Pet Photography Session Preparation Tips
/PROPS
Sessions will be photographed with my signature dark black background making it easy for you to bring an outfit for your pet or an item that you’d like to incorporate that means something to you.
NOTE: Don't be afraid to bring lots of items. We may not use them all but it is better to have too much than not enough when it comes to options.
I had the honour of photographing Angel in the image below - Angel’s fur-mom wanted to incorporate musical items that represented her as a country singer and her late husband as a musician. ♥️
Let’s make your session unique to you like I did with Angel’s session.
ANIMAL PREP
DOGS
If you feel your dog needs a bath, please bath them the day before their session, not on the day of their session. If your dog requires special grooming, we suggest you time their haircut so their hair will be the length you love by the time the photo session occurs.
Please don’t run your dog right before their session or they will be panting during their shoot.
Please ensure dogs arrive on lead.
Bring grooming tools (brushes, comb, elastics..)
HORSES
I’ll ask that all grooming and tacking be completed before the session.
SMALL ANIMALS
Bath, Brush and trim those little nails so they are close up ready!😉
Please ensure all small animals are secured in carry crates on arrival. (no hand holding)
Bring grooming tools (brushes, comb, elastics..)
CLOTHING SUGGESTIONS FOR HUMANS
Work uniforms, Cleaned, Ironed and de lint.
DON’T match your pet’s fur colour, we don’t want you blending into each other. 😉
Lighter shirts on top give the pictures a more casual and bright look.
Pastels are also usually appealing because they enhance natural skin tones.
Dark Tones shirts on top give the portraits a more moody and thoughtful feel.
Solid colours are best. Prints and patterns are not recommended. This includes logos, they will become a distraction.
Proper Necklines for a Portrait. The most flattering neckline for anyone is something that comes up close to the neck – a turtleneck or a v-neck is the most flattering. It tends to slim down the person and frames the face beautifully.
Avoid tank tops and strapless tops. Long sleeved clothing is best! When arms and legs are exposed there will be more flesh in the photograph in those areas than on the face, itself.
Make Up, Hair & Nails. It is always a great idea to have your make up and hair professionally applied for your photography session. It will make a huge difference in how you look and feel. 🥰
Keep your hair simple and off your face as much as possible, we want your face to shine not be hidden!
Don’t over accessories! Overbearing or heavily noticeable accessories can be a major distraction. Simple and minimal works best.
Jeans are the timeless choice and they’re great for fun, casual pictures because they are flattering and don’t show wrinkles or panty lines.
Group/family portrait sessions. Keep your clothing simple - First, decide whether the basic tone of the clothing will be warm-toned (browns, etc.) or cool-toned (blues/greys/blacks, etc.) Then, make sure to follow all of the above instructions.
Keeping a group in similar colour focuses the attention of the portrait to the faces and individuals that make up the portrait. Dissimilar colours in groups tend to be more distracting.
PRO TIP! Lay out all the clothing onto a bed. Shoes, socks, stockings – everything should be included…shoes, too! Then, take a careful look at the collection. If your eye goes to any one item in particular, you can be certain that the same thing will happen in a photograph - that item should be changed.
