I love dogs.

I love playing with dogs, petting dogs and generally interacting with them.

So why do I ignore them during custom pet photography sessions?

The answer is simple: comfort. Your dog’s comfort, to be exact. My motto is pets first, always.

Your dog doesn’t know me, and that means a timid dog will be even more timid if I immediately get down to their level and start trying to play. It feels threatening and often scary. Similarly an excitable or reactive dog will become excited and want to jump and play.

I want all beings involved in pet photography to relax and have fun. Also, a relaxed dogs create better portraits.

Even when we create amazing images that excite the heck out of my creative soul. I keep my excitement to myself. When your dog acts as I ask them to I reward with positive reinforcement. I never force, and I’ve honed my ability to read dog behavior - I can tell when your dog is uneasy. We make adjustments to keep everyone comfortable.

Whether we are in studio or outdoors, I always take time for the dogs to acclimate to their environment by sniffing and walking around. Only after the dog has acclimated and desensitized to my lights and environmental sounds, do we begin taking portraits.

Don’t be surprised if I ignore your dog altogether at our photography session. It’s out of love and concern for their well being.

Once the session is over though, I plan to shower your dog with as much love and attention as they are willing to accept. It’s a job perk.