There’s something about including pets in photo sessions that just makes everything feel more personal, playful, and real! Whether we’re capturing family portraits, engagement shots, or maternity photos, bringing a furry friend adds a layer of love and charm that’s hard to beat. I know that working with pets has its own special set of tricks, and I wanted to share some of my favorite pet photography tips to ensure a fun, successful session for both you and your pet!

1. Treats, Toys, and My Signature Tongue Roll Trick 🐶🍬

• To capture a pet’s attention, I always recommend bringing their favorite treats and toys to keep them engaged. But here’s my secret weapon: I do a quick tongue roll sound! For some reason, that unique noise instantly grabs their attention, creating the perfect moment for those adorable head-tilt photos. Try it out with your pet at home to see how they react—chances are, they’ll be curious and focused in no time!

2. Pack for Comfort and Fun 👜✨

• Bringing a few pet essentials ensures a smooth experience for everyone. I suggest having water, waste bags, a leash, and maybe a brush if your pet has a long coat that could use a quick touch-up. Sometimes, little comforts (like a familiar blanket or small toy) help pets feel more at home if we’re in a new location.

3. Let Them Get the Wiggles Out First 🎾🌳

• Pets, especially young or high-energy ones, tend to do best if they’ve had some time to play and get their energy out before the session. A short walk or a few minutes of playtime works wonders to settle them down. This way, they’re a bit more relaxed and ready to cooperate when we’re aiming for those picture-perfect shots.

4. Embrace the Candid Moments 🐾📸

• Not every shot will be a posed masterpiece, and that’s perfectly okay! I find some of the most memorable photos are the unexpected moments—like when your pet runs over for a cuddle or gives you a wet-nosed nudge. Letting them be themselves adds authenticity to the photos, capturing not only their personality but also the unique relationship you share.

5. Bring a Buddy to Help Out 👩‍🦳🧑‍🦱

• Having a friend or family member on hand to help with your pet can make a huge difference. They can hold the leash when we’re doing shots without your pet or help grab their attention during group photos. Plus, it’s always good to have someone they know and trust nearby for comfort and security.

6. Get Down to Their Level 🐕📏

• Shooting from a pet’s eye level creates more intimate and engaging photos. This can mean crouching, kneeling, or even lying down to capture their expression up close. From this angle, pets feel less intimidated and more natural, and you’ll get a view of their cute little faces that shows off their character.

7. Make it a Mini Adventure 🌄🐾

• Choose a location where your pet can feel safe and comfortable. Many parks, nature trails, or even quiet, pet-friendly urban spots work well. If you have a spot that your pet already loves, let me know—I’m always open to new ideas to make the session feel special and unique.

8. Be Patient and Have Fun 💛🐾

• The key to any successful session with pets is patience. They might get distracted, need a break, or ignore every command (even the sit-stay you practiced 10 times at home!). And that’s part of the fun! I always come ready for a few surprises and embrace the natural flow of the session, letting pets be themselves.

Adding pets to your session brings warmth, laughter, and a bit of whimsy to every shot. With a few preparations and these pet photography tips —and maybe a little help from my trusty tongue roll trick!—we’ll capture photos that feel effortless, capturing the love between you and your fur baby in every frame.