Collars and Leashes and Leads Oh My

I might as well confess right now I am a collar nut.  I love stylish dog collars for all seasons.  

With 7 dogs in our household, I have a great opportunity to buy many different types of colorful collars, then mix and match among the pack.

But, just like people who come for their portraits or on location sessions, I often get questions as to what a pet should "wear" for their photograph.  And, if I don't get that question beforehand, I will ask one of my own:  "Do you want your photos with the collar on or off?"

Lilah shows off a summertime Lobster collar.

Slip Lead

As your photographer, I want you to have a memory of your pet exactly as you want to see them.  I am not bothered by collars in photographs, and for on location sessions, I prefer a dog be on leash with tagged (identification) collars.  In and around my studio, I will often use a slip lead outside, and do a few photos with no collar inside (where it's safe to remove collars and leashes). 

The slip lead affords ease of removal in post processing, as it is a slender piece of woven material.  It provides safety in the way it is designed to be used, and there are no tags hanging down from it that will also need to be removed, if a clean look is wanted in the photo.  The only drawback of slip leads is, if held to tight, they can be uncomfortable for a totally untrained pet, and they can also make the hair around the neck unruly and unnatural.

In the photo above, our Lilah's tags are hanging down from her lobster collar, but her great expression, and that pop of red color, serve to take the eye where it needs to go, and makes for a pleasing, comfortable photo.

My Favorite Leash

I do have a favorite leash that I not only use to walk our dogs, but also in my photography work.  It's a Ruff Wear Roamer Bungee Dog Leash.

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In the photo above you can see the leash in action.  It is made to be worn around your waist if you jog with your pooch.  I don't jog, but I do walk pretty fast, and having hands free is lovely.  However, that wrapping end is FANTASTIC for attaching a pet to a railing or tree or bench in order to move away and grab a quick photo.  Moe is demonstrating it for us, as he sits quietly tied to a small footbridge locally, waiting for me to snap his picture.

The leash has give, which saves your human joints, and also saves the dog from quick jerk movements.  It is not at all like a retractable leash (my least favorite leash in the whole world).

The quick mini slideshow above, gives you an idea how easy it is for me to remove the leash in post processing.  This leash is a wonderful tool, and I recommend it to all of my pet parents, who often remark on it when they see it in action.

Collarless Studio Photos

I use the studio for fine art portrait work.  While I will leave collars on, should the owner prefer it, I do take a few shots without a collar.  To date, one of these type of shots has always been the most-ordered by clients.  

The studio is a safe space, where pets can roam and sniff and relax, so photos are often reflective of those features.

Some Additional Thoughts

I do welcome bandanas, as long as they are not overpowering and are the correct size for your pet.  I have a few crowns and flowered collars in house for divas, as well as a number of bow ties for gentlemen.

If a client plans on sitting in on a photo with their dog or cat, I ask that they dress to either highlight or match their dog.  Below are a few successfully-matched pairings.

When in doubt, it's always good to ask prior to your session.  I do send each client a guide on how to prepare for photos, which includes many of the thoughts you have read here.

This week's blog circle theme is all about collars and photo shoots.  It will be interesting to read how others approached this subject.  You can start your trip around the circle with Nancy of Nancy Kieffer Photography in Syracuse, as she talks about collars and leads for your photoshoot.

Have a great weekend!