How to prepare for your shoot.


Congratulations! You’ve booked your dog’s professional photography session and might be wondering, "How do I prepare for this?" Don’t worry—I’m here to guide you! With my sessions, I always encourage owners to stay calm and keep things simple. Let me handle the complicated stuff!


Just a quick note: your dog does NOT need to be perfectly trained. They don’t need to know every command or fancy trick. While basic commands like sit, stay, or watch me can be helpful, they’re not essential. I’m happy to coach you on simple techniques to enhance the experience, but rest assured, I can work with dogs of all training levels.


1. Schedule a Grooming Appointment

If time permits, consider getting your dog groomed before the session. A freshly groomed, shiny coat can make a big difference in your pup’s portraits!

  • Beaver County Clients: I highly recommend my friends at Puppy Face Pet Parlor in Monaca, PA. They do amazing work and can handle even the fussiest dogs. Annette (the owner) and Taylor are especially great with nervous pups!
  • Allegheny County Clients: If Puppy Face is a bit far, check out my friend Michaela, aka the412groomer. Your dog will be pampered and loved on every step of the way!

2. Pack a Bag of Essentials

Prepare a small bag of items for the session so you’re not scrambling on the day of. Here’s what I suggest bringing:

  • Leash
  • Flat collar or corrective collar (if needed)
  • Treats
  • Noisy toys (like squeaky toys)
  • A favorite toy (great for capturing candid shots with their “bestie”)
  • Water and a small bowl

I often bring bottled water, bowls, and toys myself, but some pet parents prefer to bring their own.


3. Optional: Practice Basic Commands

This is entirely optional, but if you’d like, you can work on a few easy training exercises before the session. Commands like sit, stay, down, touch, and watch me can be helpful.

If you’re interested, let me know! I can provide simple how-to guides to help you and your pup prepare. (One of the many perks of my background in dog training!)


4. Mental Preparation

The most important preparation is your mindset. It’s normal to feel nervous—after all, you’ve invested your time and money to create beautiful memories of your furry friend. However, it’s crucial to stay relaxed.

I often hear things like, "My dog is camera-shy," or, "They just don’t listen." Trust me, I’ve worked with dogs of all temperaments, behaviors, and training levels. Your dog will pick up on your energy, so if you’re calm, they’re more likely to be at ease too.

Remember, most of the stunning shots you see in my portfolio aren’t posed! Dogs are usually on-leash, with their owners close by, simply exploring and being themselves. (Thank you, Photoshop!) I tailor each session to your dog’s needs, starting with a questionnaire to choose the best location and approach.


To summarize:

  • Grooming appointment
  • Pack a bag with essential items
  • Optional: Practice basic training commands
  • Come with a calm and relaxed mindset


Preparing for your dog’s photography session is simple, and I’m here to make it as easy as possible for you and your pup. The hardest part? Choosing which images to frame—because even the bloopers are adorable wall art worthy! 

I hope this guide puts your mind at ease. Almost every pet parent feels a little unsure at first, but my job is to make you and your dog feel comfortable and create photos you’ll cherish forever!