Leash or No Leash for Great Photos?

One of the most common questions I get is, “Does my dog need to be off-leash for photos?”

The answer is simple, no, they don’t.

My rule is that when we are outdoors, unless we are on private property or in a completely closed-off space, dogs stay on a leash or harness. Even if your dog has great recall, we can never predict what might happen, another dog could appear off-leash, or a sudden noise could startle them. Safety always comes first, and having a leash on keeps your pup safe and gives you peace of mind.

Here’s the good news, I edit leashes and harnesses out afterwards. In fact, most of the outdoor photos you see in my portfolio were taken with leashes on, you would never know it.

In the studio it’s a little different. Because sessions are always private, one family at a time, leashes usually come off. The only exception is when a collar, harness, or leash helps guide the dog or keep them comfortable. In those cases, I still remove it in post-production so your final images look natural and polished.

So don’t worry if your dog doesn’t have perfect recall or isn’t used to being off-leash. My job is to keep your dog safe, relaxed, and happy while creating beautiful portraits you’ll treasure forever.

Contact me today to chat about your pup: Click Here