If you’re thinking about booking a photo shoot with your dog, I bet you’ve got a running list of about 58 questions in your head right now. As a Boston dog photographer, I hear some version of the same questions from almost everyone who reaches out, so I assure you, you’re not alone in wondering where the heck to start.

I’ve spent over 10 years photographing dogs all over this city, somewhere around 200 of them at this point, from wiggly puppies who can’t sit still to older dogs who need a slower pace and plenty of breaks. This guide is everything I want you to know before booking a photo shoot with your dog. How we will choose a location, what to expect before, during, and after your shoot, a bit about how to prepare, and all of your random questions that are still floating around are answered at the end!

If you want a peek at some of the pups I’ve had the pleasure of photographing before we jump into the nitty-gritty, check out my LDP Dog Pack!

Why You Should Hire a Photographer Before Planning a Photo Shoot with Your Dog

My secret to a stress-free photo shoot with your dog is to hire me first. It’s my job to think through all of the details so you don’t have to.

Once you book, I’ll walk you through everything together. We will choose a location based on your pup’s personality, talk timing, outfits, and what to pack so nothing feels like guesswork when your day comes. All you really need to do is tell me about your dog, show up with a smile, and enjoy your time together. I’ll handle the planning, posing, directing, and every little logistical piece that makes your session feel smooth instead of stressful.

How to Choose The Best Location for a Photo Shoot with Your Dog

Every dog has a different personality, so the right location for your session really comes down to who your pup is. A dog who gets easily distracted or overstimulated won’t sit well for the camera somewhere packed with foot traffic and other dogs trying to make friends. A shy or nervous dog will do better somewhere quiet with room to stretch out and settle before my camera comes out.

I always think through this with you ahead of time so you know we’re going to the best spot for your dog, not just somewhere that looks pretty. If you’d like to start browsing some options on your own, I’ve put together a guide to my favorite dog-friendly Boston photo shoot locations, my favorite parks, and neighborhoods!

Do I Need to Be in The Photos with My Dog?

Let’s talk about you for a second, yeah? Technically, you don’t have to be in the photos. I’m not here to force you into something you don’t want to do. But here’s what I will tell you: a photo shoot with your dog captures more than just your pup’s personality. It also captures the relationship between the two of you, and I promise you’re going to treasure those photos just as much, if not more than the individual photos of them.

You’re going to want to see the exact way they lick your face when you laugh, or the moment they leap into your lap because they can’t stand being that far away from you for one more second. Those are the photos you’ll want to hang on your wall for years to come.

What to Wear for a Dog & Owner Photoshoot

Have I convinced you to be in the photos yet? If so, this is my advice on what to wear:

You’ll be walking, crouching down, lying in the grass, and playing with your pup throughout the session, so save the stiff, formal outfits for another day. Soft layers, neutral tones, simple patterns, and pieces you can move freely in tend to photograph the best, no matter when or where we’re shooting.

For your dog, keep it simple if you decide to do anything at all. A cute bandana or a matching collar and leash set is more than enough. If you want to bring multiple bandanas or bow ties, you can absolutely do that!

One more tip: If you’re planning to get your dog groomed before your session, try to schedule it at least a week before so your dog doesn’t have the post-groom itch. Giving them time to adjust makes them feel more like themselves once I show up. If you’re not getting your dog groomed, at least make sure to trim around their eyes if they are a fluffier pup. 

What to Expect During a Photo Shoot with Your Dog

When your day finally arrives, the first thing we’ll do is give your dog a little time to settle into the location and get comfortable with a stranger pointing a weird thing in their face. A pro tip? Try to arrive 10-15 minutes before our scheduled time and walk your dog around the spot beforehand. It helps them settle a lot faster if the get to roam around and sniff everywhere beforehand. 

Your session will last about an hour, maybe a little longer depending on how many breaks your pup needs to rest or drink some water. I’ll never rush you through your session. This should be a time for you and your dog to spend some quality time together, and I never want to put a clock on that. I’ll guide you through exactly what to do, so you never have to guess or feel awkward in front of the camera.

What Happens After a Photo Shoot with Your Dog?

