1. Give Them a Little Grooming Love

Whether your pup is a fluffy stunner or a sleek beauty, a bit of grooming can make a big difference. A bath, a trim, or a good brushing will help them look their best in front of the camera. Pay special attention to their eyes and face—clearing away tear stains or trimming long bangs can help their expressions shine through.

2. Exercise Before the Session

A well-exercised pup is a happy, relaxed pup! A walk, a game of fetch, or some playtime before the session can help release extra energy and make it easier for them to settle in front of the camera. That said, don’t overdo it—we want them relaxed, not completely wiped out!

3. Bring Their Favorite Treats & Toys

High-value treats (think cheese, chicken, or their absolute favorite snack) are great motivators for posing and focusing. If your pup has a toy that lights up their world, bring it along! It can be a fun way to capture their joy and create playful, candid moments.

4. Choose the Right Accessories

A stylish bandana, a classic collar, a bowtie, or even a dreamcatcher can add a little extra charm to their portraits. If your dog usually wears a harness, consider switching to a collar for the session to keep the focus on their adorable face. We also recommend avoiding outfits or accessories they aren’t used to, as we want them to feel comfortable and natural.

5. Stay Calm and Positive

Dogs pick up on our energy, so if you’re relaxed and having fun, they will be too! There’s no pressure for them to “perform”—we work at their pace and let their personality lead the way. If they need a break, we take one. If they get the zoomies mid-session, we roll with it and capture those joyful moments, too.

6. Plan to hop into a couple of photos

Dogs often feel most comfortable in front of the camera when their person joins them.  We encourage every pet parent to hop in front of the camera with their pup for a few photos.  Every single time a dog mom or dog dad joins, those are their favorite images from the session.  

6. Invite your dog's favorite person

Even though we already know you are your dog's favorite person, sometimes there's another very special someone who your dog adores.  Consider inviting them along to enjoy the experience with you!  We promise it's a fun time and there will be lots of memories made in addition to those photos captured!

6. Trust the Process

Every dog is different, and that’s what makes their portraits so special! Some pups take a few minutes to warm up, while others strike a pose right away. No matter how your dog moves through the session, we’ll create beautiful images that feel true to them!