Photographing Anxious Dogs
One of the most common concerns I hear from clients is that their dog is too anxious for a photography session. I specialize in creating a calm and comfortable environment where every dog, regardless of anxiety level, can shine. And for some dogs that means making even more modifications than normal which is why I decided to invest in a new Lighting option that does not flash or pop. This has worked really well for me already with multiple dogs and I wanted to share these stories so all pet owners, even the ones with those special pups, can feel confident that they can have beautiful portraits too.
Understanding Your Dog's Anxiety
Anxiety in dogs can manifest in various ways—panting, ears back, or seeking to hide. These signs tell me when a dog is uncomfortable, and it's important to pay attention and not push them to the point of being stressed. When dogs first arrive at my studio, we take a step back. We let them explore at their own pace, offering gentle encouragement and tasty treats to build trust. I use gentle conditioning techniques by introducing my lights and camera gradually to ensure the dogs feel safe and relaxed. Positive reinforcement plays a key role—associating the presence of lights with rewards helps dogs acclimate faster.
Introducing Hobolite Continuous Lights
Most dogs will acclimate with enough time. However there are some dogs that just can’t overcome the fear and stress associated with a flashing light or popping sound. That’s why I recently invested in an alternate light option from an company called Hobolite that allows me to take beautiful sharp studio images without the flash. Unlike traditional flashes, these lights emit a steady, soft glow without sudden bursts or sounds. This has been a game-changer! I’ve had multiple sessions recently where the dogs, who initially showed signs of nervousness, quickly adapted to the calm atmosphere. With the absence of startling flashes, they relaxed, allowing me to capture their sweet personality.
Recent Success Stories
Leo, an older pup, came for a pet session with his 2 kitty siblings. He was initially scared of the studio lights and appeared to want to run and hide. So we started with the cats to give him time to observe and settle in. When it was his turn, it was clear he hadn’t calmed down yet. So we switched to the Hobolite and turned off the sound on my camera. I moved farther away (since my camera was still a little scary) and he had no problem sitting for photos. His parents now have these beautiful portraits that would not have been possible without having the ability for me to adapt my studio setup.
Jameson, another anxious pup, also showed signs of fear at the very start. This time we started with Hobolite and captured a range of beautiful photos of Jameson as he quickly settled into the session. As his comfort grew, I felt confident that we could switch to the strobe lights to capture some more fun, active shots. Here you can see his portraits with the Hobolite. And below you can see the types of photos we can get with the strobes!
Communication and Trust
I understand that every dog is unique. This a very strange and new environment and it’s hard to know how your dog will react. During our initial consultation, we discuss your dog's personality and any concerns you may have. You can trust that when they arrive for their session, I’m paying close attention to their body language to make sure they are comfortable and having a good time. These lights are game changer in that I now know that even the most nervous pups, who deserve portraits just like every other pup, won’t be left out. And I can feel confident that I will deliver for every client that puts their trust in me.
My goal is simple: to create stunning portraits that capture the true spirit of your dog. With a gentle approach, patience, and the right equipment, I can ensure a positive experience for every pet. If you have an anxious dog and dream of capturing their personality in photographs, contact me today to get started! BOOK A FREE CONSULT
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
