I get this question all the time….
“Can we bring our dog(s) to our engagement session?
My answer will always be: ABSOLUTELY!
As a lifetime dog-lover and current dog mom, I think including your dog(s) is so important – pets are family! If you want them to be a part of your photo session, I will make sure that happens.
Here are a few things to consider and keep in mind when bringing your dog(s) to your session:
Where to Go
This is where choosing the right photographer can help immensely! Choosing a dog-friendly location that works for you and your dog(s) can be tricky. Not to worry – I can help you choose the perfect spot depending on you and your dog(s) preferences.
Things to Think About:
- What kind of backdrop are you thinking of for your photos?
- How does your dog do with crowded outdoor spaces?
- Is your dog friendly with other dogs, or do they enjoy a little bit of space?
- If your dog sees a body of water – what will they do?
- Does your dog have a good recall?
Discussing these questions is part of my planning process for dog-friendly engagement sessions. I want you all to be comfortable and relaxed, and can help you pick a great location based on your needs.
What to Bring
Toys
Bringing their favorite toy can bring your dog(s) some comfort and a good distraction. Choosing a toy that is on the smaller side and has a loud squeaker can help grab their attention as well.
Treats
I recommend bringing smaller treats that you and your photographer can easily hide. If your dog(s) have a favorite training treat or small nibble, you should bring it in a small bag you can easily put in your pocket or hide. My favorites are Zuke’s training treats – they come in all different flavors and are perfectly bite size! I will pocket some of their treats to get their attention and you can take some to reward them while posing.
Dog Waste Bags
I always keep some in my car, but waste bags are very important. I practice the Leave No Trace principles and make sure to leave a place better than we found it! Even though you think your dog might not need to go, sometime the excitement of the photoshoot will change that.
Leash / Leashes
Pretty much all public locations legally ask your dog to be on a leash, but this doesn’t mean we can’t give your dog a little freedom as well. You can bring an extra long leash, giving your dog some freedom to roam a bit in photos. I do recommend also bringing a short leash, just in case. If you have one, I also recommend bringing a leash that blends into the background a little bit better – think neutral colors. If there are appropriate spots to let your dog off-leash, we will evaluate the scenario at that moment!
Grab Bag
Bringing a grab bag for whatever you and your dog(s) might need on the shoot is always a good call. You can store their water, water bowl, treats & toys in the bag. You can also keep a little mirror, a brush and any makeup touchups as well! No worries – I can carry the bag and place it out of the line of photos throughout the session. Think of me as your designated bag lady.
Designated Dog Person
Do you have a trusted friend, family member or dog handler that can help with your dog(s) during the session? Bring them! Having an extra set of hands that can handle your dogs and distract them can help make the session flow more smoothly. If this isn’t an option, you can leave your dog(s) in your car ONLY if the weather and temperature permits for the 1st or 2nd half of the session. I will help you pick a location where the beautiful scenery is close to the parking lot so you are able to check on them easily and can keep a close eye on them.
Accessories
Dog Outfits
Now for the cute stuff! We don’t need to be putting your dog in a full suit (unless you want to – then I am SO here for it). If your dog has a special collar, bandana or sweater that they enjoy wearing, this is the perfect opportunity to break that out! You can also color coordinate what you are wearing with whatever your dog is wearing. If your dog is super uncomfortable in clothes or accessories, that’s ok! If they are uncomfortable, that will definitely show up in photos. They don’t need them, their adorable face(s) will be enough. If you want a quick shot of your dog wearing something they might not love, I recommend bringing a little bag to put the outfit in. This way we can take one quick photo with it then tuck it away for the rest of the session.
Signage & Custom Items
If you plan on sending out save the dates and want your dog to be in the photo, you can bring some engagement-themed garb for them to wear! Totally unnecessary, but definitely adorable. Some of my favorites are found on Etsy. If you want to include some sort of signage with your wedding/elopement date, here are some great options on Etsy! Again, totally unnecessary but also super cute if this is the vibe you are going for!
Pro tip: Tire them out beforehand
This might be hard to do for a sunrise shoot, but tiring your dog(s) out before a photoshoot can help them be a little calmer and more relaxed since they have all their zoomies out! This makes asking them to sit for the camera MUCH easier – take it from someone with an 80 lb. overexcitable dog. If they’re super excited at the shoot, asking them to sit for the camera might not be the best route. Not to worry – I focus on candid style photography with excited doggos!
Conclusion:
Now that we have covered important things to consider when bringing your dog(s) to your engagement session, let’s focus on the key point: relax & have fun! Dog(s) might not want to sit for every single photo but don’t worry about that. I take a candid and playful approach when it comes to photographing you and your dog(s), ensuring your bond and love is captured in its truest form. All you have to focus on is loving your partner and your dog(s) – I will take care of the rest. I’ll also no doubt also take some individual glamour portraits of your dog(s) towards the end of the shoot as well.
See some inspo below from previous dog-friendly Colorado engagement sessions!
Allyce, Matt & Isla
Aubree, Noah, Olive & Archie
Kelsey, Clay, Jones & Weenie
If your dog is part of your everyday life, they deserve to be part of your engagement photos, too. Whether you’re dreaming of a playful, candid session or something a little more styled and intentional, I’m here to help you plan a dog-friendly engagement session that feels relaxed, fun, and true to you. From choosing the perfect location to making sure your pup is comfortable every step of the way, I’ll take care of the details so you can focus on loving each other (and your dog).
Ready to plan your dog-friendly engagement session? Let’s make something unforgettable together. 🐶
