How to Include Your Pet in Senior Pictures
A Photographer’s Guide to Stress-Free Pet Photos (Even for Anxious Pups!)
For so many high school seniors, their childhood pet has been by their side through every single milestone. It only makes sense that you’d want to include your furry best friend in your senior portrait session! But for a lot of parents, the mere thought of bringing a pet to a photo shoot sounds like a recipe for total chaos.
If you have an anxious or reactive dog, please take a deep breath. As a lifelong dog owner with a super anxious pup of my own, I completely understand the extra layer of stress that comes with a stressful environment. Because of my personal experience, I learn more and more about dog body language and know exactly how to properly approach, read, and respect a dog who is feeling overwhelmed.
Your pet does not have to be a perfectly trained robot to get incredible photos. I take yearly photos with my own dogs, and let me tell you, they still don’t always cooperate with the camera! It is completely normal. We won't force them into uncomfortable situations, and we will work entirely at their pace.
To help ensure the day goes flawlessly, here is my go-to checklist for prepping your pet for the spotlight:
Before the Session: The Prep Work
The Grooming Lockdown: A nice bath the night before is key! However, be sure to keep your dog on a short leash for all morning bathroom breaks on the day of the shoot. If left unattended in the yard for even two minutes, they will inevitably find fresh mud or a patch of grass to roll in.
Burn Off the Extra Energy: For high-energy dogs, try to take them on a good, long walk or a vigorous fetch session a few hours before the photo shoot. You want them happy and a little tired, not vibrating with excitement when they arrive.
Time the Meds Perfectly: If your dog takes vet-prescribed anxiety medication for high-stress environments, make sure to administer it at the proper time so it has full effect by the time the camera clicks.
On-Scene Strategy & Gear
The "Second Human" Rule: This is my number one requirement for pet sessions. You must bring a designated handler, like a sibling, parent, or friend, whose sole job is to watch the pet. Once those shots are done, your helper can take them for a walk or sit in the AC so you can focus entirely on the rest of your outfit changes without distraction.
The "Warm-Up" Sniff Walk: When you first arrive at the location, have your handler take your pet on a short walk before we start shooting. This lets them get some "sniffs" out, take in the new environment, burn off that car-ride excitement, and go potty so they are more relaxed when it's go-time.
Leashes are the Law: It is local law to have your pet on a leash at all times in public parks, and it keeps everyone safe from unexpected local pets. Don't worry about the leash ruining the shot, we can strategically hide standard leashes behind your pet's body while posing. When seniors bring small dogs, I often have them set up a safe pose, like holding the dog securely, and then we do a quick, discrete leash removal (or we tuck the collar/leash behind the pet).
The Behind-the-Camera Eye-Level Trick: When we are trying to get your pet to look toward the lens, the owners or handlers need to stand directly behind me and at eye level with the camera. If you stand off to the side waving treats, your pet will look to the side! If a squirrel or stranger walks by and distracts them, stay in that exact spot right behind my shoulder to help herd their attention back to the lens.
The High-Value Treat Arsenal: Pack their absolute favorite treats or a favorite squeaky toy to help get their attention.
The Peanut Butter Secret Weapon: If we need your pup to sit in one exact spot, a tiny smear of peanut butter on the roof of their mouth or nose is a genius way to keep them distracted and happy while I grab the shot. (Just bring wet wipes to clean up the muzzle afterward!)
Stay Hydrated: Always bring a portable water bowl and a bottle of water or two so your pet doesn't get dehydrated during outdoor sessions.
Fur & Drool Cleanup: Pack a heavy-duty lint roller for your clothes and a small towel to wipe away any quick dog drool before close-up shots.
What About Cats & Small Critters?
Safety First for Cats: Because most cats are not outdoor pets, a secure travel crate is non-negotiable for transport. To keep them safe and calm, we will stick to indoor setups or highly contained, quiet locations rather than wide-open, loud public parks.
Small Pets (Bunnies & Guinea Pigs): Small critters are incredibly sensitive to temperature changes and sudden loud noises. Keep them in a temperature-controlled vehicle in their travel enclosure until the exact second we are ready to photograph them, and bring their favorite leafy greens to reward them!
Big Love: Horses & Farm Animals
Burn Off the Freshness: Just like dogs, horses and livestock shouldn't come to a session fresh out of the stall. A light lunging session or turnout beforehand helps burn off any high-energy jitters so they are calmer around the camera equipment.
The "Spook" Factor: Camera lenses look like giant eyes, and flashes or clicking sounds can be startling. Let your pet sniff the equipment from a safe distance before we start shooting so they realize it’s not a threat.
Bring the "Good" Treats: Whether it's peppermint candies, apple slices, or horse treats, have a pocketful ready to reward them for standing square and keeping their ears forward.
Pro-Tip: Keep Your Own Energy Calm
Pets are incredible mirrors for our own emotions. If you are stressed out and tense, your pet will sense it and match that anxiety. Treat the photo shoot like a fun, casual park outing, pack plenty of patience, and let me handle the rest!
Meet My Assistant Directors
Behind Amanda Photography is a total dog lover who gets it. When I'm out there making ridiculous noises, tossing high-value treats, or smearing peanut butter, just know I've practiced all these exact chaotic methods on my own pups first! We will do whatever it takes to capture those beautiful, authentic connections between your senior and their best friend in a way that your pet feels safe and comfortable with.
Your pet has been part of your story for years, let's make sure they are part of your milestone memories, too.