My name sounds even cuter with your last name added to it.
- The Bridal Box
Katie + Darian booked me for an engagement session and wanted to bring their sweet pup - Mustafa! Well, I love when couples want to include their dogs in their portrait session, so of course, I said YES. Everyone seems to be nervous about bringing their dogs to these sessions and I am here to tell you - don’t worry about it. Dogs are exactly like children - for engagements, they usually are your children - and no matter what happens, you will cherish the memories. With a solid background in photographing families, children and babies - I am always expecting the unexpected.
Sometimes dogs won’t sit still - neither do kids. Sometimes they get distracted - SQUIRREL - so do kids. Sometimes they are hungry, want a treat, have to go to the bathroom - SO DO KIDS! And all of that stuff is what I like to call normal. Those situations or moments can also make for some of the best candid moments that you will want to remember. It brings natural laughter and offers a pleasant distraction when you are getting comfortable with a camera in your face. (unless you are used to traveling with the paparazzi.)
Hear are a few tips for having a great engagement session with your dog in order to tell a great story about your engagement.
Relax - If you are stressed, your puppy will know and it will affect how they behave. You hired a professional, so let them do their job - they are good at it!
Bring food and water - engagement sessions can last a bit, so make sure you have food, water and treats for your furry friend. If their belly is full and they are hydrated, they will cooperate more. Treats can be used to get their attention, sit down, stay and pose for the camera.
Let them play - feel free to bring a ball or toy to play with them during your session. They will play and then get tired and relax, snuggle and sit with you afterwards.
Let one person direct them - At the beginning of the session, figure out who is going to be the one directing your dog or calling their name. Too many people calling them will confuse them and they will not listen very well. If they will look at the camera when your photographer calls their name, let them do it. If your pup will listen better to one of you, then let your photographer know at the beginning.
Bring a friend - Sometimes it is better to have a friend meet you during the time you want your dog there. Most couples don’t want their animals in every photo, so establish a time and meeting point for the photos they will be in. Then you won’t be stressed about having to watch them for the rest of the time.
