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One of my favorite things to photograph is the connection between people and their dogs—the quiet cuddles, the chaos, the happy zoomies, and the way they look at you like you are their whole world. Dog sessions are meant to feel relaxed and real, not stiff or overly posed. We want to capture what will make you remember your dog and who they are. 

A little preparation can make a huge difference in helping you and your pup feel comfortable so that we can help their personality and your connection shine. Here are some tips on how to set your dog (and yourself!) up for success.

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1. Arrive Early to Move and Groove 

When shooting with dogs, especially young ones, I always recommend getting to the location a bit early and letting them walk around (on leash with you of course.) This doesn’t mean running a marathon, but starting with a dog who has slightly taken the edge off helps them settle into the environment faster. A short walk or some playtime earlier in the day or on location works wonders.

Think: content, comfortable, and happy, not exhausted.

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2. Bring the Good Treats or Toys (The Really Good Ones)

This is not the day for their everyday kibble. Bring small, high-value treats your dog loves—something soft, quick to eat, and easy to grab between shots. If your dog is motivated by toys or sounds, bring something that will catch their interest! Whatever works for your dog. 

Treats and Toys help with:

• Keeping attention toward the camera
• Rewarding their  behavior
• Creating positive associations with the session
• Having fun and getting photos full of personality

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3. Keep Collars & Gear Simple

Neutral, well-fitting collars photograph best. If possible:

• Avoid retractable leashes
• Skip overly bright patterns or large tags
• Choose something timeless and comfortable

I can remove leashes in editing when needed, so we can keep things safe while still getting those natural-looking images.

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4. Don’t Worry About “Perfect Behavior.”

Your dog does not need to know a long list of commands.

In fact, some of the best moments happen in between:

• The curious sniffs
• The head tilts
• The way they check back in with you
• The spontaneous tail wags and movement

I build sessions around how dogs actually behave—not forcing them into something unnatural.

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5. Let Them Be Themselves

If your dog is goofy, we embrace goofy.
If they’re calm and observant, we lean into that.
If they want to sit glued to you the whole time—that connection is exactly what we want to document.

These photos are about your dog and your relationship, not perfection.

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6. Think About Your Outfit (Yes, It Matters!)

Try to coordinate with your dog rather than match them.

Great choices:

• Earth tones, soft neutrals, denim, textures
• Clothes you can move comfortably in
• Layers like jackets or sweaters (very PNW-friendly)

Avoid:

• Loud patterns or neon colors
• Anything you’ll constantly adjust or worry about

You’ll likely be sitting, walking, bending, and interacting a lot—comfort is key.

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7. Trust the Process (And Expect a Little Chaos)

Dogs don’t follow timelines, and that’s okay. I allow space for breaks, sniffing, and adjusting so we never rush them. Some sessions start slow and end full of energy. Some start wild and settle into the sweetest moments. Either way, we work with your dog—not against them.

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8. Bring Water + A Towel (Especially in the PNW)

Between damp grass, beach sessions, or muddy paws, it’s always smart to have:

• Water for your pup
• A towel for quick cleanups
• Maybe a lint roller for yourself (if you care about that, with a house full of goldens, I gave up long ago)

A little preparedness keeps things stress-free.

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The Goal Isn’t a Perfect Dog. It’s Honest Moments.

Years from now, these images won’t matter because your dog sat perfectly on command. They’ll matter because they show who they were in that season of life—their expressions, their quirks, and the way they loved you.

That’s the story we aim to capture.

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