Will my anxious or shy dog do well in a photo shoot?
Many dog owners worry, “My dog won’t do well in a studio.” I completely understand. I’ve worked with so many clients who felt the same way, some told me straight up that their dog was really shy or anxious and they were nervous about how things would go. And sometimes, I’ve had clients who were sure their dog would be totally fine, only to find their pup suddenly a little shy once they walked into the studio.
For clients who anticipate their dog might be shy, I always offer a pre-session visit. This way, their dog can come in beforehand to sniff around, get used to the smells, meet me, and learn that the studio is a safe space. That way, when they return for their session, it’s not a shock, they already know what to expect.
The truth is, studios don’t have to be intimidating. I design each session to be calm, distraction-free, and customized to keep your dog relaxed. Patience is the most important step. If it takes 5 minutes, 10 minutes, even 15 minutes before we start photographing, that’s perfectly fine. I’d rather your dog take the time they need than feel rushed. Before we even begin, I let them explore, sniff, and settle at their own pace. I also introduce the lights slowly, triggering them while offering treats, so they learn that flashes aren’t scary, just another fun part of the experience.
And if for some reason a dog just isn’t comfortable in the studio, I always offer other options. We can move the session outdoors or even to your home, wherever your dog feels most at ease.
Over the years, I’ve seen so many transformations. Carol, for example, was nervous to bring her dog because he was socially anxious. But once he had a little time to adjust, he ended up being an absolute star in front of the camera. She was blown away when she saw the images.
And then there was Stevie Nicks, who surprised her mom, Marni. Marni didn’t expect her to be shy, but about 15 to 20 minutes into the session, Stevie slowed down and needed more reassurance. We adjusted, worked at her pace, and captured some of the most stunning portraits I’ve ever taken. Her personality shined through in ways that felt authentic and true to who she is.
That’s really what it comes down to, every dog is different, and I adapt to them. Whether they’re anxious, playful, curious, or shy, we take it step by step, and by the end, I almost always hear the same thing from clients, “I’m so glad we did this.”
Contact me today to chat about your pup: https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/form/wwqk7EdbsofbK6xKW5Aq
You can also download my free prep guide here: https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/form/b7QbrmLGgCFKfIVcPyaQ