When Jaclyn and I started talking about their couples session, there were two constants: they wanted a gorgeous Colorado landscape and they wanted to include their dogs. To both I said, abso-freaking-lutely! I LOVE when couples include their dogs in their sessions! Are you interested in including your dog in your engagement or couples session? Keep reading below for some tips!
Jaclyn and Jeff were just adorable and so were their dogs! These two were so well-behaved and made for a perfect addition to their parents’ session. Just look at those faces! Wanting to include your furry friends in your session? Here’s some tips and things to keep in mind:
1 – Pick a location that’s dog friendly. There’s lots of state parks around Colorado that do not allow dogs so be sure to check that your dream location allows your dog to come along!
2 – Bring lots of snacks. Bribery is a dog owner’s best friend on a photoshoot! Snacks are good for rewarding your dogs in the middle of the session but they’re also good for getting your dog’s attention in the photos. And along with that. . .
3 – Bring their favorite toy. Bonus points if that toy squeaks! We’ll hold that toy by the camera to get them to (hopefully) look at the lens.
4 – Groom your dog first! While you’re getting yourself ready for your session, make sure that your dog looks picture-perfect too! Plus, I love when dogs come to session all dressed up in a matching collar or bowtie!
5 – Consider a dog handler. My husband always comes on photoshoots with me and he can handle the dogs while I’m photographing just the two of you. However, if you know your dog will freak out or is hard to control, consider bringing someone your dog knows to hang out with them in between their time in front of the camera.
6 – Manage your expectations. Let’s be honest here. . .dogs are dogs. And even if you prepare brilliantly to bring all their favorite toys and snacks along, a dog is gonna do what a dog is gonna do. Your dog might be stubborn and refuse to look at the camera. Or they might be super excited and not want to stay still. And while that might be frustrating in the heat of the moment, remember that they are just showing you their personality and that’s what we really want to come across in the photo anyway! I promise that it’s going to turn out great!
When you bring your dogs to your couples session, we’ll probably do lots of walking photos because they’re easy to incorporate the dogs into. Plus it highlights your little family so well! I also love having you all sit together so the dogs can cuddle right up against you. It gets the most adorable photos like the one above!
Throughout the session, we’ll give the dogs a break and just do photos of the two of you. This gives the time to drink water, not get overwhelmed, and just be dogs! They can sniff around and explore to their hearts content while the two of you pose for the camera!
In Jaclyn and Jeff session, they wanted to change into these super fun outfits for the end of their session! I thought they were just incredible, I love the bright colors! We hung out on the picnic table and some rocks for a while before bringing their dogs back in to finish up their session.
Thanks for the amazing session, Jaclyn and Jeff, and thanks for letting us hang out with your adorable doggies! Your dog couples session was paw-sitively perfect!
Information about this couples portrait:
Location: South Valley Park
Season: Summer
