Tips on getting your pet ready for a photo shoot

I thought it might be helpful to share with you some tips for getting your pet ready for a photo sitting. Most of these tips will relate to dogs and cats and mostly dogs (they are much more difficult than us cats).

• Give your pet a clean, it doesn't have to be the groomers, it might just be a brush or a wash at home. Remember to look around their eyes and mouth for any gunk that can build up.
• For dogs, give them a clipping if they need one, this is especially true for poodles and poodle crosses as often the hair on their face can block their eyes (one of the most important things in a pet portrait).
• For dogs take them for a good, long walk the day of the sitting as this will help to calm them down.
• Think about words they respond to, like 'walk', 'park', 'treats'.
• If your photo sitting is going to be somewhere other than your home or where your pet is comfortable bring along something they are familiar with like a rug they sleep on or a toy they play with.
• Bring a lead with you to keep hold of your pet (this can also be useful for cats).
• Always bring your pet along on their lead or for cats in their carry case, there might be other pets having their photo taken when you arrive.

Please note from my own personal experience that cats are usually more comfortable in their own home rather than in a studio and this will show in their photos.

Hope this helps anyone considering having pet portraits done, you can also ask the photographer for their advice on what you should do before a sitting as they may have their own preferences as well.

For now, meow.

Lik the Cat