Photographing pets is honestly one of my favourite things to do. It’s chaotic, sweet, and nothing ever goes exactly as planned, which is usually where the best photos come from.

If you’re based in the Tri-Cities, Coquitlam, Port Moody, Port Coquitlam, Burnaby, or anywhere in Greater Vancouver and you’re thinking about booking a pet photo session, here’s what I’d tell you beforehand.

Tell me about your pet before we meet

When you reach out to book, give me a heads up about who we’re working with. Nervous around strangers? Obsessed with their ball? Only cooperates for cheese? All of that is useful. The more I know going in, the better I can plan a session that actually works for your pet, not just for the photos.

Dogs usually do really well at a favourite park or walking trail. Cats and smaller animals are often better at home where they feel settled. There’s no one-size-fits-all here.

Tire your dog out before you come

I say this with love. A well-exercised dog is so much easier to photograph. Take them for a good walk or a run before the session. It makes a real difference.

For cats, a little playtime beforehand helps too, but don’t exhaust them. Cats like to do things on their own terms, and that’s fine.

Groom them a couple of days before, not the day of

Give your pet a bath or a haircut a few days before the session, not the morning of. Same-day grooming can stress them out, and a stressed pet is harder to photograph. The day of, just brush them out and wipe any gunk from around their eyes. Trim the nails if you can. Little things that make a big difference in photos.

If you want them in a special collar, bow tie, or bandana, bring it. Just make sure it fits well and isn’t bothering them.

Bring treats. Bring a lot of treats

Seriously. High-value, small, soft treats are your best tool. They get attention, reward good moments, and help your pet warm up to me faster. Bring whatever your pet goes absolutely feral for.

Toys help too, especially for action shots or getting a dog to look in a certain direction. A squeaky toy or a feather wand can work wonders. And for outdoor sessions, don’t forget water and poop bags.

If you’re in the photos too, plan your outfit ahead of time

Solid colours work best. They keep the focus on you and your pet together, not on what you’re wearing. Neutral tones, earthy shades, soft colours. Avoid anything with a busy print.

For home sessions, tidy up the space a bit

Nothing too intense. Just clear the area where we’ll be shooting of cords, clutter, and anything distracting. Open the blinds to let in natural light. Simple backgrounds keep the focus where it belongs.

Honestly? Expect the unexpected

The dog will probably sneeze at the wrong moment. The cat will probably stare at the wall. Something will be slightly off-script, and that’s completely fine. Some of the best photos I’ve ever taken happened in those unplanned moments.

We take breaks when we need to. There’s no rush. My goal is that your pet feels comfortable and you actually enjoy the session.

After your session

You’ll get a private online gallery within a week or two, sometimes sooner. From there, I can help you figure out what to do with your photos, whether that’s printing, framing, a custom photobook, or a gift for someone. Everything is printed locally in Vancouver and the Tri-Cities.

Ready to book or just have questions? Reach out anytime. I’d love to hear about your pet and help you figure out what kind of session would work best.