Why your imperfect pooch is Perfect for Dog Photography

Want professional pooch portraits but are convinced your dog is too energetic, lacks focus, needs a leash, or some other worry?

Without fail, despite my assurances otherwise, fur parents are convinced that their dog will not make a good “dog model” and that they will fail at modeling for their portraits. I am here to remind you that there is no such thing as failing.

Your dog is perfectly suited for dog photography. Just as s/he is.

Yes, really.

The dogs I photograph – the ones you see on my website- are typical Minnesota family dogs. None of them are professional models. They are well loved and well fed and maybe a tinsy bit spoiled. Most are rescues and many did not pass their first obedience class, and some, like my dog, don’t know any commands at all.

All of that is expected.

I expect that dogs will act exactly like the animals they are. That means they might obey commands some of the time, when they aren’t distracted by squirrels or birds the scent of another being. It means they slobber and pant and get the zoomies.

I insist that dogs are on a leash during our session, with their fur parent near by. This is partly for some semblance of control, and also to keep all beings as safe as possible.

After our session I deploy a little photo editing magic to remove leashes and fur parents. Here is an example of an image that was taken during a session and resulting final image, with the leash and fur parent removed. Part of the reason to hire a dog photographer is our photo editing skills.

Before editing. Leash and human are included.

After editing. Leash and human are removed.

All of this is what I love about being a dog photographer. I love finding the beauty in the middle of chaos, and that the bond between dog and human fur parent is ever present. Documenting all of that in the rugged beauty of the Minnesota landscape is a gift and a calling all at once.

I would be honored to photograph your dog. No extra training required.