Let the dog work off energy first
My running order for a session with a dog is candid first, posed last. For the first ten minutes, the family walks the area and I stay out of the way. The dog moves, sniffs and gets tired. The posed frames at the end come out of a calmer animal.
That order also helps the people. Nobody has to hold a smile while the dog pulls at a leash. The best expressions often arrive in the walking minutes. Short sessions work well here, and a Mini is a twenty-minute slot.
Shade and light
Shade protects the dog and gives soft, even light. Pick a spot with some shade for the posed frames, and an open area for the walking frames. A shaded park path is better than an open field at midday. In summer, ask for a start near sunset, since pavement and sun are hard on paws.
The photo spot finder lets you filter by shade and by season. The golden hour calculator gives sunset for any date.
Leash, treats and a helper
Bring a leash that is easy to hide in a frame. A thin leash tucked behind a leg disappears in the edit. Bring small treats the dog likes, and water for the walk. With an excitable dog, bring a friend whose only job is the dog.
A few tips that apply to any dog:
- Walk the dog before the session, so the first frames are not the dog's first run of the day.
- Feed a small meal early, not right before.
- Bring a favorite toy for the last frames.
- Tell me if the dog is nervous around other people or other dogs.
Outfits that do not fight the fur
Pick colors that separate you from the dog. A black Lab disappears against a black jacket. A cream dog blends into a cream sweater. Mid tones read well on both. Avoid lint magnets, such as dark fleece on a light-haired dog. The outfit planner builds a palette for the whole group.
Parks that allow dogs
Park rules on dogs vary. Some parks require a leash, and a few restrict pets in gardens or near water. Check the park page before you plan, and I double-check it for your date. The permits guide lists what each Wake County town says about client sessions, which is a separate question from dog rules.
What the dog adds to the price
Pets in session add $25. A Mini is $225: up to 20 minutes, up to 5 people and 10 edited images. Signature is $475 for about 1 hour, and Extended is $675 for about 90 minutes. Every session includes a print release. Look at the family page for the full list, and the Apex page for places near home base.
What to expect on the day
Meet at the spot a few minutes early, so the dog can sniff around and settle. I start with the walking frames, then move to the posed group once the dog slows down. If the dog needs a break, we take one. A relaxed dog makes a relaxed family. Bring a towel if the ground is wet, and a small bag for the dog. When the session ends, the gallery arrives in 48 hours in a private online page, ready to download.
The family prepare guide covers naps, snacks, outfits and the plan for the day.