Tips for Including your Dog in Your Senior Pictures | Mesa Portrait Photographer

So You Want Senior Pics With Your Pooch?

On the scale of zero to adorable, there’s not much that can top cute pictures of your pet—unless, of course, it’s cute pictures of you WITH your pet. Your senior picture photo shoot is the perfect time to bring along Fido or Phoebe or Boomer (or all of your furry companions), because it’s a pretty sure bet that they’ve been a big part of the memories you’ve made throughout your school years.

If you’re planning on bringing your pup along for your big day (which I highly recommend!), I have a few tips and tricks that will help things go smoothly. After all, your photo shoot is a lot like a vacation. It takes some planning, we’re going to be tired when it’s all said and done, and if the pooches come along, we need to plan ahead for that.

I’ve done a LOT of photo shoots, and I’ve captured a lot of tail wags and slobbery canine kisses along the way. So trust me when I say the cute factor of the pictures will more than outweigh the little bit of planning we do to make sure things work out how we want them to. Here’s what you need to know:

Operation Cooperation – Getting Your Pooch to Cooperate

Yeah, this isn’t going to happen. You know every dog commercial where the obedient and well-groomed pup leaps into the air with perfect timing to catch the frisbee that’s thrown to them? That’s likely take #412 of that shot, and at that point, the guy behind the camera is probably considering giving up his career to live a solitary existence somewhere in a forest. So, instead of putting pressure on your furry best friend and expecting him or her to behave in a certain way, we’ll just capture the moments organically. Trust me…we’ll get better pictures that way anyway. Just look at this sweet photo of Trevor and his pup, Mario! Completely unplanned…I mean, I’m good, but even I can’t force a connection like this.

We all know we don’t get enough years with our furry friends, so I do always try to get at least one picture of your dog, just so you’ll always remember that sweet face. I’m sure originally they thought it unnecessary, but after Mario passed away a few years ago I got a bittersweet message from Trevor’s mom thanking me again for this darling image of him.

The Less Complicated, The Better

If you’d like your pooch to wear a velvet capelet while prancing through a field with a flower crown balanced on her head and spontaneously nudge a butterfly with her nose, that’s not going to happen either. However, if you plan on finding beauty in the simple moments, you’re guaranteed some great images of you and your best fur-buddy that you’ll cherish forever. And please don’t forget to clean up after your pup. We’re typically in public places, so always bring paper towel and a bag for those potty breaks. Nobody wants to step in that!

Seconds before this picture was taken, Marissa’s dog nearly knocked her over. “Quick, grab him and give him a hug!” Let’s just say that a 10-month-old pit bull might just have a few other ideas about how the session should go. But seriously…this face!!!

Capturing Their Character

Goofy? Serious? Playful? Gruff? Whatever your pup’s personality—and however your pet acts with you—I want to capture that in pictures. Does your best pal get the zoomies whenever you play with him? Let’s see that whir and blur of tail and ears! Does your best gal flop of her back for belly rubs whenever you’re around? Whatever their silly quirks, whatever makes them your unique best friend, THAT’s what will make pictures with your pup the very best pictures ever. Don’t worry about all the sitting and shaking and behaving. This whole photo shoot will be out of the norm, so don’t count on your pooch to take that lying down!

While you might think this portion of your session is a disaster, just remember to trust me. This photo of Matthew and his dog, Cooper, originally was an outtake! Notice that the leash isn’t attached. Well, Cooper had other ideas and decided to explore, and this outtake turned in a final image in Matthew’s gallery.

Not Opposed to Bribery

Got Snausages? By all means, go ahead and fill your pockets with whatever treats will calm the savage beast (or drooling fluffball). Seriously, if you need some snacks for yourself, too, go right ahead. Just try to steer clear of Cheetos or anything broccoli-ish that might get stuck in your teeth. My point is, go ahead and bribe your pup with a Beggin’ Strip or two. I’m all about everyone having a little bit of fun! 

The first picture is what every client thinks they want. Literally all of you, right? Until we get the 2nd picture. Which one do you think is printed BIG for their wall? It isn’t the first image of Brandon and his new pup staring sweetly at the camera. It’s the one where you can smell that puppy breath and feel the slobbery kisses! Maybe we used a little peanut butter, maybe we didn’t! Nobody will ever know.

A Little Goes a LONG Way

Here’s where we throw in a little strategy. You may have noticed that your doggo doesn’t have the longest attention span—and that’s ok. But we need to plan for that. The best way for us to get amazing shots of you with your pup is to limit the time he or she spends in front of the camera. While you’ll be going to several locations for your pictures, your pup will likely only go to one. We’ll work together to pick the perfect spot. I try to pick a time either at the very beginning or end of your shoot, and have someone (mom, dad, friend) swing by with your pup at the perfect time. We will be at a safe location—not near busy streets or train tracks—just in case there’s a slip of the collar or an escape attempt. I also try to pick wide open places like parks or even back yards so there’s less noise and confusion for your pup. I’ll get several shots of you interacting with your best fur-buddy, and then he or she can go home and relax after their short photo session experience. It’s super stress-free for you…and for your pet!

My Dog is Crazy!

Um, aren’t they all? Isn’t that why we love them so much! I can’t tell you how many clients have come in for their in-person consultation and never considered including their dog because they “don’t listen” or they’re “too wild and crazy.” Lucky for you, wild and crazy is my specialty! Trust me, ALL dogs are like that! Well, except Mocha, this sweet pup below. But I’m telling you, she is the exception not the rule.

Outtakes often become the favorite images of your pet! Buddy was sitting perfectly for some pictures, then others he really REALLY wanted to come sniff my camera! I might have gotten his nose print on my lens from this one, and I couldn’t love it more! He’s even smiling for us!

You Know Your Dog Best

Louie is such a sweet boy, but as a rescue was a little timid. Normally I suggest a field or quiet area for senior pictures with your dog, but Madie really wanted to bring Louie with her to Downtown Gilbert. She knew he’d be just find, so we gave him time to adjust to the surroundings, and as long as he was with Madie, he was in heaven! So we let him run, play, give kisses, and just enjoy his family. Then in between, we captured gorgeous senior pictures for Madie!

Trained Dog Lovers

When Lance and I got our first dog (years and years ago, before we were married) we had her trained by professionals. Really, they trained us not the dog, so my husband and I both know techniques that work with many dogs. I’ve worked with rescues, small dogs, big dogs, you name it. And of course it doesn’t have to be a dog either! I’d love to meet your cat, horse, or other beloved pet! Just for fun, these are our sweet pups, Sophie and Roxie!

Some of the cutest and most fun senior pictures I’ve taken have included family pets. When it’s time to sit down and talk about your session, ask me to show you some of my favorites. Once you see all the slobbery faces and wagging tails, you’ll definitely want to include your pup in your senior photoshoot. After all, they’ve been your study buddy, your slumber party pal, your midnight snack sidekick, and your secret confidant for all these years. It just takes a little bit of planning to include them in your photo memories.

Find a Photographer for Senior Pictures in Arizona

Ready to get started planning your senior pictures? 2024 grads, this is your year…consultations are open for your senior photoshoot! Contact me to discuss options and to get more information. And be sure to keep following the blog…it’s full of inspiration and ideas you’ll love. You can also find me on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest for the most recent updates and session highlights. Let’s get together and create a senior picture collection that’s perfect for you! And don’t forget to grab your FREE download of the Senior Client Welcome Guide to learn what happens next!