Prepare for your PAWFECT Dog Photoshoot

Preparing for your pawfect dog photoshoot shouldn't be hard!

Grooming your dog for their dog photoshoot

Just like humans it's always best to book your dog in for grooming a week or so ahead of your photoshoot - I'm sure you, like me, have walked out of the hairdressers before and felt like you're not looking like "you" - can you images putting a picture of you, straight out of the hair dressers, on the wall above your fireplace??! After a couple of days though you are looking and feeling fabulous! That's time time you want everyone to see how amazing you are!

If your doggo doesn't need to visit the grooming parlour, give them a quick bath (if they're used to baths!) before you come or just give them a good brush over. There's absolutely no point stressing you and / or the dog out by bathing or grooming ahead of your photoshoot if they're not used it it - your photoshoot is supposed to be a fun filled adventure full of memories you'll enjoy looking back on!

BTW - I can't promise your dog will finish their photoshoot looking as fabulous as when they started - more on that in a moment!!

Have a little practise before your photoshoot

It's always a great excuse to revisit your dog's training before their photoshoot. Grab some scrummy treatos before you head out on your walk and at various points along the way as your dog to "sit", "stay" (whilst you walk a couple of metres away from them), "down" (if they're not a dachshund who refuses to "down" unless he's on carpet, yes hello Mr Mash, I'm talking about you!) and of course "come"

Make it fun! Give lots of treatos and praise and just enjoy the time really being together doing things

What's your favourite dog walk?

Where do you and your dog love to spend time? Do you have a favourite place in the world that encapsulates all the adventures your and your dog enjoy? If you're not sure then let me know and I can talk you through some of Mash & my favourite places to go, we know beaches, quiet walks, woods, forests, cities all across the south so have plenty of inspiration if you're fresh out!

Once we have the location sorted we'll plan a rough route - from experience, if your dog loves the water we're best off taking a route where we end up near the water rather than start off in the water so we can make the most of them looking fab first and THEN get the photos of them having fun in the water! In 9 years of photographing dogs I am still yet to meet someone who wants to hug a wet dog, maybe you'll be the first but best to hedge our bets and end on a high!

Humans do your bit!

I know this is a dog photoshoot, of your dog, for your dog BUT... There's nothing more precious that a couple of photos of YOU and your dog!

Trust me, I'm a photographer because I hate being in front of the camera and yet the picture hanging over my mantelpiece is of Mash AND me!! Having a professional dog photoshoot is the perfect excuse to jump in a few photos too - if you hate them we'll delete them but I know how important it is that we at least try, so...

Before your dog photoshoot delve through your wardrobe and plan your outfit - there's a whole blog on what to wear for your dog photoshoot but if you don't have time to read that right now here's a little summary

LOCATION

The location of your dog photoshoot should influence your outfit - for example if you're going to the forest a sundress and flip flops are probably not the best outfit to choose, similarly, you may look and feel a little out of sorts if you're wearing your beautiful tweed jacket and wellies to the beach in the middle of summer!

LAYERS

Wearing layers is a great way to add variety into your photoshoot. You could add a wrap or a scarf, pop your favourite jacket over your blouse, bring along a hat, whatever you fancy, the only rules are stick to one or two colours and go for shades & tones of those colours so your images work well together

LOGOS

Well not just logos but any writing / cartoon characters / large pictures across your top should be avoided at all costs. They are not only distracting but very much date your images and you'll want your investment to last through the years

LEGS

Blue jeans, chinos, linen trousers, basically any trousers that have a tailored waist are going to look fabulous, whether you're a skinny jeans, bootcut, flare or straight kinda gal (I don't know what the male versions are I'm sorry!) pop on those blue jeans and you can't go wrong

LE SHOESES (Lame I know but you try finding a word for "boots" that starts with an L!)

You know that lovely pair of leather boots you've been eyeing up but really can't justify the cost of - now you can! Nothing sets an outfit off better than a good pair of boots - wellie boots, knee high boots (for the ladies), walking boots or Timberlands, it's doesn't matter as long as your shoes are comfy, clean, a little bit practical and not dayglo trainers (but weirdly Converse all stars always work too!)!!

Special Needs

I can't stress how important it is to make sure you have a detailed discussion with your dog photographer about any special needs your dog may have, before your dog photo session. This could include things like

• Food allergies
• Anxiety
• Fear of strangers / other dogs
• What they are motivated by
• What we should avoid at all costs

Even the most well balanced, well loved dogs may have a small issue that if it's not talked about could upset them during their photo session so to make sure everything runs smoothly don't be afraid to voice any niggles beforehand

Enjoying your dog photoshoot

All that's left to do is download your "preparing for your dog photoshoot" checklist 9click on the image below)) and make sure you leave plenty of time for your dog session - I never rush my dog photoshoots. It's a joy to be out and about experiencing adventures with these most noble animals capturing their awesomeness in the great outdoors and hope you enjoy it as much as I will!