From Zoomies to Dogue: How to Prep Your Pup for Picture-Perfect Dog Portraits Lexington, KY
Thinking about booking a dog portrait session in Lexington, KY, but unsure that your pup will cooperate?
After photographing hundreds of dogs in the Lexington, Kentucky area, I can assure you that your dog doesn’t have to be perfectly trained to rock their photo shoot. (In fact, the goofy moments often make the BEST pictures!)
Here’s a few suggestions that will help your next photo session be a joyful experience for both you and your pup.
A short walk or game of frisbee helps relieve presession jitters.
1. Get the Wiggles Out
Before your session, take your dog for a nice walk, play fetch, or let them run zoomies in the backyard. A pup with a little energy burned off is more relaxed—and that means more adorable poses instead of wild blur streaks across the camera. Etch out some extra time to arrive early to your photo session location so that your pup has lots of time to sniff and smell around. Even better, frequent this location a couple of times prior to the day of your photo session date, so your dog really feels comfortable and confident in their suroundings.
2. Pack the Yummies & Fun Stuff
Treats are basically doggy bribes—and we’re not above using them! Bring your pup’s favorite snacks (the stinkier, the better for attention-grabbing). Toss in a beloved toy or squeaky ball too. These little motivators help me capture those perfect head tilts, silly smiles, and happy eyes. If your pup normally wears a harness collar, bring it so you and your pup will feel more comfortable walking around between locations. around the park.
Behind the scenes with little Juno sitting on my camera bag. I bring tons of bandanas, bowties, treats and toys to every photo session to ensure your pup looks adorable and feels even better!
3. Fluff & Puff, But Don’t Stress
A quick brushing before your session will have your pup looking their best. If they’re prone to tear stains or muddy paws, pack a small towel or wipes for touch-ups. Don’t feel pressured to go full “doggy spa day” though—your pup looks most beautiful just the way they are. But if you have a doodle breed or a dog whose hair easily covers its eyes, it’s a ideal to schedule a trim a couple of days before your session. You will want to see your dog’s eyes sparkle in their photos and not be covered by their hair.
The only time I recoomend a trip to the groomer before a pet session is when it’s hard to see your pup’s eyes like in Miles’ left side.
4. Add a Pop of Personality
Accessories like a colorful bandana, cute bow tie, or stylish collar can really show off your dog’s personality especially when they coordinate with your outfit and the seasonal colors of Lexington’s parks. If you want some help outfit ideas, read our blog post, “What to Wear for a Pet Photo Session in Lexington, KY and 7 Fall Photoshoot Clothing Ideas You Can Use All Year Round
5. Relax & Enjoy the Adventure
Here’s the secret: the more fun YOU have, the more fun your dog has. Your pup feeds off your energy, so come ready to laugh, play, and let things unfold naturally. The candid moments—snuggles, tongue-out grins, and even the occasional photobomb—are often the ones you’ll treasure forever.
Bonus Tip: Trust the Magic
Whether your dog is a shy rescue, a bouncy puppy, or somewhere in between, kind of pup, I’ve got tricks up my sleeve to capture their personality. I promise, no matter what your dog does, we’ll get images that make your heart melt.
Ready to Book?
If you’re looking for dog photography in Lexington, KY, I’d love to capture your pup’s one-of-a-kind personality. Click here to book your session, and let’s turn your dog into the star they were born to be!
Styling tips-bandanas should compliment your outfit and the session location.