Session Preparation
Get ready for an amazing photo session! This comprehensive guide will help you and your furry friend prepare for the best possible experience and stunning photos.
🐶 Preparing Your Pet Supermodel
Getting your pet ready is the key to a successful and happy studio shoot! Here's everything you need to know to help your furry friend shine.
Exercise & Energy Management
- Find the Sweet Spot: A good walk or play session before our shoot helps burn off excess energy, making them more focused and relaxed. But don't overdo it – we don't want them completely exhausted!
- Timing is Everything: Aim for moderate exercise 1-2 hours before the session. This helps them settle into a calm but alert state.
- Know Your Pet: High-energy dogs might need a longer walk, while older or calmer pets may just need a quick potty break and some gentle play.
Grooming & Appearance
- Nail Trimming is Essential: Please ensure nails are trimmed to avoid scratches and keep them comfortable during the session.
- Brush Before You Come: A quick brush right before the session removes loose fur and makes for cleaner photos. Please bring their brush for any last-minute touch-ups!
- Bath Timing: If your pet needs a bath, do it 2-3 days before the session so their coat has time to settle naturally.
- Eye Cleaning: Gently clean any eye discharge before arrival for the clearest, most beautiful photos.
Feeding & Treats
- Regular Meal Timing: Feed your pet their regular meal a few hours before our session, but avoid feeding them right beforehand. A full belly might make them sleepy, and an empty one could make them anxious.
- Bring High-Value Treats: Seriously, bring their absolute favorite, highest-value treats! Think small, easy-to-chew, and maybe a little smelly (the more enticing, the better!).
- Test Treats in Advance: Make sure the treats you bring are ones your pet gets excited about – we'll use these to capture those perfect expressions!
Toys & Comfort Items
- Favorite Quiet Toy: Does your pet have a favorite toy that makes their eyes light up? Bring it along! These can be great for capturing their personality and getting those adorable head tilts.
- Comfort Items: A favorite blanket or small comfort item can help nervous pets feel more at ease in the studio environment.
- Avoid Squeaky Toys: During the session, we'll use quieter toys that won't overstimulate or distract from the camera work.
🎭 Training & Behavior Preparation
A little preparation with basic commands and studio familiarization goes a long way toward creating beautiful, stress-free photos.
Essential Commands for Photo Sessions
- "Sit" & "Stay": The foundation commands that help your pet hold poses. Practice having them sit and stay for gradually longer periods.
- "Down" or "Lie Down": Perfect for relaxed, elegant poses. Practice this command in different locations to build confidence.
- "Focus" or "Look": Teaching your pet to look at you (or the camera) on command creates those stunning eye-contact shots.
- "Wait" or "Leave It": Helps when we need to adjust lighting or props without your pet moving.
- Positive Reinforcement: Always use treats and praise – never force poses. Happy pets make the best photos!
Desensitizing to Photography Equipment
- Camera Flash Practice: Use your phone's flash around your pet in the days leading up to the session. Reward calm behavior with treats.
- Tripod Familiarity: If you have a tripod or tall object, let your pet investigate it at home. This reduces anxiety about studio equipment.
- Sound Desensitization: Play camera shutter sounds softly while giving treats, gradually increasing volume as they become comfortable.
- Bright Light Exposure: Practice having your pet sit calmly under brighter lights at home, rewarding relaxed behavior.
Pro Tip: Practice Makes Perfect
Start practicing these exercises a week before your session, not the day before! Short, positive training sessions of 5-10 minutes work better than long, stressful ones. Always end on a successful note with lots of praise and treats.
👤 Preparing the Human Stars
You're a huge part of these cherished photos! Here are some friendly tips to help you look your absolute best alongside your amazing pet.
Outfit Selection Guide
- Solid Colors are Your Friends: Solid colors like blues, greens, grays, creams, or earth tones work wonderfully. They help keep the focus on you and your amazing pet without being distracting.
- Avoid Busy Patterns & Logos: Try to steer clear of strong patterns (like large stripes or loud prints) and big logos. These can pull attention away from the main subjects.
- Consider Your Pet's Colors: Choose colors that complement your pet's fur. If you have a white dog, darker clothes create beautiful contrast.
- Comfort is Key: Wear something you feel confident and comfortable in – this shows in photos!
- Bring Options: If you're unsure, bring a couple of different colored tops to choose from during the session.
Hair & Makeup Tips
- Natural Look: Our studio lighting works best with your natural beauty. Avoid heavy makeup that might look unnatural under bright lights.
- Hair Preparation: Style your hair as you normally would. Avoid trying brand new hairstyles the day of the shoot.
- Bring Touch-Up Supplies: A small bag with lipstick, powder, or hair ties can help you feel fresh throughout the session.
📍 Session Day Logistics
Everything you need to know about arriving at our studio and making the most of your session day.
Arrival & Timing
- Arrive 10 Minutes Early: This allows time for a final potty break and for your pet to get settled before we begin.
- Studio Location: We are located at 1660 Lafayette St, Unit 2, Denver, CO 80218
- Finding Us: Come up the main steps to the building's entrance. Once inside, feel free to wait in one of the comfortable lobbies, and we will come to greet you at your scheduled appointment time.
- Parking: Free street parking is available on the surrounding streets. There are coffee shops right next door if you need a pick-me-up!
Weather Considerations
- Extreme Weather Policy: In cases of extreme weather (e.g., major snowstorms, hazardous road conditions), we will be happy to reschedule your session for everyone's safety.
- Wet Weather Prep: If it's wet outside on the day of your session, please bring a towel to wipe your pet's paws and fur upon entering the building. A dry pet is a happy model!
- Seasonal Considerations: Dress appropriately for the weather while still following our outfit guidelines.
Studio & Building Etiquette
- Stairs Accommodation: Please be aware that our studio is located up a flight of stairs. If you or your pet have difficulty with stairs or require special accommodations, please email us at [email protected] prior to your appointment.
- Potty Break Protocol: There are designated potty spots with waste bins outside the building. Please make sure your pet has had an adequate potty break before coming up the stairs. Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets.
- Leash Requirements: Your pet must be on a leash and under your control at all times while in the building's common areas and inside the studio, unless otherwise directed by the photographer.
- Be Mindful of Others: Our building has other tenants and potentially other clients with pets. Please ensure your pet is well-behaved and respectful in all shared spaces.
- Studio Size: Our studio is an intimate space of roughly 150 square feet. If your dog has extreme anxiety in smaller spaces, please let us know so we can discuss alternative arrangements.
Need Special Accommodations?
If your pet is not friendly with other dogs or gets very anxious around new people, please email us at [email protected] prior to your session. We can make special arrangements to ensure a private and low-stress arrival for your pet.
Ready for Your Amazing Session?
Now that you're prepared, it's time to book your unforgettable pet photography experience!
Book Your Session Now