STUDIO PET PREP SESSION GUIDE
TO GROOM OR NOT TO GROOM?
Decide what feels right for you and your pet, but if you decide to groom, it’s best to do it 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 the highway is near the front door of the studio.
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, especially if it’s a favorite.
I have a couple of brown leather leads and a few collars that I keep at the studio if we need them!
ARRIVE A LITTLE EARLY
Dogs love to sniff and explore the studio and cats tend to find places to hide so we usually need a little time to switch out props/ backdrops/ etc.
HELP YOUR PET RELAX!
A photoshoot can be a strange experience for animalsso it can sometimes be difficult for them to calm down when a lot of attention is given.
There will be several things they’re not accustomed to in order to get the best shots.. but rest assured that even though it may 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 to let their ‘enthusiasm’ calm down a bit… this can be anything from sniffing and exploring, to zoomies or just letting them do their business. It’s best to show up a little early to let them get used to the environment and relax a little before we get started.
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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.
HOWEVER… please refrain from starting out with treats. If we start with treats, they’ll be completely focused on treats and we may not have the outcome we want.
Props can 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 or that’s special to your pet and I’ll help you narrow down! A few examples include their special toy, blankets or pillow, a bow tie for their collar, glasses, etc...
