How to get your dog ready for a photo session

As a pet photographer, I've worked with countless dogs, and I've learned that one of the keys to capturing stunning photos of them is in their grooming. If you can employ a professional groomer, this is absolutely the best choice. But is you can opt for one reason or another, there are things you can do yourself.

If you're planning a photo shoot for your furry friend, here are some essential grooming tips that you can follow to help your dog look their best.

1. Brush your dog's fur regularly

The first step to ensuring your dog looks their best is to keep their fur well-groomed. Brushing your dog's coat regularly will help remove any loose fur, tangles or mats that may make them look unkempt. Use a slicker brush for dogs with longer coats and a bristle brush for short coats.

2. Trim nails and paw pads

Long nails can be a distraction in photos, and overgrown hair around the paw pads can make your dog's feet look unkempt. Make sure to trim your dog's nails and hair around their paw pads before the photo shoot to help your dog look clean and polished.

3. Clean your dog's ears

Dirty ears can be a distraction in photos with dogs that have upright ears where you can see into the ear. To avoid this, make sure to clean your dog's ears with a gentle ear cleaner. Don't use Q-tips as it can be harmful to the dog's ear canal. Instead, use cotton balls or pads to clean the outer part of the ear.

4. Bathe your dog

Giving your dog a good bath before the photo shoot will help them look clean and smell fresh. Use a dog-specific shampoo and make sure to rinse them thoroughly. Be sure to dry your dog thoroughly after the bath to avoid a wet dog look in photos.

5. Trim the hair around your dog’s eyes if needed.

Many breeds of dogs have hair that can cover the eyes either by falling down from the top or growing out from between the eyes. In order to get the best photos of your dog, there needs to be light in your dog’s eyes and they need to be able to be seen entirely. This can truly make a huge difference on getting the desired results. You can use rounded scissors ( I personally don’t like anything pointed near my dog’s eyes) or electric clippers. I bought a narrow clipper that is perfect to go between the eyes to help when taking pictures of my rescue boy, Leo.

6. Take your time

It's important to take your time grooming your dog before the photo shoot. Rushing can lead to an uneven haircut, skin irritation, or missed areas. Plan to groom your dog a day or two before the photo shoot, so they have time to settle into their new look and so that they will not be stressed when they arrive.

In summary, proper grooming is essential to capturing beautiful photos of your furry friend. By following these simple grooming tips, you'll be well on your way to ensuring your dog looks their best for the photo shoot. Remember to take your time, and enjoy the process. With some preparation and a little patience, you'll be sure to capture stunning photos that you'll treasure for years to come.

If you decide you would like to hire a groomer instead of doing this yourself, there are many great ones in our area. Let me know if I can help you ge