I can’t deny that I am 100% on board with all my gorgeous clients including their fur babies in their photos! I am all for the pets in sessions y’all! I know dogs can be a little crazy & it means extra time spent herding BUT it is so worth it! However it comes with necessary planning including them! Which is why I have put together my 5 tips to include your dog in your outdoor session!

Tip 1: Always bring a leash!

Most Michigan & Florida parks allow animals however they need to be on a 5 foot leash at all times. I always recommend getting a black one, it helps it blend in. The variety of colors can clash with the background or your outfits! One of my favorite places to get them is Petco because they have a wide selection. Otherwise Amazon is always great too!

Tip 2: Always bring treats!

If you have a dog who doesn’t go on walks much, loves people, animals, kids or just being outdoors, treats help to keep their attention on me to get some of those “everyone looking at the camera shots”.

Tip 3: Bring someone to wrangle while pup is not in photos.

Then you’re not just tying them off to the nearest tree or in some cases there isn’t a place to do that. It also helps keep them more relaxed & calm when they are in the photos.

Tip 4: Arrive extra early!

Dogs are like kids, in that, they need to time to adjust to the outdoors and all the fantastic smells that come with it! Bringing them early and taking them for a short walk before I arrive helps calm them down as well

Tip 5: Bring a water dish & water!

Even in winter! When we come back to the car after all that work you want water and so will they! They’re modeling for the camera too!

BONUS Tip!

If you’re not already taking your pup on walks start getting them out! This will help them feel more comfortable before your session, rather than not knowing how to handle being on a leash. I know after winter here in Michigan our pup forgets what it’s like to be in a park on a leash, gets a little crazy! Just means they need time too readapt.

So, I share these 5 tips to include your dog in your session by saying, don’t stress bring them with you! I know how & what to do to include them flawlessly into your session! I mean they’re family for goodness sakes! You love them as if they were an extra kid! Not to mention it’s so much fun to get to see their personalities shine through in your photos! I hope these help & can’t wait to see your

PS. For tips on what to wear to your session check out this blog!