After your photo shoot with your dog is over, I couldn’t be more excited to edit the photos so you’ll get a few sneak peeks pretty quickly! Your full gallery, password-protected and ready to share, will be delivered within two to three weeks. From there, you can order prints, albums, heirloom boxes and other keepsakes directly from me. 

I think it’s so important to get your photos off the screen and into your hands, which is why I love offering these special keepsakes to all of my clients!

All of Your Questions About a Photo Shoot with Your Dog, Answered

I get a lot of the same questions about a Boston dog photo shoot, so let’s go through the most common ones together. My goal is always to make you feel more prepared and a lot less worried heading into your photo shoot with your dog.

What if my dog doesn’t behave?

There’s no such thing as a badly behaved dog during one of my sessions. If your pup wants to run around, sniff every blade of grass, ignore the camera completely, or bark at every squirrel they can see, that’s not a problem. That isn’t misbehaving; it’s your dog’s personality, and personality is exactly what makes a photo something you’ll want to frame.

Some of my favorite galleries have come from dogs who had absolutely no interest in posing for the camera. A little chaos can make for the most honest and memorable images. Bring your wild one exactly as they are. I’ve got the rest. We will keep your dog on their leash the whole session and then I can always edit it out afterwards! Please do not worry about your dog being perfectly behaved!

Do you have tips for keeping a dog engaged during a photo session?

Make sure to bring a few different variety of treats. High-value treats are usually my number one tool. A favorite squeaky toy also works well, especially for dogs who care more about toys than snacks. I’ll also use silly sounds and movement to grab their attention when needed. Between the two of us, we will always find something that works for your dog.

Can the rest of my family be in my photo shoot?

Yes, the whole family is more than welcome at your dog’s photo shoot! Some of my favorite sessions are the ones where everyone is together. I’ve written a couple of blog posts to help you prep for a shoot like this, including tips for a family and dog photoshoot and a closer look at planning Boston family photos with dogs. You can also head here to see more of my family work and get a better idea of what a session like that could look like.

What’s the cost of hiring a professional pet photographer?

Pricing for a Boston dog photo shoot depends on a few things like the session length, who’s going to be included, and the location. Since every dog and every owner’s needs are different, I like to talk through what you’re picturing so I can give you the most accurate information. 

You can reach out through my contact page, and I’ll walk you through current pricing and help you find an option that fits what you’re hoping for.

Can I bring more than one dog to my photo shoot?

Absolutely, the more dogs, the merrier! Your session fee allows for up to two dogs, but you’re more than welcome to bring more with an extra fee. If you are bringing more than one pup, I’d recommend bringing someone your dog trusts to help hold leashes, especially once we start capturing individual portraits. If you don’t have someone available, For the Love of Paws Boston offers wonderful handling support. Plus, if you mention my name, they’ll give you a discount. I love working with them!

How long will a photo shoot with my dog take?

A typical Boston dog photo shoot with me runs about an hour, sometimes a little longer depending on the location and how many people (and pups) are joining in. That’s plenty of time to let your dog settle in, explore a couple spots, take breaks when needed, and get some photos you’ll love.

What kind of treats are best for motivating dogs during photos?

The best treats for a photo shoot with your dog are the ones they completely lose their mind over. I recommend bringing everyday treats your dog gets all the time, plus something high value they beg for but never get. You know the ones: cheese, peanut butter, deli meat, or bacon work really well. I’ve even had a client bring hot dog pieces. The goal is something smelly and exciting enough to get them to focus, even with a new location and lots of distractions around them.

Also, bring more than you think you’ll need. We’ll go through them fast, and running out mid-session is the last thing we want. The more treats, the better here!

Hire a Boston Dog Photographer for a Photo Shoot with Your Dog

You don’t need to have every detail figured out before we chat. That’s what I’m here for! I’ll help you choose a location, walk you through what to wear and what to pack, and make sure you and your pup feel completely at ease once our shoot day arrives.

At the end of the day, my goal is simple: I want you to walk away fulfilled with the time you got to spend with your dog, and photos that feel exactly like them, quirks especially. If you’re ready to get started, reach out through my contact page and let’s plan some photos you’ll love to look at for years to come.