Preparation brochure for dogs
GENERAL INFO
Lights, Camera, Action
In this blog, I have compiled some invaluable tips and preparations to help you make the most of your upcoming photoshoot. By following these guidelines and getting everything in order, you’re already one step closer to ensuring a successful and enjoyable experience. So, let’s dive in and discover the key steps you need to take before your shoot to set yourself up for excellence! At the end of this blog, you’ll find a handy checklist to ensure you haven’t missed anything important. Let’s make this photoshoot a resounding success together!
Dog preparation
The dog must be neatly brushed and possibly washed. Comb the coat and tail clean, clean the eyes, clean the nose. Bring a baby wipe for the shoot, in case your dog decides to roll his face in the mud.
Does your dog wear a harness and collar? Be sure to bring your collar for the shoot.
Be sure to bring treats to keep their attention. A favourite toy or stuffed animal can up the cuteness factor.
Feeling unsure about what to bring for your upcoming shoot? Don’t worry, With this dog preparation page, I’ve got you covered! Read through till the end, and I’ll provide you with a handy checklist that will ensure you’re well-prepared for the task ahead. Stay tuned and get ready to make your shoot a seamless and successful experience!
Owners
Keep it basic, neat, casual. eg, neat jeans/shorts with a blouse or polo. Make sure you wear plain clothes without a lot of patterns or inscriptions. This makes it a lot easier for me to get rid of disturbing elements.
Also make sure your shoes are clean and bring an extra pair of socks and shoes. I experience that I work a lot in the wet grass or even on the beach, maybe it’s best to bring an extra whole outfit to go home dry.
If you work in theme, make sure that you do not only make up your dog but also look for yourself. A nice dress and a pin can finish it off, but don’t overdo it! Too much ‘stuff’ can distract you from the subject. That’s why I like to keep it simple, often it is: ‘less is more’. A total package theme can then finish it off.
Materials
Most people need something to lead their dog. Collar, string,… These must therefore also look neat. It is not pleasant for either of us to have a collar full of mud in the picture.
Colour should be as neutral as possible unless it fits into a certain theme.
Outdoor photos are also best as natural as possible; completely free!
I always have available on a photo shoot:
Different photography strap for the supposedly “loose” dog and a long leash for action shots.
Location
This one is sometimes the hardest to find. As a photographer in a new environment I really see everything that can be interesting.
Nevertheless, it is important to take a look around in your own neighbourhood. Take a look around which places are nice.
What is suitable now?
A path/alley or field where no buildings can be seen further on, preferably trees.
Fields may have high grass with large dogs, with small dogs this may be a bit longer, but they must not fall away between the grass where you have to look for a dog. Then you better choose a lawn without tall grass.
I am always looking for where the sun rises and sets, because this is a very important detail for the photos. I also always look for trees to work with. A large rural landscape is always nice, but then I only work with sunrise and sunset.
Fields with flowers (large +) or pieces of weeds I can almost always do something with.
Always meet with me at the nearest place / parking lot where we are going to photograph, I like to walk into a piece of forest, but I prefer not to walk on the street for half an hour to the location with a heavy backpack.
Understandable right?
Training
Yes, also some ‘training’ for a photo shoot seems stupid, but can really be necessary!
Some dogs find it difficult to sit still or are uncomfortable with someone in the neighbourhood or house, practice this beforehand! This can save a lot of time and frustration.
You can also train this with people nearby; sometimes your dog seems to do so well among the 2 of you until someone else comes close.
A lot of training is not necessary, often going to the location for the shoot 1 or 2 x in advance is sufficient, so that it is not completely new for a quickly stressed dog.
With 2 or more dogs in the picture? Practice with someone that your dogs stand / walk together without a problem. An extra person and attention distractors can really be a must here. Although it should be as quiet as possible during the photo shoot.
It can also always be useful to train on not running away in a field or taking off your collar (briefly) or keeping it on a photo line. When removing material, it is best to keep some treats for the dog’s attention.
Theme
A theme can always give something nice to a shoot. Do you want to make this your work? Then think about what exactly can make a fun but especially useful contribution during the shoot.
Ideas: Flowers, hair clips in the dog’s fur, put on a nice dress / costume and curl or style your hair, flower in your own hair, depending on the theme you can do something to your dog’s head (e.g. horns, harness, .. .).
A theme therefore does not have to be extremely planned.
Themes from films/series or fairy tales can also be very nice.
I personally prefer a dog that is pure nature and a nice dress for the women, a shirt and jeans for the men.
How do you get nice gadgets? Well, long live the internet and your own creativity! You can easily make flower pins by buying flowers and sticking them on a pin. Horns (diademe) or armor (use of an ear net) from papier-marché that you have painted afterwards. There are countless ways to make something and not always difficult!
Many jewellery shops also have nice flower pins for a small price. I also have a number of dresses that can be used during photo shoots. If you are interested, you can pass on your size, and I will bring what I have lying around. I also have a very nice wreath that can give a wonderful extra added value, I will also take it with me for free on request!
Before the shoot:
- Please pass on specific wishes in advance
- Always describe your location (with photos & video’s)
- Want to wear special clothing? Contact me
- Book in advance
- Payment in advance at the time of booking
During the shoot:
- Sufficient time, no stress
- Guidance before and during the shoot
- Photo lines always at my disposal
- Flexibility in case of weather conditions
After the shoot:
- Additional ordering is always possible
- Choose your own photos
Type of photo shoots I offer:
- Portraits of dogs
- Detailed shots of your dog
- Connection between man and animal
- Dogs in action
- Black photos in studio
- Events within the canine sector
- Corporate photography within the canine sector
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