PET PREP SESSION GUIDE
TO GROOM OR NOT TO GROOM?
Decide what feels right for you and your pet, but if you’d like your pet polished for the shoot please groom them about a week or so before, not on the day of their session.
However.. you know your pet best!
COLLARS, HARNESSES, LEASHES, ETC.
Please make sure you bring a leash and collar, as some places we might visit do not allow dogs off leash and there’s the possibility of being in places where a road or highway is near. If at all possible, bring a thin leash or one that coordinates with outfits so it will either match or can be easily removed in post-processing, but I have a couple that I keep at the studio and in my car if we need them!
As for the collar, it's a good idea to check it before the session. If it's getting pretty worn out, it’s recommended to replace it unless its a precious keepsake. Sometimes I can remove the collar from photos, but in most cases the collar remains in the final image.
ARRIVE A LITTLE EARLY
Dogs love to sniff and explore the studio… Cats tend to find places to hide...
When you arrive a little early to let your pet do their business, get used to the environment and relax a little before we get started,
it makes the photoshoot go easier and everyone will be less distracted and happier when starting your session.
HELP (YOU) AND YOUR PET RELAX!
A photoshoot can be a strange experience for animals and it can be difficult to calm down when a lot of attention is given to them and they’re not accustomed to the things we’ll need to do in order to get the best shots.. but rest assured that even though you might feel like I’m not getting anything good, I assure you that I only need milliseconds of time to get great shots!
The best way to make your pet feel comfortable is to take him for a little walk around the property before the photoshoot to let their ‘enthusiasm’ calm down a bit before we start.
If it seems that I’m ignoring them at times, there’s a reason!
Honestly, I love animals and would rather just sit in the floor and play, but that doesn’t always yeild great photos,
so sometimes I have to ignore them for a little bit to bring the camera focus back where it needs to be - on them!
BRING ALL THE THINGS!
Bring whatever your furbaby likes, whether it's toys or treats!
I’ll have a few on hand as well, but if there’s something your pet already loves it will make it easier for us to get those beautiful shots of pure delight.
Props can also sprinkle a great deal of personality to a photoshoot! I have a few at the studio, but please feel free to bring anything you want and I’ll help you narrow down!
A few examples include costumes, signs, blankets or pillows, bow ties, glasses, etc...
TIPS FOR THE HUMANS
COORDINATE WITH YOUR PET'S FUR
We don’t want you blending into each other, so I don’t suggest matching… but coordinating is always good!
SOLID COLORS ARE ALWAYS GOOD!
Darker, earthy colors will show your faces the best… bright colors are fun and can bring a lot of life and fun to your images.
More muted colors like beige, black, and denim look great but won't take the center stage away from your pet.
DON'T OVER-ACCESSORIZE
Overbearing or heavily noticeable accessories can be a major distraction. Simple and minimal always works best in portraits!
AVOID BIG LOGOS, PATTERNS, ETC.
Wearing big logos/graphics, stripes, or busy patterns because they distract from the beautiful portrait with your pet. The only exception is if any of these things ‘tell a story’ with your furbaby.. so if you and your pet have matching Captain America shirts, bring it on!
HAIR & MAKEUP
Please arrive with your hair and makeup styled the way you would like it to be photographed.
If makeup and/or hair is booked with my stylist, arrive with a clean face and dry hair.
If you are going to have your hair cut or colored, please do it at least a week before your session so it has time to relax and feel more natural. Feel free to bring a brush/comb and your hairspray, just in case.
Use waterproof makeup if your session is going to be during warm summer months.
Skip the glitter and sparkle as they react to light in strange ways.
Bring lip balm or lip gloss to keep your lips from looking dry.
