Tampa Photographer 6 Tips for Successful Photo Session with Pets

6 Tips for Bringing Pets to Family Photo Sessions

Being Tampa Photographers we are able to do photo sessions all year round at some amazing parks and beaches perfect for pets. We feel very strongly that your pets are part of your family so including them in your family, engagement, maternity, newborn and senior photo sessions just makes sense. Unfortunately, telling them to strike a pose and smile for the camera isn’t an easy task. However, a little preparation can go a long way in creating an environment your furry family members will find satisfactory. Maybe even fun. 

Pets are welcome at all photo sessions

We've had clients' pets at every type of session: engagement, maternity, newborn, family and senior portrait sessions. If you want to include your furry family, we'll we figure out a way to beautifully incorporate them into your photo session.

Bring a helper

You have enough to focus on during your photo shoot without worrying if your pets are behaving before and during your family photo. That’s why you should make the call for reinforcements. Have a friend accompany you to your engagement or maternity photo appointment to assist with your pets. Ideally this should be someone your pets are comfortable around, and they can also keep your pet company when we're getting shots that don't involve them.

Give your pets a chance to become accustomed to the photo session location and equipment

We know preparing for your session (Click here to read our Stress Free Family Photo Session post) takes energy and preparation. It also may be a bit of a drive to the photo session location. We recommend arriving a little early to allow your pets some time to become familiar with their surroundings and take a potty break. Be patient with your pets and give them plenty of time to become acquainted with the photographer and equipment to improve the chances they will remain calm.

Pamper your pets before the photo shoot

You obviously want to look your best for your family, engagement, maternity and senior portrait photos but don’t forget about your pets. They deserve to be at their photogenic peak as well. Groom them prior to the photo so they look amazing. You can even consider going all out for your furry family members and book them a relaxing time at a professional pet groomer. Regardless, make sure you bring along a brush for touch ups and wet wipes for their eyes and mouth right before the photo.

Don’t forget the toys

From squeaky toys to stuffed animals, your pets’ favorite possessions can help make your family photo a breeze. Having those familiar items can help reduce your pets stress and also make the photographer’s job easier when she needs to get your pet’s attention. One warning though, don’t allow toy time to become too rowdy. An excited pet can be a challenging subject. Try to keep your pets as calm as possible. 

Bring water and treats

You want your pets to be happy campers during your photo shoot and that won’t happen if they are hungry and thirsty. Have plenty of fresh water on hand and bring along their favorite delicious treats. Just like with their toys, treats can also be used to help focus your pets’ eyes on the camera. And they provide a nice reward after a successful photo shoot. 

Including your pets in a family photo shoot may present a set of new challenges but with the proper preparation, help and props, capturing their memory doesn’t have to be mission impossible. It can even be enjoyable.