1. CHOOSE THE RIGHT 📍LOCATION FOR YOU AND YOUR DOG
Now who doesn’t love a view! We are absolutely spoilt to have so many natural and urban options in and around Vancouver, British Columbia. With so many options, how do you pick the right location? We are here to help you in the process of deciding. We always provide a location list for you to choose from. Alongside that, we want to know if there is a location particularly meaningful to you as a family. Do they love the forest or trails instead? Do they enjoy open fields of grass or more city urban dogs? Are they comfortable exploring a new space or do they prefer home? Some dogs are reactive or nervous in experiences. How can we provide the most supportive environment for them? We collaborate with you to create memories meaningful to you. Our most successful shoots have taken place in locations that tick both boxes – beautiful scenery and are meaningful to you. On occasion, we have met dogs and cats who cannot walk too far due to age or anxiety. In these situations, we provide adapted options, so they can be as comfortable as possible throughout our photoshoot.
NEW PLACE, NEW SMELLS. Your dog will be very excited at the beginning of the shoot. Don’t worry, that is normal and expected! A new person just appeared with a shiny ‘clicky’ camera, and they are in a place full of new smells AND new sounds – trust us, morning birds sing! It takes time for dogs to adjust and relax in new environments. Sometimes, a little longer for some dogs than others. There is absolutely no need to rush any part of the session. It is important we support your dog throughout, so they are happy and relaxed in the photographs. If you think it will help for the photographer to meet your dog a few days before the date of your session or slightly before the session starts, we are happy to make this happen.
2. Weather is unpredictable
If it is not pouring rain and your dog does not mind the rain, you can count us to show up for some fun. Our sessions take place at sunrise or sunset so our session times vary depending on the season. Clouds, fog and drizzle can really add beautiful textures to your photos. We embrace all of the PNW’s natural beauty in our photographs.
3. What do you wear?
We embrace all styles. Some colours work better together compared to others, especially when you are outdoors. Our photographer is always happy to help you plan what to wear before your session. It is important you feel yourselves and comfortable throughout the photoshoot. Why? There may be times the photographer will ask you to sit on a log, or on a bench, or on the ground with your dog. If you are not comfortable, it will be clear in the portraits.
We also recommend you coordinate your outfits with one another. For best results in your photographs, we recommend all family members to wear similar or complementary colours. We also encourage you to consider the colour of your dog. For example, if your dog is black, we recommend you not to wear the same shade of black, they can really pop in your photos. There are some materials that are less ‘photogenic’ as they tend to shine or over-wrinkle (silk, viscose, satin). Although we fully edit photographs, some details are more difficult to remove than others.
What should my dog wear? We routinely remove collars in our final portraits. If you wish to have special collars, clothing, and tags in the photos, please do let us know to keep them in during the post-production phase. We kindly request harnesses to be removed, and for collars or no collars to be worn while photos are being taken for the best result in the final portraits.
4. Pack an enrichment bag
One word, enrichment! We tick all the doggy enrichment boxes during our photography sessions. They get the sniffs, they get the toys, they get the treats, they get the focused attention. Most of our photoshoots end with clients texting us photos of their pets napping. We love to see it!
We routinely recommend you to bring the following items:
- water
- high value treats
- a long leash
- towel
- your dog’s favourite toys
- a long leash
Does your dog enjoy tug or fetch? Or just walking with you? We love to hear about what they gravitate to naturally. We encourage you to bring anything that will motivate and encourage dogs for a successful photoshoot.
Prepare for the unexpected. You are their greatest motivation to stay focused throughout. The photographer will work together with you on how to position yourselves and your pets. It often takes a few tries before dogs learn what we are doing.
Bring a spare bag. The photographer will remind you to empty pockets and remove hair ties from wrists, so remember to bring a bag to keep all your items safe.
Dogs do not have to be off leash during our session. In fact, most of our sessions are with dogs on leash with you as their main handler. Leashes can be a really helpful tool in keeping our dogs focused for portraits, especially when we are in a new place, or if there are others around. Long leads are recommended, but not necessary. If your dog can be safely off leash, that works too. We will have some tricks up our sleeve on how you can position or encourage your dog to stay still. Again, don’t worry – poses never work the first time – it normally takes a few tries. If it’s really not comfortable, we will circle back or adjust slightly.
At Pooch in the Park Photography, we work in a force free model. We never force dogs to do or pose in places they are comfortable. We use treats to build rapport and interest with your dog, and to encourage them to look at the lens. We will always check about allergies with you prior to our shoot.
5. Prepare your dog for the session and enjoy the time!
If you have already booked a photography session, we already know how immensely you love them. You are getting professional portraits with them and of them! Often, clients worry about their dog not staying still or looking at the camera. Know that it is entirely normal and expected for them to move and be their adventurous selves. Regardless of what your dog is doing, and even when you are trying to get them into a pose, remember to stay relaxed and to enjoy the ride. That bond you have with them is so special, and we want to celebrate with you. This shines the most when you are both looking lovingly at one another.
Some previous clients have found it helpful to visit the location of the shoot prior to the date of the photography session. This is not necessary, but something we have been can be helpful. You know your dog best! We do not rush our sessions. Dogs and cats can pick up on that energy! We incorporate plenty of breaks throughout the shoot – enjoy this time with them! Simply be with your dogs and enjoy this time. We see it as a time to celebrate and treasure the special bond you have with them.
Find out about our work at www.poochintheparkphtoography.com
