Hey there, dog lovers of Chattanooga! Are you ready to capture your favorite furry friend’s personality and charm in a beautiful portrait session? Preparing your dog for a portrait session might seem daunting, but don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.
From grooming tips to essential accessories, we’ll make sure your pup looks their absolute best.
And yes, we’ll even address the elephant in the room—what to do if your dog isn’t the best at sitting still.
Let’s dive in!
Grooming Tips for a Picture-Perfect Pup
Start with a Bath: First things first, a clean pup is a happy pup!
Give your dog a bath using a mild dog shampoo to ensure their coat is fresh and shiny. Make sure they’re thoroughly dried before the session.
Unless your dog is a constant dirt roller, you might consider a trip to the grooming salon or giving them a bath a day before their portrait session.
Clipping Nails and Trimming Fur: Next up, those nails. Trim them a few days before the session to avoid any last-minute stress.
If your pup has shaggy fur around their eyes, a little trim will help their beautiful eyes shine through.
For full-body clips, schedule the grooming a few days in advance. You don’t want your dog looking like the kid who just got a bowl haircut on picture day!
Brush Those Coats: Brushing is essential to remove loose fur and tangles.
Dirt in the coat shows up on camera and can make their fur look dull. A good brushing will make their coat shine and ensure they look their best.
Essential Accessories for Your Dog’s Big Day
Dress to Impress: Now, let’s talk accessories! A snazzy bowtie, a cute bandana, or a fancy collar can add a touch of personality to your dog’s portraits. Choose something that reflects their character—whether they’re a dapper gentleman or a pretty princess, make sure they’re dressed to impress!
Bring Their Favorites: Don’t forget to bring their favorite toys or blankets. High-value treats are also a must to keep their attention and reward good behavior. These familiar items will help your dog feel more comfortable and engaged during the session.
Addressing the Elephant in the Room: Not-So-Well-Trained Dogs
Worried that your dog isn’t a pro at sitting still or being off-leash? No problem!
Sound familiar? If these are the things that are holding you back from pet portraits, no problem!
Whether your pup is a ball of energy or a bit on the anxious side, we’ll capture their true essence.
Safety First – Leashes and Locations: Safety is my top priority. Dogs are rarely off-leash during sessions to ensure they stay safe and secure. We choose specific locations and use a bit of Photoshop magic to make sure your dog looks amazing while staying safe.
Some dogs just can’t sit still, and that’s okay! It just means we need to plan for it. That’s why we have a pre-session consultation to create a tailored plan.
Capturing action shots can show off your dog’s playful side, even if they’re always on the move.
What to Bring for a Successful Session
The Must-Have List: Here’s your checklist: water (because it’s hot here in the South most of the year), high-value treats, waste bags, any special accessories or props, and your dog’s favorite toys.
Keep Calm and Carry On: When it comes to preparing your dog for a portrait session, every dog is an individual. Some dogs need something to feel secure with a new person or a new environment.
Whether it’s a favorite toy, a piece of your clothing, or even a friend to tag along, bringing what makes your dog feel safe will help them relax and enjoy the session.
Don’t Worry, I’ve Got You Covered
Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t be!
When it comes to preparing your dog for a portrait session with Ride the Sky, you aren’t alone! When you work with me, we go through all these preparations together. I’ll guide you through every step to make sure we capture images you’ll want to display on your walls for years to come.
From the pre-session consultation to the final click of the camera, I’m here to make the process smooth and fun.
Ready to capture your dog's unique charm?
Reach out to book your pet portrait session today!
Not ready for a pet portrait session yet? Join our the RTS Pup Pack for more tips and updates on dog photography!
Betsy Bird, Cr. Photog., CPP, of Ride the Sky Equine Photography spends her days doing insane things to make animals look at her. Clearly, she’s desperate for attention. Outside of acting like a total goofball, she invests in growing her business, mentoring photographers, dealing with her teenagers' angst, and hanging with Nitro, the best dog ever.
Betsy has earned her Photographic Craftsman degree from the Professional Photographers of America (PPA) which honors photographers who contribute to the photographic industry through speaking, mentoring, and publishing. Betsy is also a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) with PPA. The CPP designation is held by fewer than 2,500 photographers nationwide and is a hallmark of consistency, technical skill, artistry, and professionalism.
She serves on the Board of Directors for the Professional Photographers of East Tennessee (PPETN) and the Tennessee Professional Photographers Association (TNPPA). She is also a professional member of the Equine Photographers Network (EPN).
Betsy's award-winning work has been featured in a variety of publications and is found throughout homes and stables in the United States. She is also the co-author of the book, Equine & Equestrian Photography Poses that Sell: The Ultimate Guide to Posing Horses & Humans. She has also been featured on Scenic Trend, the Profitable Photographer Podcast, Chrome Magazine, The Business Animal Podcast, Chatter Magazine, Cowgirls with Cameras Podcast, the Chattanooga Times Free Press, the Chattanoogan, and the Focal Points Podcast to name a few.
Ride the Sky specializes in on-location photography for equines and pets. Based in Chattanooga, TN, Ride the Sky Equine Photography works in Tennessee, North Georgia, and beyond.