How to Find the Right Pet Photographer for You and Your Soul Dog

You’ve made the decision to hire a professional photographer to capture beautiful images of your dog and the special bond you share. Whether it’s a new addition to the family, or a beloved senior who’s starting to slow down, you don’t want to miss out on capturing their fuzzy, smiling face.

Between professional pet photographers and dog-friendly family photographers, there are a lot of options out there for you to choose from. With so many options, it can be overwhelming knowing where to start in your search!

But worry not! I’m here to help.

Here are a few tips to help you narrow down your search.

A red and white malamute with back legs in the water and front legs perched up on a rock, forest in the background and a smile on his face

Start with your goal

Are you hoping to get family photos and would love to include your dog or do you want your dog to be the star of the show? This will help you decide between a family photographer skilled in posing people and happy to have your dog along for the ride, and a professional pet photographer who knows how to handle your pup and capture their good side despite their crazy antics.

This is especially important if you want photos where they look relaxed, show their personality and want a few photos of them looking at the camera. Doubly so if you have a nervous or reactive dog.

Next, consider their style of imagery

Do you like bright and airy photos or dark and moody? True to life or heavily edited or magical?

Photographers provide a specific style of photos that’s often taken years to create. It speaks to them while they create images that speak to you. Save time by only reaching out to those who share a similar style to what you like.

And please, don’t ask them to edit in a style other than what you see on their websites.

A long coated German Shepherd looking off into the distance

Read their websites!

Speaking of websites, read through theirs to get to know the photographer and the kind of service they provide. I can confidently speak for most photographers in saying we spend a LOT of time tweaking and updating our websites in an effort to provide everything you need to know before reaching out.

Do you just want a quick and dirty shoot or do you want to enjoy a full-service portrait experience? Are digital files for social media all you’re looking for or does the thought of enjoying their smiling face on your walls put a twinkle in your eye? Their website will tell you the experience and results they provide.

Reach out and connect

Once you've narrowed down your list to a handful of potential photographers, it's time to reach out and initiate contact. Take the opportunity to express your enthusiasm for their work and inquire about their availability, pricing, and process.

Additionally, use this opportunity to gauge their responsiveness, professionalism, and rapport, as building a strong connection with your photographer is especially essential for a successful session with your dog.

Two malamutes sitting side by side, with dog mom on the left and dog dad on the right, everyone smiling at the camera and stunning mountains in the background

Finding the perfect pet photographer requires careful consideration and research, but with these tips in mind, you'll be well-equipped to find a talented photographer who can bring your vision to life. So, embark on your search with confidence, and soon you'll be on your way to capturing timeless memories with your beloved canine companion.


Think we might be the right fit? Spots are limited each month to ensure every client and their furry companions get the time and attention they deserve. So reach out today to get started!

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How Working in Veterinary Medicine Has Influenced My Pet Photography

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Rain, Rain, Go Away! What Happens if it Rains on Your Session Day