Tips for photographing dogs in spring
I love spring (not only) as a photographer. Everything is perfect for magical photos: not too bright lights, awakening nature, then a flood of colorful flowers, and it's not very hot. Nature shows its most beautiful face to me at this time. In this post, I've collected a few tips so that you can show your best face, too.
1. Choose appropriate clothing
- Neutral tones: They harmonize with spring flowers and don't distract attention from you.
- Solid colours: Avoid wearing patterned clothing as they can be distracting.
- Comfortable, layered clothing: It can be chilly outside, so be prepared with clothes that are not only stylish but also practical. Combining layers means more diverse photos.
- Don't feel sorry for your clothes: You can expect your clothes to get dirty, and you shouldn’t mind sitting in the grass or on a rock. I usually take a blanket with me, so you can sit or lie on it if necessary.
2. Prepare your dog
- Bathing and grooming: Comb its fur to remove tangles and clean its eyes if necessary.
- Collar: Choose a collar that is not only comfortable but also looks good in the photos. If necessary, clean it beforehand. If possible, choose a colour that harmonizes with your outfit. Of course, wearing a collar is not a must, and depends on the situation, too.
- Dog Groomer: If necessary, visit a professional groomer and ask for a trim before the photo shoot, but I think it’s best if the dog looks natural but tidy.
You can read about the use of leashes and harnesses in this post: Leash and collar during a photo shoot.
TIP: Instead of a collar, you can also choose from custom-made, beaded, floral and ribbon neck decorations. Their use is included free of charge in every package. If you would like to have your own neck decoration, or one based on your own ideas, place an order and I‘m happy to make one for you. You can read more about them soon.
3. Bring your dog's favourite toys and treats
- Toys: They can help calm your dog and can even be displayed in the photos. It's worth checking their condition beforehand.
- Treats: They can often play an important role in motivating your furry friend during the photo shoot. However, you should only give them to your dog after it has done what you asked it to do. Otherwise the dog has a feast, but we won’t have any good photos. 🙂
- Water: This isn't an item, but don't forget about hydration, especially if the photo shoot takes a longer time and there's a lot of action.
4. Practice at home
During a photo shoot, the master plays a big role. Check this post to find out why: Dog photography is teamwork.
5. Be flexible and patient
Don't stress if your dog wants to play or run around. In these cases, we'll focus on spontaneous moments. It can be frustrating if your dog refuses to do the tricks you've practiced at home, but don't worry about that. The most important thing is that everyone has a good time and goes home filled with memories and lots of beautiful pictures.
TIP: If you are worried that your dog will be too excited and uncooperative, check out the following post: Stress-free dog photography – How to keep your dog calm.
