If you follow my Instagram account @barkography, you know I occasionally post model calls for commercial photo shoots. Are you interested in knowing how I choose the models I’m going to use?

What does the client need?

The first thing I have to do is ask my client questions about what they want photographed. What I’m photographing for the client has a huge impact on the dogs I’ll need.

For example, if I’m photographing a leash or collar, short haired dogs work best. That makes sense, right? You need to be able to see the leash and collar and if I used long haired dogs, the fur may cover them up.

If I’m photographing a dog getting bathed, the dog needs to look like he’s not miserable. Let’s face it, a lot of dogs don’t like bath time. Maybe yours doesn’t. I know mine don’t. So in this case, I need to find a dog that looks happy while getting bathed.

These are just a couple of examples and the things I have to think about when choosing dog models.

Does the client prefer certain types of dogs?

I did several photo shoots for Big Barker dog beds last year. For some of their photos, they requested purebred dogs. They wanted to ensure that people viewing their photos would have a clear indication of how well a great dane fit on their giant bed. I also used mixed breeds and rescued pups in several of their campaigns too.

Finding the Dogs

Once I know what the client wants, I look for the dogs.

Not surprisingly, I use my own dog Moose a lot. I know him… I know what he’ll do and what he won’t do and I know how to get him to do what I want (he’s very treat motivated.)

I also know that my other dog Molly isn’t a great dog model for commercial work… unless the goal is to take photos of a dog that looks unhappy or scared.

I’ll run through my previous clients. Do any of them meet the requirements?

I have an on-going list of dogs that have volunteered to do commercial photo shoots for me.

Questions I Ask

I’ll have a list of questions I’ll ask the dog mom or dog dad to determine if their dog could be a good fit. Questions like: Can your dog be off leash. Does your dog have a decent “stay” command? Does your dog smile?

How You Can Help

Give some thought to the questions I ask before your answer. Be really honest about how your dog will do. Ask me questions to clarify or if you’re unsure.

If I could photograph every dog that inquires when I have model calls, I would. I love photographing them all but with commercial photo shoots, I have to find the dogs that will work best for what my client needs.