Bringing your dog to a Surrey family photoshoot.

Wondering how you’ll manage bringing your dog to a surrey family photoshoot?

Having a family dog is becoming more the norm rather than the exception across Surrey, with dog owners ship increasing by 5% since pre-covid. Consequently I’m being asked more regularly if families can bring their doggy to their Surrey family photoshoot, which I am super happy about, as I couldn’t be happier to photograph a family with their dog!

In my eyes a family without their dog at a photoshoot, is an incomplete family portrait!

What you’ll find in this article:

I’ve had the pleasure of photographing a lot more of these adorable fur-babies lately; alongside Mum, Dad and the kids, so in this article I’m here to offer you the following advice and tips:

1. Common Doggy Concerns

2. Reasons why you can and should bring your doggy to a family photoshoot in Surrey.

3. What you need to bring to a doggy photoshoot

4. Key points to consider before and during your photoshoot.

5. The quick Summary! What you don’t have to worry about!

Scroll on to find each heading and useful tips to consider……

Common Doggy Concerns:

I’m sure that old saying, ‘never work with animals and children’ comes to mind. And I know this thought has put some families off bringing their dog to their photoshoot. But in my world, as a professional family and doggy photographer, my motto is never say never! ; )

Many families avoid bringing their beloved family dog as they worry about the logistics of managing young children and a dog together; a lot could go wrong! I know you want to relax and enjoy your photoshoot too!

Will your dog sit still and stay calm at the right moment? Will she even look at the camera when you do? And, nobody wants to spend their time running off looking for the dog or worse still….chasing a runaway toddler and doggy at the same time! (You can read about my toddler photographer management skills here soon; when I’ve caught up on my blogging! ) : )

In my eyes a family without their dog at a photoshoot, is an incomplete family portrait!

However, now days I actively encourage full family participation at my photoshoots, so bringing your dog is very much encouraged! After all they are a big part of your family!

Read on to discover my 5 key reasons why you definitely SHOULD be bringing your dog along to your next Surrey family photoshoot!

Reasons why you CAN and SHOULD bring your doggy to your next Surrey family photoshoot:

Reason 1: Your doggy is part of your family.

This would be my number one reason for encouraging families to bring their doggy to their session. You wouldn’t leave one of your children behind so why leave your doggy at home, when they would normally enjoy family time outdoors on walks with you.

Reason 2: It’s my job to manage the chaos!

Bringing your dog to your family photoshoot isn’t really something that you need to worry about because managing the logistics of your family photoshoot is actually my job. I’m experienced at directing doggies alongside your family, on or off the lead. It’s the service I offer you! Your job is to enjoy it!

Reason 3: Dogs and little children are my super power!

Not only is it my job to manage the the chaos, managing children, your doggy and all the rest of your family at the same time in one family photoshoot, is actually one of my super powers! How do I know this?

Well, I’ve done it on countless occasions and you’ll see the results of my hard work right here…. lots of beautiful family portraits with doggies. : )

Reason 4: Your doggy is your secret ingredient to relaxed family photo’s, full of joy and connection!

Trust me here! The fun and excitement of having your dog at a photoshoot goes a long way to alleviating any self-conscious feelings about being photographed. Children love showing off their doggy, which helps us to establish an immediate connection. And, those moments where everyone is focused on your 4 legged family friend, often become the families most loved family photograph.

Reason 5: You won’t regret it!

I can promise you, you can only ever regret the photographs that you didn’t have taken with your dog!

What you need to bring to a doggy photoshoot

1. Doggy Treats!

Treats are an excellent way to keep your dog’s attention and reward them for their responsive behavior during the photoshoot.

2. Favourite Toy

Your dog’s favorite toy can help keep them engaged and playful during the shoot. We can use it to direct their attention for the camera, to get them running towards something, to direct their gaze (towards you or towards the camera) or to catch or jump for their toy.

3. Leash & Collar

Even if you are planning to have your photographs taken off-leash and you have a well trained dog that is calm and follows directions; it’s always a good idea to have a leash and collar handy for safety and control if other dogs are about.

I also recommend thinking about the type of lead and it’s colour, if you want your final portraits to show off your doggy and their beautiful physique and their gorgeous fur! Bright colourful leads and harnesses with logo’s and writing on them are very distracting, as are full body harnesses. Go for the finest, smallest, shortest and most discrete colour/shaped leash possible for the best finished portrait results.

4. Water

Especially in warm weather as we will be running about a bit!

I tend to avoid rivers and ponds until the end of our shoot and as many dog owners will know, not all rivers and ponds are safe for our dogs, so I am sure I don’t need to tell you that it’s safest to bring a bottle of water for your doggy. But Im adding everything on this list so you can use it as a tick box, to ensure you remember everyhting becuase I expect when you have small children to get out the door too, anything can get forgotten! But don’t forget to bring the children, I’ve not added them to the check list! ; )

5. Grooming

A brush and a small cloth are both useful to keep your doggy’s coat looking plush and presentable throughout the shoot.

6. Patience

Dogs can be unpredictable, so it’s essential to approach the photoshoot with patience and a positive attitude. Stay calm and relaxed to help your dog feel comfortable and at ease.

7. Trust

Trust in the process too!

It’s my job to take you through a process, of setting up situations and opportunities for the right shots of your beloved doggy with your family. In most cases it’s normal for us to repeat the same actions a few times until we get our desired shot, so trust the process and enjoy the time you have playing together and interacting as a family.

Key points to consider before, during and after your photoshoot.

Before your photoshoot:

1. Prepare the kids.

Have they had much experience walking or handling the dog?

In the weeks leading up to your photoshoot, make sure your kids are used to handling the dog (in a safe age appropriate way). You will want your children to be confident in handling their furry friend, especially if you’re want shots of them interacting together, such as, picking the dog up for a cuddle, cuddling the dog on their lap, sitting next to the dog or walking the dog on a lead unaided.

2. Book in a grooming session for your doggy.

It takes a bit of time to prepare everyones outfits before a photoshoot so in the lead up to the shoot, don’t forget to book your doggy in to the groomers, so they can look as smart as the rest of the family! Pay close attention to clipping hair away from the eyes (as eyes make for a perfect portrait), but only if this appropriate for your breed of dog’s grooming style.

3. Visit your shoot location

Head out for a walk ot two in the location where you’re planning to have your photoshoot or in a very similar location. You want your dog to be familiar and as calm as possible with the type of surroundings what he/she might encounter.

4. Just before your shoot

Factor in some time to take your dog for a short walk/run, so they can let of some steam and exhaust some of their excitable energy before the photoshoot. You don’t want to completely tire them out but just expend some of their energy, let them sniff about and do their business too!

Safety:

Thinking about bringing your dog to a surrey family photoshoot?

So if you’ve made it to the bottom of this article and you like the idea of having a family photoshoot with your doggie, do get in touch via my contacts page HERE>

I’d love to have a non-pressured chat to see how we can make your family photoshoot, with fur-baby, a reality!

Sarah Angel is a professional newborn and family photographer based in Farnham, Surrey and photographs families across Greater London, North Hampshire and Surrey. She is Fine Art trained and holds a 1st class honours award in Photography. Prior to establishing her family photography business, she worked in education as a Secondary School Art and Photography teacher, for 20 years. She continues to teach, running photography workshops for adult beginners, in the Farnham area.