Indianapolis Wedding Photographer

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My Top Tips For Taking Engagement Photos With Dogs

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There is nothing I love hearing more than, “Do you think it’s okay if we bring our dog for a few photos during our engagement session?” Ummm… YES PLEASE!! Give me all the puppy wiggles, tail wags, and dog kisses 😍

Including your pup in your engagement photos is such a fun way to make your session feel even more personal. After all, they’re part of your family too! But while it might seem like all you have to do is show up with your dog, a little planning can go a long way. Here are my top three tips for making engagement photos with your dog a success!

1. Bring Someone To Help

My number one tip for bringing your dog to your engagement session is to have someone else come along and be in charge of them.

Most couples are a little nervous when they first step in front of the camera because they aren’t quite sure what to expect. The last thing you want is to also be worrying about whether your dog is behaving or trying to keep them from running off after a squirrel! Having a family member, friend, or trusted dog sitter come along allows you to focus on getting comfortable in front of the camera first.

I usually recommend having your helper bring your dog toward the middle or end of the session. By then, you’ve had a chance to settle in, get comfortable, and feel confident in front of the camera. Adding your pup in at that point makes everything feel much more relaxed and natural!

2. Know Your Dog’s Personality

I feel like this should go without saying, but make sure your dog is comfortable around strangers.

You know your dog better than anyone else. If they’re overly anxious around new people, aggressive toward strangers, or simply too excited to listen no matter the circumstances, it may be best to leave them at home. I know that can be disappointing when you’ve imagined them being part of your photos, but safety always has to come first.

I had one experience early on where a dog would growl and snap anytime I got within ten feet of him or my clients. Let’s just say I spent the entire session worrying about getting bitten instead of focusing on taking great photos! That experience quickly taught me the importance of making sure everyone, including your photographer, feels comfortable and safe during the session.

3. Bring Lots Of Treats

Treats. Treats. Treats!!

Dogs are a lot like little kids during photo sessions. They’re interested for about three seconds, and then suddenly there are new people, new smells, and a million more exciting things happening around them 😂

Bringing a bag of your dog’s favorite treats is one of the easiest ways to help keep their attention when it’s time for photos. I can use them to grab their focus, encourage them to look toward the camera, and reward them for being the very best boy or girl.

Just be warned… your dog may end up stealing the show in a few of your photos 😉

I hope these tips help you have the most amazing time taking engagement photos with your pup! Including your dog can make your session feel even more personal and meaningful, and with a little preparation, it’s a lot of fun for everyone involved.