Does getting a portrait of two puppies together sound like wishful thinking? Let me share with you some of the tricks I used to make this boxer and yellow lab’s photoshoot a success.
Put puppies up on a bench.
I knew we’d have our hands full wrangling the energetic pups, so I chose a location with benches to place them upon. One trick I’ve learned over ten years of photographing dogs is that if you put dogs up on something—like a bench or rock—you have a better chance of them standing still for a split-second longer. Usually, they’re unsure if they can jump down, which buys you precious time!
How you hold puppies is essential.
Sage the Boxer was shy but loved her boy and felt comfortable in his arms. I directed him to put Sage’s paws over his arm. It helped hold her still and made her look extra adorable!
Another trick I use is to have people hold their dogs around the body instead of the collar. When people hold their dog’s collar too tightly, it can look like they’re choking them. But holding them around the belly is a hug! As a result, Chase, the yellow lab, looks like a little angel in this photo.
I’ll help you pick the best location for your needs.
Another way I set these puppies up for success was to select the best location for their photoshoot. I suggested the Stone House because it’s close to this family’s home and looks lush in the spring. Each photoshoot has its own set of challenges, and I try to select a setting that will make it easy for everyone. For this family, it was important to be able to get to the photoshoot quickly after their afternoon sports practices were finished.
It’s fine if the puppies don’t cooperate!
In a perfect world, these tips would work every time. But puppies are squirmy, and we get lots of laughs while trying to pose them. My style is relaxed and natural, so the outtakes are often some of my favorites!
Would you like me to photograph your new puppy? Head over to my contact page and ask me any questions you may have.
