Your fur babies are always welcome...
I encourage all of my clients to include their fur babies in their family portrait session because after all they are an important part of the family too! If you are considering including your beloved dog there are a few simple ways you can prepare to ensure it's a success. Read on for more...
1. Practice commands
Make sure you practice any commands your pet knows leading up to your session. Ensuring your dog can Sit + Stay will make all the difference on the day and result in better portraits.
2. Exercise first
I can't stress this enough, exercise first because I bet your dog will be super excited when I show up! I recommend clients arrive at our chosen location early and give your dog a good run and play before the session. This will help to burn off some energy (and excitement) and enable us to maintain his/her focus later on.
3. Be realistic about your expectations
Dogs are in tune with how we are feeling. If you show up relaxed and calm, your dog will too, but be realistic in what you are expecting of your dog at the session. Things might not go exactly as planned and that is okay! It's a good idea to bring a friend to help out.
4. Bring treats
Delicious, high value treats are a must have for every session. You don't need to go out any buy anything expensive either a simple handful of cooked chicken cut into tiny pieces in perfect!
7. Wardrobe
For owners, I always recommend light neutral tones but more on that later. When it comes to your fur baby keep in mind your dog's collar and lead. Does it coordinate with your chosen colour palette? Leave the bold blue, red + fluro collar at home if possible. I promise it will stand out in the portraits and become distracting. If your dogs collar is worn and grubby consider replacing it. Classic brown leather collars are timeless and go with anything.
8. Grooming
When did you last wash your dog? Make sure your fur baby's eyes are clean and give him/her a good brush too. I recommend doing this before your family gets dressed especially if your dog sheds a lot.
So, you see? Including fur babies in your family portrait session does not need to be a stressful at all! With a bit of planning it can actually be quite fun and give you lasting memories in print of that very special connection between you and/or your children's bond with their beloved pet!
Ready to book your family portrait session including your fur baby? Both of our field locations are wide open spaces and very dog friendly. Simply email us to find out more information and check availability this Autumn/Winter.
e: info@melissasprlyan.com.au
Melissa Sprlyan Photography specializes in family portraiture in Perth, Western Australia. Melissa Sprlyan Photography also specializes in maternity and newborn lifestyle sessions in the Perth metropolitan area including Fremantle, Rockingham, Mandurah, Scarborough, Joondalup, Yanchep and Perth Hills.
If you are looking for a family session in Perth I would love to begin planning your family portraits at our spectacular beach or field locations or in the comfort of your own home. If you are interested in a custom portrait session with Melissa Sprlyan Photography and would like more information, please learn more about me and this experience.
If you would like to reserve your date on my calendar for Perth lifestyle photography specializing in motherhood portraiture, please click on contact in the menu or email me directly. e: info@melissasprlyan.com.au
