoomies or your cat prefers to sit quietly in a corner, I’ve seen it all and know how to work with every personality. Some of the most memorable portraits come from the unscripted moments that capture your pet’s true self.
The key to a successful session is letting go of expectations and trusting the process. My studio is a judgment-free zone where your pet’s unique personality is celebrated. Together, we’ll create stunning portraits that showcase your pet exactly as they are—quirks, wiggles, and all. So relax, bring your best friend, and let’s create something unforgettable!
Sara Huber us the owner and photographer at Paw Print Studio, a pet photography studio located in West Hartford, Connecticut. Sessions can be booked by reaching out for a free consultation: Book Your Pet Portrait Session
