Ah, pets. They bring us endless joy, love, and yes, a fair amount of chaos. But when it comes to professional pet photography, I hear it all, and it's hard not to want to shake the owner and reassure them that their pet can totally do this!
Here is what I hear the most:
"My pet can't be off-leash."
"My pet won't cooperate."
"My pet is too anxious or shy."
Does these ring a bell? Do these worries remind you of your own furry companion? You’re not alone! Many pet parents hesitate to book a session, convinced their pet won’t “cooperate” or “sit still.” But here’s the truth—those very concerns are exactly why you should hire me! From zoomies to shy wallflowers, I’ve worked with every personality, and there’s no pet I can’t photograph beautifully. Let’s break down these common worries and show you why your pet is more camera-ready than you think!
Objection 1: "My pet can't be off-leash."
Great news—they don’t have to be! Safety is always my top priority, and leashes are a non-negotiable for many pets (unless in an enclosed area). The solution? Photoshop magic! Whether it’s a sturdy leash or a long-line for extra freedom, I remove them seamlessly in post-editing. The result? Beautiful, natural images where your pet looks like they’re free as a bird (but not running off after one). Pretty cool, right? Using a leash also works great for keeping animals in place for more of traditional portrait.
Objection 2: "My pet won’t cooperate."
For pets with unique personalities or challenges, I come prepared with tools like noise-makers, treats, and years of experience to keep them engaged. With your support and patience, we’ll capture your pet’s special moments, whether it's a goofy grin or adorable head tilt. I would only stop a session if a pet is mistreated, aggressive, or overly stressed. For reactive pets, I choose calm locations at quieter times or can even shoot at your home. During our consultation, we’ll discuss your pet’s needs to ensure they’re comfortable. My goal is a positive, fun experience with plenty of breaks, encouragement, and treats. Take Korra (featured below), for example. Despite her reactivity, we worked quickly at a public garden and captured beautiful photos that showed her true personality. Your pet doesn’t need to be perfect—just let them be themselves, and we’ll make it work! I loved working with Korra and her family, and she had a blast! ❤️
Objection 3: "My pet won't sit still!"
Who says they have to? For high-energy pets, I embrace their natural playfulness! Action shots of your dog mid-zoomie, playing with their favorite toy, or chasing a ball often make for the most joyful and dynamic images. And once they’ve burned off a little steam, we can capture those sweet, relaxed moments, too. Whether they’re in motion or taking a breather, I’ll be ready to capture their unique spirit every step of the way! Check out these sporty and heartwarming images of Kona the German Shepherd and her devoted owner. She loves to play ball and swim and we were able to capture all sides of her!
Objection 4: "My pet is too anxious or shy."
Shy or anxious pets are some of my favorite to photograph because inevitably we are able to get them in their comfort zone despite it all. For nervous pets, I suggest scheduling during quieter hours, like early mornings, and using a zoom lens to capture them from a distance. Your pet’s comfort is my top priority, and I’ll go at their pace. If a pet is still too anxious, I’ll stop the session and provide a full refund. I’ve never had to cancel a session due to anxiety, though! While most sessions are outdoors, I offer home sessions for pets that need a familiar setting. I’ll visit beforehand to plan and ensure the session goes smoothly. Whether using natural or studio lighting, I’ll capture stunning images that celebrate your pet. Check out Diesel here (shown below), who was recently adopted through My Second Home Rescue in Colorado! He had some anxiety at first but warmed up quickly with his foster parent nearby. By the middle of the session, he was prancing around with a huge smile! Go Diesel!
Guaranteed Great Photos of Your Pet
Worried your pet won't cooperate? Book with confidence and peace of mind. If I don't capture any usable images, your session is on me! P.S. I’ve never met a pet I couldn’t photograph :)
The Bottom Line
Your pet’s quirks, energy, or temperament aren’t obstacles—they’re what make them special, and exactly why you need a professional pet photographer! My job is to meet them where they are, celebrate their uniqueness, and capture their spirit in a way you’ll cherish forever. So don’t let those worries hold you back from making lasting memories—let them be the reason you hire me! Let’s create some magic together—zoomies, reactivity, shyness, and all.
Still not sure? Check out my happy clients’ reviews, including many with dogs they thought wouldn’t make the cut.
And don’t forget to peek at some behind-the-scenes footage from my shoots, including this one with Rubystar below 👇
Excellent support from the owner! Ruby’s zoomies were off the charts, but after a good run, she was finally ready to do some sits. #ZoomiesToSits #RubyTheZoomieQueen
Comments