The Family Member Who Never Complains About Portrait Day
The Family Member Who Never Complains About Portrait Day
Almost every Discovery Call we have ends up at the same question.
"Can we bring the dog?"
It usually comes out a little hesitant, like the answer might be no. It isn't. Your dog is part of your family, and a family portrait without them can feel like someone is missing.
October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, so it feels like the right time to talk about the four-legged members of your family. Whether your dog came from a breeder, a rescue, or wandered up your driveway one summer, they are part of your story. And here is the part that is hard to say out loud: a dog's whole life often fits inside one childhood. The puppy your kids grew up with may not be here when they leave for college.
That is why we love photographing families with their pets. The wall portrait becomes a record of who was home during these years.
Why dogs make family portraits better
Dogs do something for a portrait session that no pose can. They pull everyone's attention toward the same place, and they make people laugh. The dad who is nervous about being photographed forgets the camera the moment he scratches his dog's ears. The teenager who does not want to smile smiles anyway when the dog leans into her.
Some of our favorite images over the years are not the perfectly posed ones. They are the moment the dog licked someone's face and the whole family lost it.
8 ways to prepare your dog for portrait day
A little planning goes a long way. These tips will help your dog (and you) walk in relaxed.
Wear them out first. A long walk or a good game of fetch the morning of your session helps take the edge off. A slightly tired dog sits and settles much more easily than one bursting with energy.
Hold off on the big meal. Feed a lighter breakfast and bring a bag of small, high-value treats. A hungry-ish dog pays attention to whoever has the treats, and that is exactly who we want them looking at.
Groom a few days ahead, not the same day. A fresh bath can leave a coat puffy, and a new haircut sometimes needs a few days to settle. Aim for three to five days before your session.
Bring the familiar things. A favorite squeaky toy, their leash, a water bowl, and a blanket or bed they know. Familiar smells help nervous dogs settle into a new place.
Choose a simple collar. Clean leather or a plain collar in a neutral color looks timeless. Take off the jingling tags for the session so they are not a distraction (to the dog or in the photo).
Coordinate your clothes with their coat. This is the tip most families never think about. A black lab disappears against a black sweater, and a white dog blends into cream. Pick outfits that contrast with your dog's fur so they stand out. And bring a lint roller.
Assign one handler. Decide ahead of time who is in charge of the dog. When one person owns that job, everyone else can relax and just be together.
Tell us about your dog ahead of time. Shy with strangers? Afraid of loud noises? A senior dog who tires quickly? Share it on your Discovery Call so we can plan the session around their personality. Older dogs are especially welcome. Those portraits often end up being the most treasured.
A bonus tip for photos at home
Even between portrait sessions, you can take better everyday photos of your dog. Get down to their eye level instead of shooting from above. Stand near a window so soft light falls on their face. Then make a small noise right above your phone so they look toward the lens. You will be surprised how much better those pictures look.
If you are thinking about adopting this month
If October is the month your family is considering bringing a dog home, Greenville County Animal Care and our local rescue groups have wonderful dogs waiting. And if your family has already adopted, a portrait is a beautiful way to mark the day you all chose each other.
Let's include the whole family
Your family portrait should show everyone who makes your house feel like home. That includes the one who greets you at the door every single day.
If you would like to talk about a portrait with your dog, schedule a Discovery Call at philhyman.com or call us at 864-235-7864. We will help you plan every detail, from what to wear to how to keep your pup comfortable.
With care, Becky
