Dogs are a big part of your life and in turn, your relationship! As a photographer and fellow animal lover, I welcome every opportunity to add your dog(s) to your engagement photos.

With that being said, there is a right and a wrong way to do so! I want you to know essential tips to ensure that you and your dog are prepared for your engagement photos.

3 IMPORTANT TIPS YOU NEED TO KNOW WHEN ADDING YOUR DOG TO YOUR ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS.

Undoubtedly, it is safe to say that dogs are pretty temperamental! They all have their own form “kryptonite” that can very much change the way they behave!

When you are including them in your pictures, it is so important to be prepared!

#1: SCOUT OUT THE LOCATION OF YOUR ENGAGEMENT PHOTO SESSION

Talk with your photographer to discuss where your session will be held. Oftentimes, they know the best places for dogs and are happy to disclose that information!

Once you have the location, take your dog there a few times leading up to the date of the photos. This will give them the chance to sniff around and familiarize themselves with the area.

This will save you lots of time the day of!

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#2: BE SURE TO PACK THEIR FAVORITE ITEMS

Dogs are very much like humans when it comes to their comfort items. More times than not, they have certain things that make them feel safe.

HERE IS A LIST OF ITEMS I RECOMMEND BRINGING

1. Food and/or Treats
2. Water
3. Leash
4. Favorite Toy
5. Towels/Wipes (just in case they get muddy)

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#3: LOOSEN YOUR EXPECTATIONS OF HOW THEY SHOULD ACT AT YOUR ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS

If I were a betting girl, I go all-in on the bet that your engagement session with your dog will be completely different than you are expecting.

THAT IS NOT A BAD THING.

It just means that if you go into your photos wanting your dog to act a specific way, you are going to leave disappointed.

Do your best to help them prepare, let your photographer work their magic, and focus on the love that you all share!

I promise it will be alright!

Thinking of adding your dog to your engagement photos? SEND ME A MESSAGE! Let’s chat about it!