5 Tips for Preparing Your Dog for Their Photoshoot

Preparing your dog for a professional pet photography session doesn’t have to be stressful – just a few simple steps can make a world of difference. Whether you're booking a dog photography session in Wellington, or anywhere in New Zealand, these tips will help you and your pup feel comfortable and prepared.

Whether your dog is a seasoned poser or camera shy, a little prep goes a long way when it comes to getting the most out of your session. At Em Boyle Photography, my goal is to make the experience relaxed, enjoyable, and full of tail wags, for both you and your dog. To help you get the best results (and have a little fun along the way), here are my top five tips for getting your dog ready for their big moment.

1. Give Them a little Walk Beforehand

A well-exercised dog is a happy dog. A walk before your session helps burn off extra energy, especially for young or high-energy pups. We don’t want them worn out – just calm enough to focus and enjoy the experience. A sniffari-style stroll (where they get to explore at their own pace) is perfect! For older, or slower dogs, you can just turn up to your session as this will be more than enough exercise and mental stimulation for them for the day.

2. Give Them a Bath a Few Days Before & a Brush on the Day

If your dog is due for a bath, aim for a couple of days before the session so their coat looks fresh but not fluffy from a just-washed blowout (unless that’s the look you’re going for, which is absolutely okay!). A light brush on the day helps tidy up their fur and remove loose hair. If your dog has long hair or eyebrows over their eyes, trimming them back a little can help – but only if you're comfortable doing so. Otherwise, a tiny dab of Vaseline or a bit of water can help keep fluff out of their eyes so I can capture those gorgeous expressions.

3. Bring Treats & Definitely Bring a Toy if They’re Toy-Driven

High-value treats are fantastic for rewarding good behaviour and holding attention, especially during quieter moments. And if your dog is toy-obsessed, definitely bring one along! A squeaky toy can be a great tool for grabbing attention and bringing out those perky ears and head tilts we all love.

4. Practice a Few Basics, But Don’t Stress

If your dog knows simple cues like sit, stay, or watch me, that’s a bonus. But don’t worry if their recall’s a bit... selective. I’ve photographed all kinds of dogs – from polished obedience stars to bouncy goofballs – and every session is tailored to their pace and personality. No pressure, no judgement.

5. Relax, They’ll Feed Off Your Energy

This might be the most important one. Dogs are incredibly tuned into our moods, and if you’re calm and having a good time, they will too. There’s no need for perfection – some of the most beautiful images come from the unplanned, in-between moments. Trust the process, and let your dog be themselves.

Bonus Tip: Let Me Know Anything Important

Is your dog a little nervous around strangers? Has arthritis in one hip? Reacts to certain noises? You know them best, and the more I understand about your pup, the better I can tailor the shoot to make it a great experience for everyone.

If you’d like help choosing what to bring, or want to chat about how to prep your dog’s coat, just flick me a message, I'm here to help. Let’s make your session one to remember!