Engagement Photos with Your Dog
Tips For Including Your Dog
The Woodlands Engagement Photography
Our dogs are family, so it makes sense to want to include them on one of the most special days of your life. Looking back, I wish I would have included our dogs in more family photos and milestones. It’s never too much to ask to include them, so don’t hesitate to bring them along for your engagement session or even your family session!
This precious couple had their bulldog join them to announce their engagement and he was the perfect man for the job!
Let’s talk about how to prepare for your session.
How To Prep Your Dog
- Have your fur baby groomed and pampered before the session
- Get there early- let your dog explore and get familiar with the area
- Take a walk before the session- exercise your dog before the session
- Bring treats and water
- Bring a helper or trusted friend to assist
- Avoid a bold distracting collar for your fur baby- if you want to bring a special sign, bandana or announcement, definitely make sure to include that!
- Bring their favorite toy
- If your dog needs to be on a leash, bring one that is retractable and in a neutral color like tan, brown, or black
How To Talk To Your Photographer About Your Dog
- Make sure you tell your photographer- that way everyone is on the same page and knows what to expect. Your photographer can help or make suggestions that they feel work best for your session.
- Pick a dog-friendly location. Your photographer should be able to suggest a location that will work best for your dog. Can your dog roam off leash? Are they easily distracted? Be sure to share those details with your photographer when considering a location.
- Share your dogs temperament with your photographer- there are no bad dogs, but it’s still important to share what interacting with your dog is like. You know your fur baby best. Make sure to inform your photographer if you are working on anything specific, if there are techniques that work best for approaching your dog, or what they expect when interacting with them.
At the end of the day, these are your memories and you want to be able to look back at these with fondness and the memory of your family in that season of life.
This is the start of something beautiful- capture your love in only the way that you can!
For more tips on hiring an engagement photographer and what to expect, check out these resources:
Tips For Hiring A Photographer
Hair and Makeup Tips
How To Plan A Surprise Proposal
