How to Prepare for, and What to Expect at, a Pet Session

Pets are an important part of your family, and a pet shoot is one of the best ways to show that! If you’ve done a portrait or family session before, you’re already aware of how a photoshoot works - but there are some key differences in pet shoots.

The first thing to remember is this will probably be weird for your pet. Whether you have a cat, a dog, or a bird, unless they’re on camera a lot the scene can be uncomfortable for them. I mean, imagine if you couldn’t speak the same language and there were lights going off and everyone was staring at you - you would probably be at least a little confused. The point being: be patient with your pets.

When doing a studio style shoot, the first obstacle is the seamless paper backdrop. These are fantastic for pet shoots since the color can bring out subtle colors in your animal and set the whole vibe, plus they’re easy to clean off, but they might bother your pet at first. Sometimes they slip on the paper a bit, or they touch the back of the paper and it makes a noise. What we like to do is introduce them to the set before the shoot begins. We’ll have you place your pet on the paper and give them a treat. You want to show them that this is a safe area for them to be in. Let them sniff anything they want, and walk around. Treats and petting is important here!

If we’re not using a studio or paper backdrop, we’ll still want your pet to have a chance to check out the area. Even if it’s a space they’re used to in your home, they may still want to inspect everything once our lights are set up.

Next, we’ll join in and snap a few photos so the lights go off. If the lights bother them, we’ll have you give them a treat every time the light goes off– this helps them view the lights positively.

Once your pet is feeling comfortable, we’ll ask you to stand behind the photographer holding a treat or their favorite toy, in order to to grab their attention. Holding whatever is keeping their attention directly above the lens will make sure we get photos where your pet is looking directly at the camera.

We come equipped with squeaky toys, crinkle toys, treats, and hunting calls to get their attention - but their favorite treats and toys are usually the best option since they’re familiar with them!

We’ll get a range of shots including tight headshots, wide angles, and action shots. Many people say their pet can’t have a pet shoot because they won’t stay still, but here’s a secret - those are the best pictures!!! When a pet keeps moving around, we get much more dynamic shots and a way bigger range of photos, so don’t worry about keeping them overly obedient during their photos. Sometimes pets need to wear a leash in order to keep them on the set, but don’t worry– we can edit these out if needed!

If your pet doesn’t like people, don’t worry: we can still get great photos! Let us know this ahead of time, and we’ll bring a telephoto wildlife lens. We can stay pretty far away, and still get photos as if we’re right in front of your pet. I’ve had to shoot in a hallway covered by a curtain as camouflage, but you would never know from the pictures.

Treat catch!

How to Prepare:

Leading up to the shoot, you’ll want to communicate with your photographer. We ask you to send us a moodboard of the vibe you’re looking for, along with any example pictures of other pet portraits that you like. This is a great way to make sure we’re all on the same page.

You’ll also want to let us know about your pet. If they don’t like loud noises, we should know that ahead of time so we don’t bring out our duck calls. If they don’t like being touched, we’ll want to know we shouldn’t pet them (no matter how cute they are). It’s also good to let us know if they’re more treat or toy motivated, and if there are any phrases that get them excited. We’ll probably ask you these things anyway, but it’s always good to let us know everything before we arrive.

If you can, it’s good to get your pet groomed a day or so before you session so they’re looking fresh. At the very least, it’s always good to run a brush through their fur (if applicable) and clean their faces. We keep a brush and pet face wipes in our kit just in case they need touch ups the day of!

Bacon-flavored bubbles

If we’re shooting a high energy dog, it’s usually best to let them run around before we get there. (Unless this will work them up– remember you know your pet best!) Make sure to let them use the bathroom before we start as well, so they’re not uncomfortable.

Before your shoot, you should decide if your pet will be using any props or wearing any outfits. If so, have those ready so you don’t have to go searching for anything. We bring some props and accessories with us as well, like catnip infused or bacon/peanut butter scented pet bubbles and sunglasses.

Cool dogs alert! We also have heart-shaped sunglasses available

Most importantly, remember that this should be fun for you and your pet! You’ll get great pictures to capture your pet’s personality, and they’ll get lots of treats and compliments!

Packing/Preparation List:

• Treats

• Toys

• Groom ahead of time

• Let them use the bathroom before the shoot

If you’re interested in booking a pet shoot with us at Ginkgo Lens Photography, or have any questions, send us an email today!

Serving Monmouth County NJ, Middlesex County NJ, Bergen County NJ, Ocean County NJ, Mercer County NJ, Hudson County NJ, and NYC. Willing to to travel for full sessions.