Ever heard of a dog maternity shoot?
Believe it or not, they're a thing! Here are my top tips as a professional dog photographer to get the most heartfelt images from your dog maternity photo shoot (while keeping momma comfortable!).
Wait for the perfect time
Most dogs don't "show" as dramatically as humans do, so it can be hard to tell that they're pregnant to the unknowing eye. That's why I recommend waiting until 1-2 weeks before they are due to capture your images, as long as it's safe to do so! But you know your dog best, and if they are getting super uncomfortable or irritable, it may be best to take the photos early.
Use props
Flower wreaths, crowns, and ribbons tied into a bow around the belly are all gorgeous props that can add emotion to your maternity shoot! I like to use neutral and warm colors to accentuate momma's beauty. Most of these props can be found at crafting stores or online.
keep momma comfortable!
Everyone knows that expecting mothers are pretty miserable near the end -- the same goes for dogs! Try to aim for a cooler day and time to keep your dog comfortable and less irritable. Keep the session reasonably short too, there's no need to shoot for an hour+ while your dog is being kicked by puppies! Don't force her into positions or commands if she doesn't want to -- that will just make the experience frustrating for everyone involved. You can also bring a cooling mat, cooling vest, plenty of water and her favorite treats to make the experience more enjoyable.
I hope these were helpful!
Good luck on your maternity shoot! If you have an expecting momma dog and would like to hire a professional dog photographer to take care of everything for you, send me an email!
