5 Things to Know Before Your In- Studio Pet Portrait Session



In-Studio Pet Portrait sessions are a fun way to get updated photos of your dog in a low-stress environment. Not only do you get great images for Instagram, you also have a positive experience with your dog and teach them that getting their picture made is awesome! In this post, I’m sharing 5 things you need to know before attending your session.

1.) Bring the good treats


We’re going to be asking your dog for their attention in a new environment, so be prepared to pay & pay well in treats they really love. Some dogs are happy working for small training treats, but most dogs need higher-value treats at the session.

Some ideas for high-value rewards include:

  • Cheese
  • Hot Dogs (cut into small pieces)
  • Liverwurst
  • A Super Special Toy


Rochester NY pet photographer
Rochester ny pet photographer

2.) Be on time for your session


Nearly every pet event is fully booked, which means your session will immediately follow the session before. Being on time, or 10 minutes early, can help us keep on track. Unfortunately, due to the nature of this event, we aren’t able to see late arrivals.

You’ll notice in your preparation & reminder email sent 24 hours before your pet portrait event session I recommend planning to arrive 15 minutes early to give you a little time for unexpected delays.


3.) Please wait in your car until I call you


We’re super lucky to have a private space so I can open this event even to dogs that may be fearful or reactive to new people and/or dogs. To make sure that it’s a positive experience for everyone, we DO NOT allow dogs to see or greet each other in the parking area.

I will wave you in or call you when we’re ready for you to come in for your session.

We want the trip to & from the car to be a positive experience too!


pet photography

4.)Let me know of any accommodations needed


I am a dog lover just like you & I’d love to love your dog with pets and kisses and treats and squeak funny toys and make silly noises to get their attention, but some dogs don't enjoy that.

If your dog needs more space, doesn’t enjoy attention from new people, or just plain hates squeaky toys – let me know!

I work with several dogs at these events that I can only love quietly from afar, and that’s 100% OK!

The number one goal of your pet portrait event session is to make this a great experience for your dog.


5.) Have Fun!!


You might be worried I won’t get any good images or that your dog is too hyper or unfocused or just not behaving as well at your pet portrait event session as he might at home.

That’s normal. 

This is exciting stuff for most dogs – new place, new people, new smells (or exciting place & fun people if they’ve been before) – and they’re going to be a little busy.

As long as you’re relaxed and having a good time, your dog will be better able to enjoy it too!