your dog is your family
Your photographer should treat them like family too!
Choosing the right pet photographer is incredibly important -- just because someone likes dogs doesn't mean they understand dog behavior! When deciding who is the best fit for your pup, ask these important questions.
#1: How long have you worked with dogs?
A simple question that will give you an idea of how much experience the photographer has working with dogs. Some are just starting out, and that's okay, but ideally you should look for someone with at least 2-3 years of working with dogs in some form. This doesn't just mean photography, this could look like working at a doggy daycare, training, grooming, or competing in dog sports.
#2: How would you handle a reactive or nervous dog?
Anyone who owns a reactive or anxious pup knows the struggle of simply going on a walk in a park. Triggers are everywhere, and one setback could undo months of training and confidence building.
That's why it's crucial that your photographer knows how to spot the signs of a dog who is about to react, and how to appropriately de-escalate the situation to keep everyone safe and happy. No one wants to take photos while they're stressed! An experienced dog photographer will know specific locations tailored for their reactive clients where traffic is low. And most importantly of all, your photographer should be patient with their furry clients, as working with animals isn't always simple!
#3: how do you work with senior dogs?
Just as important as working with reactive dogs, knowing how to handle senior clients is absolutely crucial! A good photographer will take the session slow, plan for extra time, and not expect your dog to walk long distances that could over-exert them. They are often also limited in what poses they can do, and your photographer should be able to spot when something is uncomfortable and suggest something different. Your dogs' comfort should be their top priority!
#4: how do you handle dogs with minimal training?
An experienced photographer will be able to handle dogs of all calibers, including those who may have little to no official training. The truth is, a dog doesn't need to know any commands to capture stunning images that you will adore! The most important thing is capturing their true personality, and harping a bunch of commands at them will only make them stressed.
An experienced pet photographer will know all the tricks to maneuver dogs to the perfect spot, using techniques like luring or encouraging them with treats. They'll also use quirky sounds to get your dogs' attention, like duck calls, harmonicas, or toys!
hi, I’m amber!
I've been working with dogs professionally for 7 years, from dog grooming, to training, to competing in sports with my own dogs. I've been fascinated by dog behavior since I was a child, and that passion is what fueled me to become the crazy dog parent I am today. I know how much your dog means to you, because my dogs are my world!
Thanks to extensive training from many different trainers, I know how to handle reactive dogs and keep them under threshold. I can confidently redirect their attention if they do react, and I don't get frustrated because they're just having a hard time. The same goes for fearful or anxious dogs, as my oldest dog has struggled with extreme anxiety her whole life and I've learned how to help her feel confident.
You can trust that your dogs will be happy and comfortable in my care, and you'll get amazing images that you will cherish forever too! If you'd like to discuss a photography session with me, reach out today!
