5 things I don't give a shit about during your dog's photo session
First, let me start by saying I wrote this blog post with love.
You see, I’ve been you. I’ve been on the other side of the camera — living in the moment, outdoors with my soul dog. I’ve had the same questions and concerns that you may have.
While I put a lot of love and care into photographing your pup, at the end of the day, here are a few things I just really don’t care about, at all.
1: Time
You will never see me looking at my watch and you will never feel rushed. Like seriously, ever. I make sure we start our session with plenty of time to take breaks, relax, change outfits, and work at your dog’s pace.
For some dogs, that may be 45 minutes, for others, 2 hours. It really just depends, but either way, we’re going to relax and enjoy ourselves, not stress over the time.
2: Your double chin.
Okay, first, you’re more beautiful than you think. Secondly, I’m realistic, I know we all have insecurities, and I get that. One thing my dad left me was his neck and if I don't hold my head in the perfect position, I get a triple chin. I’m self-conscious AF about it.
But you know what, double chins and other “issues” (I use that term suuuper loosely) can be a real easy fix — with wardrobe styling before our session, posing during our session, and, if needed, with a little bit of retouching after the session.
You know what else retouching can take care of?
crows feet,
teeth whitening,
acne,
the fact that your pup is laying on top of you which shifts stuff to where it normally isn't.
the little bit of missing hair that can easily be filled in.
the 10 lbs that yeah, the camera actually DOES add, depending on which lens I'm using,
and so much more.
I promise you, whatever insecurities you may have, you’ll see none of them in the final photos.*
3: Your training methods
Assuming you're not an asshole — which if you're getting photos with your pup, it's pretty safe to say you're not.
Yall, I know it’s controversial, but the e-collar was the best thing I ever did for Kona. I used to think they were a horrible, abusive tool, but that's because I wasn't educated.
Girl's stubborn and it's saved her life more times than I can count in the river and all I have to do is show her the remote now and she listens. She doesn't even have to have the collar on!
I'm all for balanced training and understand that what works for one dog may not work for another. Whether you use a prong-collar, gentle leader, e-collar, harness, or are completely positive-reinforcement only training, it's all good.
All of those training tools come off when your dog is in front of my lens anyway. (But they can go back on for walking between locations.)
4: Everyone looking at the camera at the same time.
Oh man, I call these unicorn shots. When it's just you and your pup, it typically happens naturally. Throw more than 1 dog or some kiddos in the mix, it's time for some photoshop magic to make the perfect photo!
5: Behind the scene photos!
Y'all, when Kona and I were photographed, I loved taking some behind-the-scenes photos! If you want to take a few photos of me taking photos of your pup just to have on your phone, I'm 100% down with that.
Just as long as you share them with me that is! ;)
Want me to capture the unique bond you share with your dog in the great outdoors? I’m now booking sessions for the Fall.
Click the “let’s Go” button below to started — we’ll jump on a call to discuss your vision, details, and start planning your session.
*Oh - one more thing, since you only ever purchase the photos you absolutely love, there’s literally no risk to jumping in front of the camera! So give it a go. Whether you hire me as your photographer or have a friend take photos on your phone, please don’t wait to document the bond you share. You’ll never regret taking these photos.
Oh, ok two things.
The biggest hug and thank you to Nicole Begley for capturing my relationship with Kona. My album and the photos of us will forever be treasured.