Dog Session Prep Guide
I’m so excited to photograph your dog! These sessions are relaxed, fun, and centered around capturing their personality.
A little preparation will help everything flow smoothly and allow us to create the most beautiful images.
Before Your Session
Light exercise
A short walk or some playtime beforehand helps your dog settle in, while still keeping their energy and personality.
Arrive slightly hungry
Treats are a big part of getting your dog’s attention, so it helps if they’re ready for a snack.
Simple grooming
A quick brush and clean around the eyes and nose go a long way. Fresh grooming is always welcome, but not required.
Multiple dogs
If you’re bringing more than one dog, please plan to have an extra set of hands to help manage them. If that’s not possible, just let me know ahead of time, and I can arrange to bring someone along.
What to Bring
• High-value treats (I will have treats with me, but if your dog has allergies, please plan to bring your own treats.)
• Favorite toys
• Leash and collar (neutral tones photograph beautifully)
• Water and a bowl if needed
• For the best look in your photos, harnesses should be removed prior to your session.
What to Wear (if you’ll be in a few photos)
• Neutral, soft tones photograph best
• Avoid busy patterns or bright colors
• Choose something comfortable and timeless
• To make the process even easier, I offer an online interactive styling service that helps you visualize outfit combinations and find pieces that fit beautifully together. Whether you’re pulling from your own wardrobe or looking for something new, this tool takes the guesswork out of coordinating your outfits.
What to Expect
These sessions are designed to be easy and enjoyable – for both you and your dog.
I’ll gently guide the entire session while allowing space for your dog’s personality to shine. There’s no pressure for perfect behavior – some of the most meaningful images come from the in-between moments: the head tilts, the curiosity, the excitement.
We’ll move at a natural pace, take breaks when needed, and keep things positive throughout.
The Heart of It
Your dog doesn’t need to perform or be perfectly trained. The goal is to capture them as they are—their personality, their expressions, and all the little things you never want to forget.
After Your Session
Within three weeks after your session, you’ll receive a beautifully curated online gallery where you can choose your favorite images, purchase additional digital images, or upgrade to the full gallery if you’d like to keep everything.
You’ll also have the option to turn your images into beautiful printed artwork – pieces designed to be enjoyed in your home, not just kept on a screen.
My goal is to make this process simple and enjoyable, while giving you something meaningful you can come back to for years to come.
Important Reminders
Share Your Images
Share your beautiful images with friends and family!
I’d love for you to tag me (Sara House Photography) when you share your images on social media - it truly means so much!
Download and Backup the Images
I recommend saving your images in at least two separate locations. This could include your computer's hard drive, an external hard drive, a flash drive, or a cloud based service.
THAT'S A WRAP
Thank you again for the opportunity to photograph your dog!
If there is anything I can do for you along the way, please don't hesitate to ask. I'm here to serve you the best that I can.
I’m so excited to work with you and can’t wait to see what we create together! These will be memories that you'll treasure forever.
Contact
Phone number: 317-434-4855
Email: sara@sarahousephotography.com
www.sarahousephotography.com