Pet Photography: 13 Essential Tips to Prepare for Your Pet’s Photo Session!
Amelia Plumb is introducing “Furry Friend” photo sessions! You love your pets like you love your children. So why not put the focus on your furry friends? They deserve special photos too!
On that note, Amelia has created a guide that promises to make your upcoming pet photo session an unforgettable experience. Just as every wag of the tail and every whisker twitch tells a story, these tips and insights will help you ensure that your furry, feathered, or scaled companion is ready to shine in front of the camera. Capturing the essence of our beloved pets through photography is a cherished art, and with Amelia Plumb Photography, those magical moments come to life like never before.
Here are thirteen tips to prepare your pet for a professional photo session, it requires some planning and patience to ensure a successful and stress-free experience. Read on to help you get your pet camera ready, AND calm your nerves:
1. Practice Your Commands: Ensure your pet knows basic commands like "sit," "stay," and "come." This will help the photographer capture more controlled and composed shots.
2. Introduce A Camera: If your pet isn't used to seeing cameras or equipment, introduce them to it before the session. If you can, let them sniff and explore a camera and any other equipment that might be used. If not, I’m happy to introduce your pet to my camera before the session begins.
3. Get Them Clean And Sparkly: Be sure to give your pet a bath, brush or groom them before the session. Trim their nails, brush their fur, and clean their ears to make them look their best. Maybe a cute collar or bow would add some interest?
4. A Tired Pet is A Relaxed Pet: On the day of the session, make sure your pet gets plenty of exercise and playtime. A tired pet is more likely to be calm and cooperative during the shoot.
5. Toys & Treats Help: Bring your pet's favorite toys, treats, and bedding to the session. These items can help them feel more comfortable in the new environment.
6. Positive Association With Location: Create positive associations with the location if we are not taking the photos at your home. Visit the park or special location beforehand and spend some time there with your pet so they become familiar with it.
7. Props And Clothing: For variety, cute factor and fun bring props. It’s up to you how you want your photos to look, so if you want classic photos of your pet maybe no props are necessary. If you want fun and cute, it’s great to come up with some props for this shoot. Props like collars, hats, toys, or clothing are so fun!
8. Calm Environment: On the day of the session, create a calm and relaxed environment at home. Avoid any stressful situations that could affect your pet's demeanor.
9. Pack Essentials: Pack a bag with essentials such as water, treats, a leash, and any items that will help keep your pet comfortable and happy during breaks.
10. Arrive Early: Arrive at the session location a bit early to allow your pet to acclimate to the surroundings and get comfortable.
11. Patient: Pets can be unpredictable, and it might take some time for them to warm up to the camera and to a new person (me) as well as the new environment. Be patient and give them time to adjust.
12. Stay Calm and Positive: Your pet can pick up on your emotions, so stay calm and positive throughout the session. Speak to them in a soothing tone and offer praise and treats for good behavior
13. Follow Their Lead: If your pet is showing signs of stress or discomfort, don't push them too hard. It's okay to take breaks and let them relax.
Amelia is now offering “Furry Friend” photo sessions! Since she has been photographing families for 14+ years, and pets are family too, Amelia was thinking maybe it’s time we put the focus on your pets!!? If you would like to schedule a “Furry Friend” session with Amelia Plumb Photography, please reach out to her on her socials, or directly through her website.
Amelia Plumb is a seasoned pet and family photographer. She provides artistic and beautiful pet photography to residents in Marin County, San Francisco, and works with pets and people in Piedmont and Orinda as well. Amelia is a bit of a pet whisperer! Most animals (and people) love her calm and kind demeanor, and they gravitate to her. Amelia loves working with Marin County and Sonoma County families, as well as other San Francisco Bay Area families to provide beautiful photographs of their most beloved children, furry or not, and she loves to create a story around her images, for maximum impact. If you would like to work with Amelia to create some amazing and memorable photos for your family, she has provided some preparation tips, so you and your pet will be relaxed and ready on photo day:
Remember that each pet is unique, and their comfort and well-being should always be the top priority. Once you have scheduled a session, please let her know about your pet's personality and preferences before our session, it will go a long way in ensuring a fun and relaxing experience and great photos that you will love of your furry child, and family. =)
Amelia has been photographing people and pets in Marin County, San Francisco and beyond for over 14 years. She enjoys working with pets so much, she loves animals of all kinds. She has been a pet mom to 2 dogs, 3 rabbits, two hermit crabs, one lizard, three hamsters and one cat, thus far, and each of her furry (or not so furry) friends has been a true joy in her life.
Amelia hopes to connect with you soon!
The photos in this post are of a kitty named Romeo. He is a rescue cat from the Milo Foundation, in Richmond, Ca. Romeo is 3 years old and was recently adopted. He is a wonderful and playful guy, who acts like a Labrador retriever most days, as he loves to play fetch and asks for belly rubs, all day long.