You booked the session. You’re excited.
And now you’re wondering… will my pet actually cooperate?
Here’s the good news: they don’t have to be perfectly trained. They just have to be comfortable.
This guide walks you through how to prepare your pet for a professional photo session so the experience feels calm, fun, and worth it—for both of you.
1. Pick a Time That Works for Your Pet
Don’t book your dog’s photo session during their normal nap time.
Don’t schedule your cat’s portraits right after a vet visit.
You know your pet best. Choose a time when they’re alert but not overstimulated.
For most dogs, that means early morning or late afternoon.
Since cats tend to wake up at dawn, late afternoon to evening tends to be ideal.
2. Exercise Before, But Not Right Before
Let your dog get their energy out, but don’t exhaust them.
A short walk or light play session about an hour before we begin is ideal.
Too much energy = overstimulated.
Too little = droopy eyes and no engagement.
For cats, skip the exercise. You want them relaxed, not annoyed.
3. Grooming Counts
Clean fur photographs better. So do bright eyes and trimmed nails. Do this the day before your session to help me out:
- Brush out their coat
- Clean their eyes and wipe their paws
- Trim nails if needed
- Remove tear stains if possible
- Double-check that their collar is clean and fits properly
Skip anything major the day of. No vet visits. No baths an hour before. Keep things easy.
And if they happen to be a little dirty: there’s always Photoshop!
4. Avoid Feeding Right Before the Session
If your pet is full, they won’t work for treats. If they’re starving, they’ll ignore you until they get food.
Give a light meal 2–3 hours before the session. That way, treats are still motivating but they’re not hangry.
5. Bring the Right Treats
Use small, soft, and high-value treats. Not biscuits. Not dry kibble.
The best treats for pet photography are things your pet doesn’t usually get.
Tiny bits of chicken, cheese, or soft training treats work well. Break them up so they don’t fill up too quickly.
6. Bring a Favorite Toy
A single squeaky or crinkly toy is plenty. Bonus if it’s something you can hold or toss quietly.
Too many toys = too many distractions.
Choose something they love but don’t get all the time.
For cats, consider a teaser wand or something that rattles.
7. Keep Yourself Calm
Your pet feeds off your energy. If you’re stressed, they’ll feel it.
Don’t worry about how they’re behaving. I’ve worked with every kind of dog, cat, and even the occasional exotic animal. If you’re calm, they’ll follow your lead. Let me handle the pacing and direction. You just show up and breathe.
8. Use a Clean, Simple Collar
No need to go fancy. Just make sure the collar is clean and fits well.
Avoid bright neons, oversized tags, or retractable leashes.
Simple leather or neutral-tone collars look great on camera. If you’re unsure, I’ll guide you through it ahead of time.
9. Don’t Skip the Prep Call
When you book with me, you’ll get an in-home consultation session.
This is where we talk through all the details: location, personality, any worries, and what matters most to you. This helps me plan the session around your pet.
No one-size-fits-all approach here. We build it around what feels natural for your pet and your life.
10. Be Flexible
Some pets take 10 minutes to warm up. Others need an hour. That’s okay.
If they sit, great.
If they don’t, we pivot.
Some of the best portraits happen when we stop trying to control the moment.
Trust that I’ll get the image. That’s what you hired me for. And don’t worry about me and my time: I have plenty of patience and I am here to give you and your pet the best experience I can.
Want your session to feel calm, easy, and personal?
Book your consultation and we’ll talk through every step together. You don’t have to guess. You just have to show up. I’ll take it from there.
