Taking Engagement Photos With Your Dog (YAY): Do These 5 Things Before Your Session
Tips For Including Your Dog in Your Engagement Session
As a wedding photographer, one of the most common requests I get from couples is to include their fluffy best friends in their engagement photos. And why not? Your dog is a beloved member of your family and deserves to be included in your special moments. (Also, I absolutely love dogs, so it’s a win-win for me!)
Before you bring Fido along for your engagement photo shoot, there are a few things to consider:
Choose a Dog-Friendly Location
The location of your engagement photo shoot can make a big difference when it comes to including your dog. Choose a location that is dog-friendly and allows dogs on the premises. This could be a park (that allows dogs - sadly, National Parks do not), a trail, or even your own backyard. Avoid busy or crowded areas, as this can be overwhelming for your dog and make it difficult to get focused photos.
A Tired Dog is a Photogenic Dog
Make sure your dog gets some exercise and goes potty before the photo shoot. This will help them be more relaxed and focused during the photo shoot. They WILL be hyper and curious in a new environment — trust me! Consider taking them on a long walk, run, or play a long game of fetch with them before the photo shoot to burn off some of that energy.
Bring Treats For Your Dog
Treats can be a great way to reward your dog for good behavior and to get them to look at the camera. Choose your dog's favorite treats, and bring a few extra in case they need a little extra motivation.
Plan For Some Dog-Friendly Poses and Activities
When planning your engagement photos, think about the types of poses and activities you'd like to include with your dog. Do you want candid shots of your dog playing and interacting with you, or do you want more posed shots with your dog looking at the camera? Consider incorporating activities that your dog loves, such as fetching a ball or playing with a favorite toy.
Also, if you’re planning on bringing props with you, such as a sign to hang around their neck, practice putting it on beforehand (with lots of treats!) so they can get used to it.
Help Them Look Their Doggy Best
Just like humans, dogs can “dress up” for your engagement photos too! Choose a nice collar in a neutral color that won't distract from your dog's cuteness in the photos. You can also add fun accessories like a bandana or bow tie to add a personalized touch to your photos. Be sure to give your dog a fresh groom or bath before the photo shoot, so they look their best for the photos.
Call A Friend
If you're planning to include your dog in your engagement photos, it's a good idea to bring along a friend or family member to help manage your dog during the photo shoot, and/or walk them around for photos they aren’t in. This will give you more time to focus on posing and interacting with your partner, and it will also make the photo shoot more enjoyable for your dog.
Enjoy the Experience
Including your dog in your engagement photos can be a fun and memorable experience, but it's important to remember that your dog is not a trained model. Be prepared for some unexpected moments, and try to go with the flow and enjoy the process.
Ready to book your engagement session??! I can’t wait to meet your dog — I mean, you :) get in touch on the contact page!