Capturing Connection: A Relaxed Guide to Your Chicago Pet Photography Session
Let's face it, photo sessions can feel a bit intimidating. You want to capture that special bond with your furry friend, but between wrangling leashes, coaxing smiles, and worrying about posing, the genuine connection can get lost.
Here at Kimberly Kingen Photogtaphy, we specialize in creating authentic portraits that showcase the unique love between you and your pup. Our sessions are all about relaxation and fun, and with a little preparation, you can ensure an stress-free experience that leads to stunning photos.
Pre-Session Prep:
Walk it Out: A tired dog is a happy dog (and a more manageable model!). Before your session, take your pup for a good walk or playtime to burn off some energy. It also helps to arrive to the session a little early to let them walk & sniff around, especially if they’ve never been there before.
Pack Smart: Bring along their favorite treats & toys to create a sense of comfort during the shoot.
Dress for Success: Coordinate outfits (without being too matchy-matchy) that make you feel confident. Consider the location and choose colors that will complement the background without blending in (wearing a lot of green at a lush city park during spring or summer).
Let's Talk About Food: Humans - Don't skip a meal! You'll be more relaxed if you're not hangry. For your pup, you can feed them a little lighter meal if our session is close to meal time so that they’re interested in any treats we’re offering.
Share what you know & love about your pup with your photographer: Our time together is relatively short together and clients often mention how quickly it goes by, even if it sounds long when they’re booking their session. The more I know about you & your pet, the better I can document what you love about them and glimpses into your relationship.
During the Session:
Deep Breaths: It's natural to feel a little nervous, but remember, we're here to capture genuine moments. Take a deep breath, relax, and focus on enjoying quality time with your pet. The longer the session is, the more you and your pet may forget or become comfortable with me being there. If you have an especially anxious pup, I do recommend a longer session and allowing us to take it slow.
Forget Perfection: This may be my biggest tip. Don't worry about perfectly posed portraits or if your dog is looking at the camera. We'll capture candid interactions and playful moments that showcase your unique bond as well as a few into the camera portraits. Remember, our pups pick up on our energy. The less stressed you are, the more comfortable your pup will be. There is beauty in letting your dog just be a dog and capturing their personality vs. what we always want them to do.
Embrace the Unexpected: Quite often the best shots come from unplanned moments of joy or silliness. Roll with it and have fun!
Let Your Pet Lead: We'll follow your pet's lead and create a comfortable environment. If your dog wants to sniff around, explore, snuggle vs look at the camera - that's perfectly fine!
Most importantly, trust us! We're experts in creating a fun and relaxed atmosphere for both you and your furry friend. Our goal is to capture the essence of your relationship in beautiful, timeless photographs and turn them into printed keepsakes that will bring a smile to your face every single time you walk by.
Ready to create lasting memories with your Chicago pup? Contact us today to schedule your bespoke pet photography session!