...why you absolutely don’t need to worry!
Thinking about booking a photo session for your dog—but feeling unsure about how it’ll go? You’re not alone! Over the years, I’ve heard just about every question and concern from loving dog parents who want to capture beautiful memories but aren’t sure if their pup is “session ready.”
The good news? You don’t need a perfectly trained or picture-perfect pup to walk away with stunning images that celebrate your bond. Let’s walk through 10 of the most common concerns—and how I help make every session fun, relaxed, and totally doable.
1. “My dog won’t sit still.”
Truth? Most dogs won’t—and that’s completely okay. Your session is designed to move at your dog’s pace, with plenty of breaks, play, and patience. I use a mix of prompts, movement, and moments-in-between to capture your dog just as they are.
2. “My dog is shy or nervous around new people or places.”
We go slow. We read your dog’s cues, and we prioritize comfort over poses. I’ve worked with many shy, sensitive dogs and tailor each session to help them feel at ease. Sometimes that means choosing a quiet location or letting them warm up with sniff breaks.

3. “My dog isn’t off-leash trained.”
Leashes are absolutely fine—in fact, most dogs I photograph are on-leash! I can remove the leash during editing or use creative angles to hide it. Safety always comes first, and you never have to worry about your dog running off.
4. “My dog doesn’t know any commands.”
You don’t need a perfectly trained pup to get amazing photos. While a few basic cues can be helpful, I work with all levels of training—and use treats, sounds, and toys to capture their attention in a fun and natural way.
5. “My dog isn’t very photogenic.”
I hear this one more than you’d think—and it always makes me smile. Every dog is photogenic when they’re seen through a lens of love and patience. Whether they’re goofy, soulful, slobbery, or serious, their personality is the magic. My job is to bring that out and freeze it in time.

6. “What if the weather is bad?”
If the skies don’t cooperate, we simply reschedule. No stress, no penalty. Your experience (and your photos) matter most, and I want you to have the best light and atmosphere possible.
7. “I don’t know what to bring or how to prepare.”
You’ll receive a full prep guide with tips on what to bring, what to wear (if you’re joining your pup on camera), and how to help your dog get ready for the big day. I’m also just a message away if you need help deciding!
8. “What if my dog misbehaves during the session?”
Dogs are dogs—and that’s the beauty of it. They sniff, bark, wiggle, and sometimes roll in something questionable mid-session. It’s all part of the fun! I never expect perfect behavior, and you won’t get any judgment from me—just patience, flexibility, and a lot of treats.

9. “I’m worried I’ll feel awkward in photos.”
If you’re joining your dog in front of the camera, I promise to guide you every step of the way. You don’t need to know how to pose or where to look—I’ll help you feel natural, relaxed, and connected with your dog. It’s more about your bond than picture-perfect poses.
10. “My dog is older / has health issues.”
Senior dogs or pups with special needs deserve to be celebrated just as much (if not more!). We’ll move gently, take breaks, and create a session tailored to their comfort. These sessions often become the most meaningful—and I consider it an honor to capture those tender moments.
You love your dog deeply—and that’s the only requirement for booking a session. Whether they’re wild or wiggly, shy or spunky, camera-ready or chaotic, I’ll meet them where they are and create images that reflect their unique spirit.
Still have questions or want to talk through your dog’s personality? Let’s chat! I’d love to help you plan a session that feels just right for both of you.