How to prepare for your upcoming photoshoot session with your dog
Finn looked so handsome in his shots after his grooming session
Before the big day:
Depending on your breed of dog, and if necessary, you might like to have your dog trimmed a week or so before their session to make sure their coat looks in top shape.
The day before is a good idea to bath and groom them so they’re looking their absolute best, making sure any long hair that might have grown over their eyes is trimmed so we can see those beautiful peepers!
The day of the shoot, give your dog a brush and a little exercise but not too much, we will be walking through the countryside to our shooting location, so we don’t want to wear your dog out before their big moment.
Buddy’s session was on a warm Summer’s evening so we had his water bowl on hand so he could have a quick slurp when he needed it.
Here’s a quick checklist of things to consider and items to bring with you on your session, not only for your dog but for yourself too - we will probably go off the main footpaths so you will need to wear suitable footwear and clothing:
For your dog:
Water and water bowl
Their favourite treats - essential for encouraging into place and also rewarding good behaviour
Their favourite toy - great for grabbing their attention
A thin lead - I always have one you can use if you don’t have one
Collar (if your dog usually wears a harness, we’ll switch them out temporarily into a collar for the photos). Please make sure anything hanging from the collar is removed for the session.
Brush and/or comb
Towel, just in case or any impromptu doggie dips in the river
Poo bags
Winnie normally wears a large leather collar, however we switched this out to a thin version for her session, so it could be retouched out easily at the editing stage.
For you:
Sturdy boots or wellies
Sturdy trousers such as jeans or walking trousers
Gloves and a hat if it’s cold
Wear layers of clothing so you can always take off or add back on a layer depending on the weather that day
A weatherproof coat
A cold drink if it’s warm
Our sessions will be at least a couple of hours long, so it’s always best to be prepared for all weathers and temperatures. We always bring a back up doggie kit with us anyway (that also includes some doggie and human first aid), so if you do forget anything we should have a back up, it just won’t be exactly what your dog is used to.