Two fluffy goldendoodle dogs, one cream and one apricot, sit side by side on a paved path with blurred autumn trees behind them.

4 Simple Tips for Getting Dogs to Cooperate During a Photoshoot


Here are a few things I've learned over the years that can make all the difference when photographing dogs:


  • Get the important shots first. Dogs are naturally curious, especially when someone new starts making ridiculous noises at them. Take advantage of that curiosity before they catch on to your tricks! This is why I always photograph the family together or multiple dogs together at the very beginning of a session.


  • Don't force the pose. Some of my favorite images happen when we stop trying so hard. Rather than constantly asking your dog to sit, stay, or look at the camera, give them a chance to interact naturally with you. Those genuine moments often make the best photographs.


  • Sometimes, the best thing you can do is absolutely nothing. If your dog is overly excited, bouncing around, and refusing to cooperate, the worst thing you can do is get frustrated. Dogs pick up on our energy! Instead, I often tell owners to just stand there, relax, and completely ignore their dog for a moment (as long as they're safe). No commands, no repeating their name, no trying to get their attention. Once they realize nobody is engaging with their antics, they'll often settle down on their own. And wouldn't you know it, half the time they end up sitting exactly where we wanted them in the first place. 😂


  • Let your dog focus on YOU, not the camera. You don't always need your dog looking directly at the lens. Talk to them, love on them, and interact the way you normally would. The connection between you and your dog is what makes a photograph truly special.


And remember, your dog doesn't have to be perfectly trained or perfectly behaved to have beautiful photographs taken. That's my job to figure out, not yours.


Long story short, trust the process ❤️

Red-haired woman in a blue patterned dress crouches on a tree-lined path and kisses her fluffy goldendoodle dog amid warm autumn foliage.
A man in a red sweater and a woman crouch on a paved path with two fluffy goldendoodle dogs, surrounded by autumn trees and fallen leaves.
Smiling couple crouching outdoors on a paved path with a fluffy apricot goldendoodle sitting between them amid colorful autumn trees.
Two fluffy goldendoodle dogs, one cream and one apricot, sit side by side on a paved path in an autumn park.
A fluffy white dog with floppy ears runs joyfully across a green grass lawn scattered with autumn leaves near tall trees.
A fluffy goldendoodle dog runs joyfully across a green grassy lawn with warm autumn trees glowing in the background.
A fluffy white doodle dog runs joyfully toward the camera across a grassy park lawn with a second dog following behind in autumn.
Smiling red-haired woman snuggles a fluffy apricot goldendoodle puppy wearing a collar with a blue tag, held by a person in a red jacket.
A smiling couple crouches on a porch beside two fluffy doodle dogs, with corn stalks, a pumpkin and autumn foliage in the background.
A woman in a blue coat kneels on the grass and touches foreheads with a golden retriever puppy amid colorful autumn trees.
A smiling man in a red sweater crouches on an autumn lawn facing a fluffy white dog, with golden sunlight filtering through the trees.
Fluffy cream-colored dog with a collar stands on grass as a person pours a pint of Guinness stout beside it at sunset.
A man in a red pullover crouches on autumn grass holding a pint of stout while a fluffy goldendoodle sits beside him in golden sunlight.
Fluffy cream goldendoodle sitting on autumn grass gives its paw to a person wearing a silver watch and red sleeve.

Q: Does my dog need to know how to sit & stay for professional photos?


A:  100% no

Close-up of a black dog's large wet nose pressed toward the camera, with curious brown eyes and perked ears in a wide-angle view.