Will your dog photograph well in the studio? That’s something to think about because in my experience, not every dog does.

I’m getting read to offer my first “in the studio dog photos” called Tis the Season. If you want photos of your dog for your Christmas card, here’s your chance. Keep reading though to know whether or not your dog is a good fit for studio photos.

I have a dog that is a challenge to photograph anywhere, outside or in a studio.

Our rescue Molly is what I call quirky. She actually reminds me of a cat. She likes to be pet but only on her terms. If she doesn’t want to be touched, she’ll give you a low growl. It’s not her best quality. But I do appreciate the warning signal. She doesn’t do it very often but I’m always aware of it.

I think her quirkiness stems from a confidence issue. So when I’m trying to take her picture and I have a camera pointed at her, she doesn’t love it.

Recently I had a friend helping me photograph her.

Looking away from the camera is Molly’s “go to” pose. We rewarded her with treats and head scratches. These are some of the photos and the last one is the best of the bunch. She’s not smiling but her ears are up and her tail is wagging. I’ll call that a #win.

If you get a Christmas card from me, you’ll see that photo again.

If you’re thinking of booking a studio photo shoot for your dog or booking my upcoming December 7th, Tis the Season session in the Southpark area of Charlotte NC, consider whether or not your dog will be a good candidate for studio photography. Would you be happy with the final photo of Molly? I am but I know my dog and I know she isn’t a dog that smiles all the time. (I love her but can my next dog be a dog that smiles ALL the time? As a photographer, that’d be awesome!)

Dogs that are great for studio photos:

1. Are very confident in new surroundings

2. Don’t get scared easily

3. Take everything in stride (large flashes are used)

Dogs that are fine in the studio:

1. Dogs that with some encouragement and patience, will relax

2. Dogs that have pet parents who are very patient and understand their dogs

Dogs that don’t typically do well in the studio:

1. Dogs that are really fearful or shy

2. Dogs that get stressed easily

3. Dogs that need a long time to settle… studio photo shoots are typically shorter.

Other things to think about: what makes your dog happy and can we recreate that in the studio? If loving on you or laying in your lap makes your dog happy, we can make that happen in the studio as long as you’re willing to be in the photo.

Interested in booking the Tis the Season shoot? Those who receive my newsletter (sign up on the bottom of the page “Subscribe to Newsletter”) will have the chance to book first. The newsletter has been sent! :)