My Dog is too shy and anxious for a photoshoot
It's understandable that some dogs may feel shy and anxious in unfamiliar situations like a photoshoot. Here is what I do to help you and your dog feel more comfortable:
Familiarize your dog with the environment: What I always do before the photoshoot in our studio is let the dog, or cat sniff around the studio. This can take a few minutes or a lot longer, but I never rush your pet to start doing something that he/she isn’t comfortable with
Positive reinforcement: When your dog is in my photography studio for the first time and meeting me for the first time, I always try to gain the trust of your pet. I will give them treats, I will play and pat them, I will get them really excited so they are happy in the new environment. I sit on the ground to be on their level with a calm demeanour so their energy shifts and I gain their trust.
Take it slow: I never rush the process. I allow your dog to acclimate to the camera and the surroundings gradually. Every dog is different, some dogs don’t mind the lights and others take a little time to feel comfortable.
Use their favourite toys or treats: I always ask the owners to bring along their favourite toys or treats to help keep them engaged and distracted during the shoot.
Respect their boundaries: I always pay attention to your dog's body language and give them breaks if they seem overwhelmed. I will never force them into any poses or situations they're uncomfortable with.
Patience and understanding: Remember that every dog is different, and it may take time for your dog to feel comfortable in front of the camera. We need patience and understanding from the owners as well as me the photographer. If the owner is stressed and unhappy, your pet will feed off of that energy. I am a very patient photographer and will never force your pet to do something that he/she isn’t comfortable with.
Consider professional help: If your dog's anxiety is severe, consider working with a professional dog trainer or behaviorist who can provide personalized guidance and support.
This past weekend I had an absolutely lovely dog Millie in the studio. She is a 2 year old staffy crossed with lab and collie. (that’s what the owner was told by the rescue). She came into the photography studio a little shy and unsure of the environment. I gave her treats, I played with her, I got down to her level and wrestled with her to get her to trust me. I did such a great job that she didn’t want to leave my side, I would try to get a photo of her and she would just walk over to me and give my lots of licks and sit on my lap.. The whole process of her starting to feeling comfortable in front of my camera took around 30 mins. It doesn’t matter how long this process takes, as long as we get there and we did. You know what, we got some great shots of Millie. Her owner was so happy and relived that Millie did it. Here are a few images from por pet photoshoot.
