Choosing the right location for your professional pet photography session

For me, authenticity is key when photographing dogs and our connection with them. Just like humans, our pups thrive when they feel comfortable and safe. By often opting for less touristy or popular locations away from the general downtown area (as much as I love Chicago architecture and downtown parks) and considering your pup’s personality and needs, I try to create an atmosphere that encourages dogs to let their guard down. To the best of my abilities, I create an experience that fosters an environment of relaxation, genuine expressions and connection.

Every client receives the list of my approved & pre-scouted outdoor locations with descriptions that help you consider which one might be right for you and your furry loved one.

When selecting the ideal photo location for your pet photography session, there are a few factors to consider.

First and foremost, it is crucial to take into account your dog's temperament & personality. If your furry friend is calm and sociable, you might opt for a more public place with incredible skyline views or if you’re interested in documenting your neighborhood and places you visit often with your pup. However, if your dog is dog-reactive or easily overwhelmed, a more secluded and quiet setting or a studio session would be more suitable. This will hopefully create an environment where they can stay relaxed and focused when need be during the session, resulting in stunning and natural shots that showcase their true personality.

It also helps to think about what you want to do with your photos once the session is over. This if often an overlooked part of the process, but starting to think about that early on can help you decide which background, colors and style. An experienced professional photographer will approach a session differently if your goal is a stunning coffee table book vs. if you’re interested in a few signature art pieces for your walls, which is why I get to know my clients as much as possible before every session. It also helps to take your decor & preferred colors inside your home to ensure portraits from our session will make for heirloom keepsakes and wall art that looks like it belongs in your home.