FAQ Friday | Can we bring our dog to our portrait session?
Hi there! I’ve decided to introduce a new rhythm to my blog. I’ll be here on Fridays answering Melissa Batzer Photography’s most frequently asked questions and today’s FAQ is…
Can we bring our dog to our Colorado Springs photo session?
The short answer is YES!
I’m 1000% a dog person. Our family dog made it into many of our portrait sessions over the years and I treasure those images she is in now that she crossed the rainbow bridge. I am forever grateful to have those professional photos of our Sadie girl.
Bringing your dog to a photography session can be a run and rewarding experience. Not only will you capture beautiful memories with your furry friend, but it can also add an element of joy and personality to your photos. However, preparing and planning are important to ensure a successful session for you and your dog. Here are some tips for bringing your dog to a Colorado photography session.
Plan the location: Consider the location of the photo session carefully. Choose a place where your dog feels comfortable and safe. Is your dog easily distracted? A quieter location with fewer distractions may be best.
Purchase a photogenic leash: Most locations require your dog to be leashed and so that leash will be in all the photos. In my professional opinion, bright colors like pink, purple, red, and neon colors do not photograph well. Purchasing a brown, light brown, or sand leather dog leash and collar for your session would go well with all outfits. Here are links to a few that will be photographed beautifully. | Brown | Light Brown | Sand
Exercise your dog beforehand: A tired dog is more likely to cooperate during the session. Take your dog on a long walk or play fetch at least an hour before your photo session to help them burn off excess energy. But be sure to cut the fetch off 30 minutes before your session so we aren’t working with a panting dog’s long tongue!
Bring treats and toys: Treats and toys can be very useful for keeping your dog focused and engaged during the photo session. Use them as rewards for good behavior and to keep your dog’s attention on the camera.
Be patient: Dogs can be unpredictable, so it’s important to be patient and flexible during the session. Arrive early to allow your dog to get comfortable with the new surroundings and be prepared for all the unexpected interruptions (like potty breaks) or needed breaks.
Communicate: It’s important to let me know what your dog is like. Are there any specific behaviors, poses, commands, or cues your dog responds to? This will help me capture the best possible photos of your family with your furry friend and ensure everyone is on the same page.
Have realistic expectations: It’s important to remember that working with animals can be unpredictable. I strive to get at least one good classic family photo (everyone looking and smiling at the camera) but the rest of the session is very organically prompted for emotive images. Embrace the candid moments and the unique personality that your dog brings to the photos.
Bringing your family dog to your photography session can result in some incredibly heartwarming and memorable images. By taking time to prepare and communicating properly you can ensure a successful and enjoyable experience for everyone involved. So, don’t hesitate to include your furry friend in your next photo session and capture the special bond you share.
Welcome! I’m so honored you are here checking out my blog. I wanted to tell you a little more about me; I am a lifestyle family photographer and a Mama of two. If you would like to learn a little more about me click here. I’m based out of Castle Rock but serve clients as a Colorado Springs Family Photographer and a Denver Family Photographer as well.
If you love these photos and are looking for a milestone, family, maternity, or newborn lifestyle photographer in Colorado Springs and Denver I would love to learn more about you, your family, and this season of life you are in. I’m booking all of 2024 and into 2025 for my Bump-Baby clients. Fill out the contact form here and we will be in touch!
Is a Petite session right for you?
Petite sessions (or mini-sessions) are great. They are short and might fit your budget better than a full session. I totally get it, which is why I offer them. But they are not for everyone and let me dig into the why a little more for you.
What is a petite session?
A petite session is a very compressed version of a full-length session. Full-length sessions last up to an hr but a petite session is anywhere from 10-15 minutes. These petite sessions take place at a pre-determined location, with a block of times the photographer makes available.
Why consider a petite session?
So, why should you consider booking a mini session? Usually the biggest reason for booking a mini session is the cost. Since a petite session takes less time and you receive less photos, they are less expensive to book than a full session. You may utilize the shorter session because you need only a few images for some frames on your wall or capturing a great shot for your family holiday card. A petite is also great if you are trying our a photographer for the first time and would like to get a taste of their style without making a large investment. You get a slice of the cake!
15 minutes is really plenty of time for great photos of any cooperative subject. That means that a mini-session might be right for you if you are looking for couples photos, maternity photos, candid motherhood portraits, baby portraits (works best with 6-9 month old sitters not yet crawlers) or photos with school age children. Petite sessions can be a great opportunity to capture some newborn snuggles. All that being said, minis aren’t for everyone.
Why you should avoid petite sessions?
Because mini-sessions are mini, the time limitation can be an issue. More reserved children tend to take more warm up time for feeling comfortable in front of the camera and sitting still long enough for the photos. Should your child start crying at the beginning of the session there will likely not be enough time to get him smiling before the session is over.
Toddlers are often too restless to be still for sit and smile photos. However if you are more interested in candid, playful moments with your tot a petite session could work great for you!
With any subject who needs time built in to convince them to cooperate, petite sessions just aren’t long enough to guarantee the photos you desire. For newborns, active toddlers, and large family groups (more than 5 people) you’ll probably be happier with the results of a full-length session instead.
In addition, if you would like photos at a particular location or time, mini-sessions simply do not allow the flexibility.
three reasons a mini-session might be right for you
You’re hoping to save a bit of money on your photos
You’re trying out a photographer for the first time
Your family being photographed is likely to be cooperative
Does this sound like you? Great let’s book your mini-session now!
THREE REASONS A MINI-SESSION MIGHT NOT BE RIGHT FOR YOU
You have an active toddler, a shy child, or a large family that you’d like photos of
If you are wanting more opportunity to capture the specific kids of photos you want
You would like a specific time of day to schedule your photos
Mini-sessions are wonderful but they are not for every family. Carefully considering the pros and cons of a mini-session and choosing which type of session works best for you will maximize your happiness with your results.
