One of the top questions I get asked about photo sessions are if dogs are allowed to join. If you’ve looked at my business logo, you can probably guess my answer. ;)

Before we dive into nitty gritty details of how to pull a session with your dog off well and with minimal stress, I want you to remember the most important thing — this photo session is about you, your family, your dog (or dogs – the more the merrier), and capturing good memories. These are consistently some of the most fun for me to shoot, and it’s because it’s easy to be joyful and relaxed when you have your canine companion with you!

Whether it’s just you and your dog or you’re bringing your whole family along for the ride, it’s always a great time with so many smiles, laughs, and genuine heartwarming moments. Here are some tips on how to get the most out of your pet photo session!

1. Choosing a location

Your first step is to decide on a location that will fit you, your dog(s), and what your goal is for the photos. First, you’re welcome to reach out for location suggestions – I have lots of good go-to places that are pup friendly! In general, the ideal location will have ample room for your dog to safely be off leash with minimal distractions. We can get all kinds of action shots of you with your furry friend running, playing, and living your best lives.

As far as the backdrop for our photos, we have lots of beautiful terrain here in the southeast. You want an open field with beautiful rows of pine trees behind you? Done! You want a peaceful lake or pond? Done! You want even more pine trees? Well, we sure do have a lot of pine trees in Alabama.

You can even opt for an adventure session – I follow you around while you and your dog just spend some quality time together! Whether this is a hike on your favorite trail or split up between a few of your favorite spots, we can make it happen! One thing to keep in mind is that the best photos will be genuine– so pick a location with some buffer space between groups of people, other pets, noisy traffic, etc. If you and your pupper are relaxed and happy, the photos will show it!

2. What to bring to your photo session with your pup

Ok, you picked the perfect place for the shoot! Let’s go through what you might want to bring. First of all, I want you and your dog to be comfortable and relaxed. Bring bug spray, because while the insects here in Alabama range in size from microscopic to minivan, the one constant is that there are lots of them. Bring whatever else you need to feel comfortable (a bottle of water, some sunscreen, a water bowl for your pup, etc.). Now that you’re good to go on that end, let’s talk about getting your dog’s attention! Bring your little buddy’s favorite toy and treats so that we can get them to play with you, to sit still, or to do whatever else we’d like, and not just look at that one squirrel way over there. Remember, if you’re both relaxed and happy, it’ll show!

3. Have a helping hand for your dog

This is about you and your dog, sure, but what about some great photos of just you (and your love or family who might also be there)? I recommend bringing somebody with you that can hold onto your best friend for a bit, get your dog’s attention for just the right shot, or just tell you a joke to get your genuine smile. The best part is, they don’t even have to be your best friend! That title is reserved for your dog, obviously.

A happy couple sits in the sand on the beach with their two black dogs at sunset

4. Add a bandana!

Finally, you probably want to wear something nice to the session, so why not dress up your four-legged model too? A fancy little bandana or your dog’s formal collar (why not? They deserve formal attire) might be just the right touch! Speaking of which, you can use my code COOPERATLAS10 for a discount at Jackson Made!

That’s it! My four top tips for bringing your pup to your photo session! The session isn’t just about getting some great photos of you and your dog–it’s about making some great memories, too! I look forward to seeing you soon (but I might even be more excited to meet your dog).

If you’re interested in your own session with your pup, you can reach out to me here.