Pet portraits are best when photographer, owner, and dog feel at ease. Stephanie Smith, CPP, of Stephanie Lynne Photography, offers tips on cultivating that vibe during sessions:
Know dog behavior. Body language says a lot: ears pinned back, tail down, eyes darting, and lip licking are all signs the dog needs a break or some distance from the camera.
Communicate before the session to find out more about the dog’s personality. And encourage the owner to be calm even if their dog is not. “I tell the dog parents to let their dog be a dog, and I’ll do the rest,” she says.
Practice patience. “Sure, you’ll show up with a plan and a shot list, but you’ll need to be flexible and think on the fly. The dog may need time to acclimate to the environment, to you, or to your equipment.” Take the time to develop a rapport with the dog and remain calm throughout. “When you’re calm and patient and seem to be unfazed that it’s the tenth time you’re attempting a pose, the pet parent will be unfazed too.”
Set expectations with the client. Communicate your process, ask them what they want from the session, and give them the opportunity to be in photos with their pets. Remind them that even a well-trained dog may forget training during the session and that’s OK—you’ll still get amazing photos.
Focus on the eyes and get low. Tack sharp eyes with a catchlight in them are key for image impact. For the best photos, you’ll spend a lot of time on the ground and may even put your camera on the ground.
Amanda Arnold is a senior editor.
Tags: pet photography