4 Great Shots You Want From Your Pet Photographer

Every pet photographer has their own way of approaching a session, their own style, and, as we will probably see this week, their own thoughts about what types of photos need to be taken at a session.

Let me be the first to say, session photography is not an exact science when it comes to planning out photos.  Every dog and individual pet owner will be different.  They too will have their own taste, style, likes, wants.  

But...

​From my experience I have found there are 4 Great Shots that every single client absolutely loves to see in their galleries.

1.  A Nice Portrait of Owner and Pet Together

Whether in studio, or out-and-about on location, I have found that most pet owners love to have a nice, straightforward portrait of themselves with their pet.

I always meet a client and pet prior to a session to learn more about them.  In that conversation, we talk about what types of photos they are looking to achieve, what the end result of the session will be (wall art, framed photographs, desk copies, etc.), and if they are comfortable being in front of the camera.  

Some pet owners do not want themselves photographed, but would still like to show a great relationship.  There are ways of making that happen as well.

And there are times when an animal feels much more comfortable in front of the camera, when they can be close to their human, wrapped in their arms or feeling their touch.

2.  A Photo of a Natural, Everyday Occurrence

The life of our pets on an everyday level, is often what comes to our minds once that pet has left this world and passed on to the next.

Most people can't turn away from a good photo of what is a very natural occurrence that endears them to their pet.

A boy and his dog, reliving a daily partnership, is a good example of a piece of lifestyle photography I always strive to achieve if a session allows it.  Again, it's that early consultation before the session, that gives me insight into what the everyday might hold, and where I can start to build exactly how to capture it.

3.  Favorite Hangouts of Your Pet

Maybe you walk a certain trail every day, or visit a favorite park and watch ducks roll by on a lazy stream.  Maybe your dog loves a certain chair on your patio and sits in it all the time.

Maybe your cat loves to perch on the top of his cat tree and watch the world go past his window.

Whatever, the spot, the reason, the activity, capturing a moment or two of your pet indulging in their favorite hangout is well worth the effort.  Pets are often more comfortable in their favorite surroundings, as well, so the chances for more successful photos are very high.

Puppies, too, have favorite spots they like to snuggle into.  Sometimes it's a lap, but other times it can be as simple as a backyard, shady piece of ground.

And let's not forget those kitties!

4.  The Daily Walk (Especially for Dogs)

A daily walk photo opportunity is a great way to not only see an older pet in action, but it allows owners to be incognito if they don't want to appear in front of the camera.  

You get the added bonus of surroundings which may have different textures and colors, like sidewalks, paving tiles, painted curbs, and leading lines such as building walls, fences and tree lawns.

​One of my favorite ways to capture a happy dog is on a walk.  I have yet to meet a cat client that is out walking on a leash, but I did once meet a kitty who has learned to stay on his deck, thanks to a harness and leash.

There you have it!  Four great shots you will want to have from your photo session!

Of course there will be others.

Maybe some of them will be discussed by the other blog circle photographers in this week's group of write ups.  I am looking forward to seeing what other pet photographers feel are the best things to capture in their sessions.  How about you?

Start here with Jemma Martin of JM Photography, who looks at the 7 essential shots for a pet photography shoot in Suffolk, UK.

Have a great weekend!  Enjoy!