I know you're excited and wondering, how much do I really need to prepare.... well there are a few things that are good to do to help prepare your dog for their photography session. 

COLLARS, HARNESSES, LEADS AND ACCESSORIES

Please ensure dogs arrive on lead as some locations we go to may not allow dogs off-lead. I do recommend bringing a thin lead so it's easier to remove in post processing. 

With collars, I recommend checking it before your session as some may be a bit worn out. If this is the case, then it's recommended that you swap them out for a nicer collar. While I will remove the lead from the majority of your photos, most of the time the collar will stay in your final images.

The same goes for harnesses. recommend that you have your dog wear a collar on the day as it is usually not possible or very difficult to remove the harness in post processing. If your dog has to wear a harness for a specific reason, make sure you like how it looks as it will be included in the final photos.

Dog tags - some tags may be distracting or if you don't like how they look, you can remove them. Just make sure you place them somewhere you remember so you can remember to put them back after the session. If you're happy and love the dog tag you gave to your pup, feel free to leave them on.

Lastly, if you'd like to include props or have clothes or accessories that you'd like your pet to wear, make sure you bring that too and we can try to incorporate them in the shoot.

If you'd like some ideas on gorgeous collars, leads and accessories, here are some recommended links:

Pawty Co

Thin leads from Cooper Collars

GROOMING AND BATH

If you feel your dog needs a bath, please bath them the day or two days before their session, not on the day of their session. Yes, your dog may possibly roll on the ground as soon as we start your session but hopefully this is not the case and we have them relatively clean in all, if not most of the photos.

If your dog requires special grooming, we suggest you time their haircut so their hair will be the length you love by the time the photo session occurs.

For fluffy dogs, pay close attention to the eye areas and trim around the eye area so we can see their beautiful eyes. 

These are only tips and advice, if you like the way your pet look and doesn't require grooming or trimming then don't worry about it. I understand that you want your photos to capture your pets as you usually see them.  

ARRIVE EARLY

Do come early to let your dog sniff the area, particularly if it's a new environment. Dogs loves to sniff and explore every places they go too since there's always new smells wherever they go. This way they'll be less distracted and happier when we start the session. 

However, don’t run or walk your dog too much around immediately before their session or they will be panting during their shoot. We want them to explore just enough to have them be comfortable with the area.

TREATS AND TOYS

Treats are a great way to gain your dog's attention and give them some motivation to participate in the session. While I will have some treats with me, I recommend that you also bring plenty of their favourite treats with you too as some pets may be picky or have food-intolerance or allergies.

Since we will be using treats during the session, give some time between the session and their feeding time otherwise they may be too full to accept any treats.

While most dogs are food-motivated, some dogs just don't care for them. Instead a toy or a ball might help grab their attention. Bring their favourite toy with you as another means to help us get your dog's attention. 

My favourite treats to give to my dogs and my furry clients are these homemade treats from a local Canberra business - Louie Loves' Em.  They're natural and homemade and I haven't had any dogs that don't like them. 

These are just a few of the the tips and advice helps you and your pet to prepare for your pet photography session or when you're ready to book.

If you're ready to book and start your pet photography session, contact me here and we can start designing and planning your pawsome pet photography experience.