Forrest
So, you just got a puppy and you’re officially an obsessed dog-mom or dog dad. Welcome to the club! It’s quite possibly the best club to be a part of…okay maybe I’m biased.
Either way, you’re here because you want to make sure you document the puppy stage! Maybe not the accidents in the house or the crying at night, but you know, all the other good parts about having a puppy. Trust me, you are not alone.
Forrest and his dad didn’t have an option on whether he was having his puppy pictures taken, because he is my first ever “puphew.” A term coined by my brother, when I first got my dog. My youngest brother adopted Forrest, a German Shorthair Pointer, and I definitely puppynapped him for some quick puppy pictures.
If you are interested (or have already booked your photoshoot in the studio with me) here are some tips. While these tips are great for on location pictures too, they were designed more with in studio pictures in mind.
Don’t feel anxious. I know, it’s way easier said than done. But this is a new experience for a puppy and they will not know what to do. That is OKAY. The main purpose of documenting your puppy while he’s young, is just that. If your puppy is very chill, you may get some “posed pictures” but if they’re a hyper puppy (which lots are!), you will get some cute candids to remember their “newborn” months. Just know, I’m okay with your puppy running around the studio, it happens a lot, and it’s okay. Don’t let it stress yourself out.
Vaccinate your puppy! I know we want to make sure to get pictures while they’re young, but for the protection of your furbaby, as well as mine, and the others that come into the studio, I do require they be up to date on their shots, especially the parvo shots.
Bring something that they are used to. Your shirt, their favorite toy, something. This will make them relax a little more. In these pictures of Forrest, you can see that he had his dad’s tshirt and his favorite toy. Try to remember that sometimes the last time they were in the car (not always but sometimes), they were leaving their original home to move in with you. This can cause some stress, so bringing things they are comfortable with, that smell like you, are actually very helpful.
Realize that every puppy is different. I have lots of puppies that are okay with full seamless paper as the background. But Forrest did not like that one bit and once we decided to change up the style and we tried different things to see what he liked, we were able to get some cute pictures showing his puppy size. Remember that as they get older, we will be able to have more control over set up, design, and posing. This session is their first, and practice makes perfect!
Bring the treats you’re training with. While this is a fun photoshoot, this is also a good time for training. If we get your puppy to sit, you will likely want to give them a treat, especially if they’re just learning it. Also treats are great for bribery and I’m not above that. Haha! Plus, although I have treats on hand, puppy bellies are sensitive and I don’t want to upset any bellies, or carpets at your home!
Know that many dogs have had potty accidents inside the studio. THIS IS OKAY. I do not care. We will clean it up. I will not judge you. This will not ruin our session. Sometimes an anxious pee/poop is just what we need to break the tension you may be feeling (see tip 1 again haha).
If possible, “try” to teach basic commands such as“sit” and “stay” before your pictures. This makes it wayyy easier on everyone if your pet knows how to sit and stay. They still may not do it, but it does make it easier. If they aren’t good at staying, that’s okay too. Puppies are tricky and that’s okay.
Leashes are okay, helpful, and can be photoshopped out. Sometimes it’s just way easier to put the leash on your puppy and edit it out in post. While it’s not always possible for me to erase it, it *usually* is and I will do that for you. Don’t let this discourage you. My own dog is 7 years old, gets pictures taken multiple times a year, and still has to wear his leash during some sessions.
Remember what this session is about. I know everyone wants “pinterest worthy” pictures. I get that, so do I. I will put my full effort into creating those for you, but this is a puppy session and things don’t always go as planned. Remember that the main purpose of this particular photoshoot is to document your puppy while they’re still little, because trust me, one day you will blink and realize that little boy (or girl) who once chewed on your new dining room chairs (or drywall in Forrest’s case), is now moving a little slower and getting a little whiter. We have plenty of time to get pinterest worthy pictures of your pup, right now, focus on them in their current chapter of life.
