My dog won’t sit still. Can I still take dog portraits?

“My dog can't sit still, there's no way she'll be a good model for dog photography."⠀⠀⠀⠀

“Good luck - she NEVER looks at the camera.”⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

If I had a dollar for every time I hear this, I'd be holed up in my Lake Superior cabin, sipping on Castle Cream Ale.

Your dog will be a lovely, beautiful model for dog photography. Before you think I'm talking about somebody else's dog, I am talking to you. I expect the dogs to act like the animals they are. That means patience is required along with a few tricks to get them to look at me.⠀

In truth, I prefer working with dogs who aren’t well trained. Well trained dogs are conditioned to always keep one eye on their human, making it more challenging to get the dog’s attention. They literally only have eyes for their human. I work around this challenge of course, but it’s much easier to get the attention of a family dog who doesn’t have a reliable sit or stay. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

Dogs are pure - they just are who they are. I find that beautiful, and their personalities is what I photograph. They are all typical family dogs. Most of the dogs are rescues, and every single one is loved beyond measure, maybe even bordering on spoiled. None of them are specially trained, and I know that several flunked out of obedience training, and struggle with anxiety. Names withheld to protect the innocent⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

All of the dogs you see in my portfolio were on a leash. I edit the leashes out after our session. Literally, I only need the dog's attention for a fraction of a second.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

You and your fur baby are exactly the clients that I photograph. Come as you are, and I'll take care of the rest. I promise.