5 Tips: Dogs at Engagement Sessions
For as long as I can remember I wanted a puppy and it wasn’t until John and I purchased our first home together that were able to have one. We welcomed Bruin, a chocolate lab, back in 2009 to make us a family. This was a year before we were married. We thought about having Bruin in our wedding or engagement pictures, but how? We had no idea how to make dogs at engagement sessions work…
If you read my other blog post about engagement sessions – here – you know that we opted to not do our engagement session. Thinking back – this would have been the perfect time to include her! She was our first child and part of such milestones in our lives! Still is 🙂
Since we’ve been married, I’ve obviously starting photographing weddings and engagements. I’m an all around animal lover, so I wanted my couples to include their fur-family as well! These are some of the tips and tricks that I’ve found helpful when having dogs at engagement sessions.
- Have a Family Member Join Us
- Nice Accessories
- Arrive to the Location Early
- Treats/Squeak Toy
- Deep Breaths/Don’t Stress
Family Member
I really wish we thought of this! When we wanted to do our engagement session, we wanted to do it on Cape Cod and usually had a family member down there with us for the weekend. But it just never was a thought, so I hope this helps another couple looking to include dogs at engagement sessions.
Having a family member joining us could mean:
They are there the whole time and take the dog for a walk or back to the car to wait.
Or
They just come after the first 15 minutes of the session and take the dog.
Either way works, because you usually only need a few minutes with the pup(s) to get some fun shots! After that they are tired of being perfect models 😉
Nice Accessories
This is the perfect time to purchase an accessory off of Etsy or even just a new leash. Maybe choose something related to your wedding colors!
A lot of times I’ll try and edit out the leash or hide it, but if we’re doing some walking photos… a nice leash will go a long way. Things like bandanas with your wedding date or a cute outfit if you have a pet that will tolerate that! Remember to try it on the pet beforehand and make sure they are comfortable with it.
Arrive Early
I know you’ll be rushing around to get to the engagement session, so this might be where a family member could come in handy as well. If anyone can go to the engagement session location and let the pet walk around and sniff the different areas, it might help! Sometimes pets are so excited about a new place, that they just need a few minutes to figure out where they are or at least unwind from a car ride. This could also give you a chance to walk with them and calm them down – maybe even calm your nerves since you’ll be there already!
Treats and Squeak toys
Does your pet have favorites small treats or a favorite squeak toy? This will go a long way in getting them to listen and do their tricks for us! Bring a bunch and we’ll see what works best for them. Sometimes I hold the treat so they listen to what I’m asking, but it’s also good that you reward them too! Squeak toys are great for attention, if they start to wander and sniff…
Deep Breaths and Don’t Stress
Having dogs at engagement sessions is a fun way to distract you from the first time you’re in front of the camera. But it can also be a little stressful… but no worries!! I have a dog, who in her younger days was wild and crazy. I’ll still snuggle them and we’ll get fun shots! They do not have to be perfect! Sometimes the candids are the best ones…
The biggest piece about not stressing though, is that your pets can feel that energy. So if you go with the flow, take breaths and just let whatever happens for the shots… they will start to calm down too! Calm commands, let me worry if they are looking at me, and rewards for their good behavior will go a long way to creating some joyful images with your pets!
Bonus Tip!
Your pet doesn’t have to be a dog! Especially if you’re doing a session at home, we can incorporate lots of pets… I’ll draw the line at Snakes and Spiders though… I’ll have nightmares!
Are you a Pet lover who needs a wedding photographer?
I hope this helps give you some ideas on ways to have dogs at engagement sessions! If you’re a pet lover, I think we might be a great fit! So hit that contact button on the side and find out if I’m available for your big day!