It’s an amazing idea to include your dog at your senior portrait session. I absolutely love meeting seniors’ pets at their photo shoot! They add a fun, unscripted, and lighthearted element to senior pictures. To make sure you end up with a gallery full of fantastic images, there are a few things to keep in mind when bringing along a pet:

1. Choose a Pet Friendly Location

Let me know that you plan on including your dog in your senior photos. Not all locations allow pets, so I always check to make sure dogs are allowed and welcome.

2. Have Someone With You to Help

Most seniors bring a parent, sibling, or friend to their senior sessions. This is especially important if you will have your dog along. This allows us to take photos of you both with and without your pet. It also provides them with someone to entertain them and take them away if they have had enough of our photo shoot. Don’t have anyone you can bring? You can always let me know and I will find someone to join me to help out.

3. Bring a Leash

Always make sure you bring a leash for your pet. Even if they are very well behaved, they are sometimes necessary. It helps to choose a leash that will blend in as much as possible. Or you can select one that matches your senior outfits!

4. Treats, Toys, & Lint Rollers!

Don’t forget the treats, toys, and a lint roller or two! It can be helpful to have a few treats to reward your dog for good behavior. They can also be used by our helper to get their attention during photos. Some dogs will perk up for posing if your helper has a toy in hand. And it can be a nice diversion when they aren’t involved in picture time. And, if your dog sheds, bring along a lint roller! I like the sticky tape ones. You will be happy to have it after snuggling with your dog for photos!

5. Be Patient and Have Fun!

Remember to be patient, embrace the silly unplanned moments, and have fun with your pet. Some of the most amazing photos happen when your dog is just being themselves. We can’t always position every pose and picture perfectly with animals. So have some fun with it and trust that we will capture some incredibly cute moments that you will absolutely love.

Thanks for Reading!

XO, Janelle