Often, my dog photography clients express to me their concern over their dog’s anxiety, and how they will behave during a dog portrait session.

I understand the concern. As a pawrent to a dog with anxiety, I would ask the same question.

The overriding principle to all sessions is my motto: dogs first. Always.

This means I am always attuned to the needs of your dog, and to yours and adjust my energy levels accordingly.

• When we first meet, you will likely see me ignoring your dog. This is on purpose- I want your dog to come to me on their own terms, in their own time. And if they never do, that is OK with me. I would love nothing more than to play, pet and love on your dog. But it’s often not what they need.

• I generally plan on a short 5 -10 minute walk to our first location. Also on purpose, so that your dog can walk off some anxiety and also sniff the location.

• When we start the session, we start with you and your dog together. This allows me to see how your dog will react to my large lens and the sound of the shutter. I offer a lot of quiet praise, and a treat, if your dog trusts me enough to give it.

• From there, we will start taking photos of your dog. I always photograph dogs with their leashes on, and their human nearby. Aside from complying with leash laws, this is for safety and control.

• At each place we photograph, I encourage the dog to sniff the area before we ask them to pose.

This is why my sessions can take 90 minutes or more. We go at the pace of your dog.

If your dog is exhibiting signs of anxiety (licking, ears back, tail tucked, looking away) at any time during the session there are several things we can try. Resetting, taking a break, walking around or settling into your presence usually work.

If you are at all concerned about your dog’s anxiety please contact me. We can make a plan to address it. Your dog (even your anxious dog) can do this. I promise.