How to Get Better Photographs of Your Dog
Tips from a professional dog trainer
Guest Blog by By Wendy S. Katz, KPA CTP, CPDT-KA, CCUI, FDM, Certified Fear Free Professional & Heather Huffman
You’d love beautiful, meaningful photographs of your dog, but maybe you’ve hesitated to book a session because you’re worried it might feel stressful, chaotic, or overwhelming for them.
Here’s the good news: photo sessions don’t require perfect behavior. With a little thoughtful preparation and the right mindset, they can be relaxed, enjoyable, and even fun for both you and your dog.
Below are a few simple, trainer-approved tips to help your dog feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera so their true personality can shine.
Before the Session: Finding the Right Balance
Exercise and rest matter more than perfection
If your dog is having professional grooming shortly before the photo session, take a moment to consider how they usually respond. Dogs who are comfortable with grooming may bounce right back. Others may feel emotionally tired and need a day to decompress before being asked to navigate a new environment.
The same applies to exercise. A short walk or light play session can help take the edge off extra energy, but over-exercising can leave your dog mentally flat or overstimulated. Think of it as a Goldilocks approach: not too much, not too little, just right.
The Most Important Thing: Relax and Have a Good Time
Give your dog time to get oriented
When you arrive at your session, expect curiosity. Whether you’re in a studio or outdoors, your dog will notice new smells, sounds, and visual details. This is completely normal.
Allow a few minutes for your dog to explore and acclimate while you take a breath and observe their body language. If you’d like a refresher on how dogs communicate comfort, curiosity, or stress, Wendy has compiled a collection of free resources you can explore here:
https://www.enjoyabledogs.com/pre-class-resources
Be your dog’s emotional anchor
Your dog is always aware of your emotional state, even when it looks like they’re ignoring you. If you begin to feel frustrated or anxious, pause. Take a deep breath. Reset.
Photo sessions work best when they feel playful, pressure-free, and supportive. Your calm presence helps your dog feel safe, which is when the most beautiful moments tend to happen.
Consider an outdoor session
For some dogs, being outside feels easier and more natural. Outdoor sessions offer space to move, fresh air, and softer transitions between moments of activity and rest. They also provide wonderful opportunities for natural light and layered backgrounds.
Know Your Dog is in good hands
When Heather invited my two Australian Shepherds into her studio for a test run of her new setup, my adolescent dog fully embraced her inner chaos. She wouldn’t hold still for more than a few seconds.
Despite that, Heather created a portrait that stopped me in my tracks. The magic wasn’t perfect behavior. It was patience, experience, and knowing exactly when to capture the in-between moments.
Simple Ways to Prepare
Bring a little piece of home
If your dog has a favorite bed or blanket, bring it along. Even if it’s not used in the final photographs, it can provide comfort and familiarity during the session. Having a safe “home base” often helps dogs relax and adapt more quickly.
Treat strategy matters
Bring a variety of treats and plenty of each. You’ll likely want higher-value treats than you normally use at home.
Small, soft, and aromatic treats work especially well. Diced meat or cheese tends to create fewer crumbs, which means less time spent sniffing the ground. Dehydrated lung or fish can be surprisingly motivating for some dogs, but cutting larger pieces in advance helps minimize distractions.
Variety is key. Some treats may be too exciting, others just right. Having options allows you to respond to your dog’s needs in the moment.
If your dog prefers drinking from a familiar bowl, feel free to bring that along as well.
Optional: Take It to the Next Level with Simple Training
Stationing for security
A “station” is a designated spot your dog has learned to associate with comfort and rewards. Teaching your dog to sit, stand, or lie down on a station can make posing much easier and more predictable.
Simple station ideas include:
Sitting or lying on a chair or bench
Relaxing on an attractive blanket or in a basket
Placing front paws on a small platform (especially helpful for photographing multiple dogs together)
Want help preparing?
If you’d like to maximize your dog’s comfort and cooperation through gentle, confidence-building training, Wendy offers additional guidance on her blog, including:
How to teach your dog to settle on a blanket
Helping multiple dogs pose side by side
Preparing your dog for a photographer moving around with a camera
Simple tricks that reduce stress and build confidence
You can explore those resources here
A Special Collaboration Offer
Photography + Training Bundle
To support clients who want the most relaxed and successful experience possible, we’re offering a 15% discount when photography sessions are paired with training support.
If you’d like to learn more about combining training and photography in a way that truly honors your dog, we’d love to help.
About the Author
Wendy S. Katz, KPA CTP, CPDT-KA,CCUI, FDM, Certified Fear Free Professional
A Ph.D. biologist turned dog trainer, Wendy has over 20 years of training experience. She uses evidence-based methods to create simple, achievable success while prioritizing emotional welfare for both ends of the leash.
Ready to turn those training wins into frame-worthy art?
Let’s plan your pet portrait session in Lexington.