What Dog Parents Need to Know Before Booking Their Dog’s Photoshoot | Maine Dog and Pet Photography
If you’ve been quietly saving Pinterest boards or screenshotting photos on Instagram thinking, “One day…”, or if you’ve maybe seen my work and thought, “I’d love to have photos like that too”, but something keeps holding you back, you’re in good company.
If you’ve ever had any of these thoughts, know that you’re not alone. Actually, most of my dog parents have felt exactly the same way right before reaching out and booking their session!
So, to clear the fog and make way for more adventures and memories with your dog, I’ve created a list of exactly what you need to know about booking a dog photography session for your dog, right here in Maine. From what the experience actually looks like, to how your dog’s personality (and maybe some of their quirks) aren’t inhibitory no matter what they may be. I’m here to clear away those worries, and and turn them into excitement about all the amazing things we can create together, no matter your dog’s behavior!
Here’s everything you need to know about what a Maine dog photography session with Gina Soule Photo actually looks like (TLDR; it’s relaxed, fun, and filled with your dog’s favorite things!).
1. It’s not all about poses, it’s about capturing your dog for who they truly are.
This is not a “sit-stay-smile” kind of session.
Now, for some dogs who are capable and comfortable with this, we can absolutely do this to recreate their owner’s vision for a portrait. However, we will never do anything that your dog doesn’t love, or that causes them stress. In other words, it means that your dog doesn’t have to perform, do tricks, hold still, or act like an obedience champion. Ever.
Your session is about following your dog’s lead. Are they super excited and have energy to burn? We capture happy-go-lucky action shots. Do they just want to explore their surroundings first? We’re capture adventuring shots of the two of your together. Maybe your need a little time to warm up to the camera? No problem! I have multiple long lenses to give your shy pup adequate space to just be themselves while remaining comfortable and confident. Whether your dog is sprinting down a trail in Freeport, exploring Wolfe’s Neck, or quietly checking in with you to make sure you are close by, these are the little fleeting moments that can become artwork for your home.
This is storytelling, not perfection.
No matter their personality, behavior or quirks, your dog is already perfect exactly how they are.
2. Your dog does not need to be trained. No sit, no stay, no problem!
This is the number one hesitation I hear from clients. ‘Oh my dog would never do that’ or ‘My dog would never behave well enough to capture photos’.
Other concerns include:
“She’s reactive.”
“He only has two modes: chaos and sleep, and won’t ever look at the camera.”
“But he can’t be off-leash…”
From one pet parents to another, my dogs aren’t perfect either. Reactivity on the leash? We’re working on it. Wont’ look at the camera? Yeah, I have one of those too. But I am also here to promise you that none of these things are ‘problems’. Instead, I look at them as things that make dogs unique, special, and the core of it all, it is who they are as an individual. It isn’t my job as your photographer to try to correct these things, or have them be prohibitive to you and your dog creating the photos and artwork you have always dreamed of. It is my job however, to work with your dog for exactly who they are, and to meet them exactly where they’re at.
Your dog does not need to be “good.”
They just need to be purely and authentically themselves.
Baby Broone at Tidebrook in Freeport, Maine.
3. You don’t have to be in the photos with your dog…but you’ll probably wish you were.
Some clients want portraits of their dogs only, and 100% okay. But here’s the truth I’ve learned after photographing hundreds of Maine dogs and their people: years from now, the portraits you’re in with your dog often become the most meaningful. They are the photos that hold the memories of the friendship you share, and truly help to paint the story of you and your dog.
If you’re camera shy, don’t worry because the focus of the image will always be on your dog. Even if you prefer to not show your face in the images, there are so many ways we can still incorporate the love that you share with one another. I am here to guide you through any posing we may do of the two of you together, and for capturing all the small moments in between.
4. Almost every dog is photographed on leash, but you’d never know it.
You dog’s happiness and safety are the core of your session.
Most of the dogs I photograph throughout Maine stay on leash for the entire session.
This isn’t usually because they can’t be off leash, but it is instead to respect local leash laws, respect to the public and their dogs, as well as to keep wildlife safe.
Whether we’re in Freeport, Portland, Cape Elizabeth, Scarborough, the beach, or a quiet trail near your home, I promise that we can still create amazing images of your dog where they look confident and free, while maintaining their safety the whole time.
Through the magic of Photoshop and my master editing process, the leash disappears in your favorite images, so you’ll never know it was there in your final images!
5. We choose locations based on your dog first, then your photographic vision, not the other way around.
Every dog thrives in different environments. Some love open beaches and crashing waves, some prefer quiet wooded trails, whole others prefer their backyard where they are familiar with everything.
During your planning call, we’ll chat about your dog’s personality, what they love, what you two love to do together, and if there are any areas that you frequent together often.
A happy dog creates amazing photos. No matter the location, when your dog’s happiness always come first, amazing photos will follow.
6. Your dog leads the session, always.
Your pup decides the pace.
Need time to sniff everything within a three-mile radius?
Fine.
Need a minute to warm up?
We pause.
Have bursts of zoomies?
We use it.
Photography is secondary.
Your dog’s comfort is the priority.
When you book at Signature session, you are also my only session for the day. Between this, and following your dog’s lead, I truly believe this is why my sessions never feel rushed. We always go at your dog’s pace.
We shoot only until the your story is told, not until a timer runs out.
7. You don’t need props, outfits, or accessories.
For your session you are never expected to invest in, or purchase:
fancy collars
costumes
flower crowns
themed props
…unless they’re meaningful to you and you would like them in your photo. At most, most of my clients may want a dog’s certain collar on that they have had their entire life, or that may be meaningful to them. Your dog, and the bond you share are what creates the emotions behind the final piece of art.
Things that you can bring?
You dog’s favorite toys
Their favorite treats
Yourselves. You tell me where we’re meeting to adventure, and leave the rest to me!
8. You’ll be fully prepared long before session day.
Your Maine Dog Photography experience is 100% guided every step of they way.
Your dog cannot speak for themselves, we we plan out every single details to ensure they have the best experience possible.
Before your session, we’ll have a detailed planning and design call covering:
locations
styling and wardrobe
your dog’s personality
your dog’s sensitivities or quirks
how to prep
what to expect
your home décor
the artwork we’ll be creating
You’ll know exactly what to expect, the types of the images we’ll be creating, and everything else in between.
9. We stay flexible, because Maine weather is a whole character of its own.
Fog, drizzle, sun, wind, overcast, you name is, Maine weather can give it to you all in one day.
But here is one of the best kept industry secrets:
Some of the best portraits happen on overcast days.
Soft light. Rich color. Happy dogs.
A faint drizze?
This can sometimes be magical.
Heat over 90°?
We absolutely reschedule - overheating has become a real problem in Maine as our weather changes.
I alway build as much flexibility as I can into all of my sessions. This means that if we have to reschedule for any kind of adverse weather, I will always try to reschedule you as quickly as I can, and as my schedule allows.
And at the heart of it all…
Your dog’s photoshoot isn’t just about pictures.
It’s about feeling present.
It’s about enjoying these moments and experience with your dog, as if nothing else in the world mattered.
It’s about capturing the bond and story you two share.
And finally, it’s about turning that bond into artwork you’ll get to see, love, and admire every single day in your home.
If you’re ready to create something meaningful together — something true to your dog and true to your home, I would love to help you tell their story.
Ready to start planning your dog’s photoshoot?
Let’s schedule your consultation and design the perfect session for your dog, your home, and your heart.
