Why you need to be in the photos too. | Dog and People Photography
“Do I HAVE to be in the photos too?”
I get this question a lot. I mean, A LOT, yall. And I’m going to be real honest here - over the past year, making sure that I photograph you AND your dog (not just your pup) has become increasingly important to me.
As a mom of a senior soul-dog, this is a hill I will (lovingly) die on. And here’s why:
My dad left me a lot of things and the only one I’m not grateful for is my neck. For real, if I don’t hold my head at juuuust the right angle, I have a triple chin y’all. It’s not even a double, but a full blown triple chin.
I hate it; I’m really self conscious of it, and there’s photo proof at the end of this blog.
But you know what I hate more than what can be easily fixed (either in the moment or in photoshop after) - the fact that I can see my time with Kona becoming shorter and shorter every day.
Let’s be honest, we all know just how short the time we share with our dogs truly is. Seeing her now compared to just a few years ago breaks my heart, but it also pushes me to create more photographs of her and I together. Triple chin and all.
I want to remember the way she looks at me. The big cheeky smile on her face on every adventure. The way she swims alongside the paddle board and finally climbs on board when she’s tired enough. The way she always is able to sneak kisses in whenever my face is close.
Our life together.
I want this for you, too. And you know deep in your heart, you’re going to want these photographs one day also.
Even if you’re “camera shy” or nervous, don’t be! I’ll help you choose your wardrobe to ensure the best camera-ready outfit, and have some confidence boosting tips and tricks the day of our session.
I can be super creative when it comes to showing your bond without showing you if this is a hill that you’ll die on too.
Here are just 5 different ways we can show your relationship:
1: Front and center family style
Think your dogs won’t sit still for a family portrait? Well, you’re probably right, but that still wont stop us from creating a gorgeous family portrait for your mantle. I promise, with a little patience, the proper puppy motivation, and a bit of post-processing, we’ll have everyone looking their best.
2: Just the details & quiet moments you share
One of my favorite things to capture is the snuggles you share.
3: Blurred in the background
For the more camera shy parents, this is a great way to make your pup the center of attention, while still being in the photograph.
4:they only have eyes for you
The look of pure joy, contentment, and unconditional love for you.
5: Silhouettes
Let the sky, location, and your bodies tell your story.
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.
And now - the proof you’ve been waiting for!
Finn and I were most definitely not ready for the first selfie. (Oh, and why do I have a repetitive shirt and hat on, you ask? Don’t judge; I always wear that hat and also made bad packing choices when it came to which post-hike tank top I would change into. ha)
