Winter portraits with your furry friends? Yes please!! As a pet photographer, I love capturing the playful and magical moments that happen when dogs explore our Minnesota winter wonderland. In this post, I'll share some tips and insights to help you prepare for a successful and enjoyable snow session with your pet.

1. Layers are your friend. You’re a Midwesterner, you know this! Depending on the temperature and snow conditions, you may want to wear waterproof boots, insulated pants and jacket, gloves, hat, and scarf. I recommend synthetic underlayers, and layers you can remove or add depending on the temperature and our activity level. We will walk in heavy snow to our photography location, and then we will stay there for awhile to photograph. If you are like middle aged me, you will get warm on the walk and cool quickly when we stop moving. I’ll be lying in the snow…. Your pet may need a warm and waterproof coat, booties to protect their paws, and a hat or scarf for extra cuteness. Just make sure that your pet's clothes fit properly and don't restrict their movement or breathing. We can also remove your pet’s layers as needed.

2. Location, location, location. Together we will decide on the best type of location for you and your pet. Some pets love to run and play in the snow, while others prefer to sniff and explore at a slower pace. Some pets may be more sensitive to the cold or the wind, and may need to take breaks indoors or in a heated car. As your pet photographer, I can suggest some suitable locations and help you plan the timing and logistics of your session. (And remember, if neither of you loves winter, we can instead do a studio session, where it’s always a balmy 72 degrees.)

3. Bribery will get you everywhere. Bring plenty of treats and toys to keep your pet happy and motivated. Snow can be distracting and disorienting for pets, so you want to make sure that they stay focused and engaged. Treats and toys can also be used to encourage specific poses or behaviors, such as sitting, lying down, or looking at the camera. Just make sure that the treats are small, soft, and easy to swallow, and that the toys are safe and durable. Balls and frisbees are great for running and jumping photos.

4. Stress is banned! The most important tip: have fun! Life is too short to stress over pet portraits. Especially in the snow, play is important. Snow sessions are meant to be enjoyable and memorable experiences for you and your pet, not stressful or overwhelming. Your pet may not always do what you want them to do, and that's okay. We can work with their natural behavior and personality to capture their unique and authentic expressions. And if your pet gets tired or bored, we can always take a break and enjoy the snow together.

5. Enjoy the results The final and most rewarding part of snow sessions is to enjoy the results of our efforts. After the session, I'll edit and retouch the best photos, so you can see them during our ordering appointment.. Your snow session photos will be a cherished reminder of your special bond with your pet, and a tribute to their playful and adventurous spirit.

Snow sessions are a wonderful opportunity to create lasting memories with your pet and to showcase their beauty and personality in a unique and magical way. Minnesota offers beauty year round, so let’s get out and enjoy.