Hey there, fellow pet lovers! 🐾 If you're anything like me, your pets aren't just animals—they're family. And let's be real, sometimes they get more attention than the humans, right? So when you're planning your family photoshoot, the big question is always: "Can my pet be a part of it?" The answer is, of course—absolutely yes! But before you toss your pup in the car or try to convince your cat it's time for a photoshoot, there are a few things we should go over.

I'm Jen Fowler, the photographer behind Arrows Photography in Vancouver, Washington, and I’ve seen it all—pets that are total naturals in front of the camera and others who... well, let’s just say they prefer to do things their own way. If you're thinking of bringing your furry friend along, let’s make sure the experience is one you’ll look back on fondly—and not a wild chase scene.

Is Your Pet Ready for Their Close-Up?

Before we jump into the fun details of posing and prepping, let’s get real about expectations. Not every pet is a natural in front of the camera (and that's totally fine!). But to make sure we capture the best shots of your furry friend, it's helpful to keep a few things in mind:

Does Your Pet Follow Commands?

We’re not expecting any Cirque du Soleil stunts (though if your dog can do a backflip, I’m impressed!), but a simple “sit” or “stay” can make a huge difference. If your dog is more of the “run-first, ask questions later” type, or gets easily distracted by every passing squirrel, an indoor or studio shoot might be a better fit than an outdoor session. Believe me, we want to avoid a "Where’s Waldo?" scenario at the park!

Is Your Pet Comfortable Around New Faces?

If your pet is a little more cautious or needs a bit of time to warm up to strangers, don’t worry—we can take it slow! We’ll have some treats on hand to help them feel comfortable with me and the camera. However, if your pet tends to get a little too enthusiastic about barking at delivery drivers or running from new people, it might be worth considering how we can ease them into the session or maybe even rethink their role in the shoot.

What’s Their Energy Level?

High-energy pets bring tons of fun and action to the shoot, but we might need to be quick on our feet to capture it all! If your dog loves to bounce around, we can do some high-energy action shots, or we can give them a chance to burn off some energy before we get into the more still moments. For cats, on the other hand, if they’re more of the "I’d rather stay indoors, thank you" type, a more controlled studio environment might be the way to go.

Getting Your Pet Ready for Their Photoshoot

You've decided your pet is ready for the spotlight—love it! A bit of prep can help ensure everything goes smoothly during the shoot.

Here are a few helpful tips:

Burn Off Some Energy First

A tired pet is often a more cooperative pet! Take them for a good walk or play session before the shoot to help them burn off some extra energy. This can help them stay more relaxed and focused during the session (and who knows—they might even strike a few perfect poses!).

Bring Their Favorite Treats or Toys

Whether we’re shooting in the studio or outdoors, having a favorite treat or toy on hand can work wonders. It’s a great way to grab their attention and reward them for being the adorable, cooperative star they (hopefully) are!

Dress Them Up—or Keep It Casual

If you’re feeling creative and want to add a bow tie or a cute bandana, go for it! But if your pet prefers to keep things low-key, that’s totally fine too. Just like with people, it’s all about capturing their unique personality, so whatever makes them feel comfortable is what works best for me.

Who This Is For (And Who It Isn’t!)

This Is For:

• Pets who are relaxed and sociable in new places and with new people.
• Owners who don’t mind bringing along treats, toys, and a little extra patience to help their pet shine.
• Those who want to include their furry friend in family photos and capture their unique charm on camera.

This Isn’t For (And That’s Totally Fine!):

• Pets that get anxious or stressed outside their usual environment.
• Dogs who might treat the word “sit” like a suggestion rather than a command.
• Cats who need their "me time" every few minutes (we get it, divas have their standards!).

Remember, not every pet is the right fit for a photoshoot, and that’s perfectly okay. If you think your pet might need a little extra help, let’s have a conversation and figure out the best way to make it work for everyone.

Final Thoughts

Incorporating your pet into your family photos can be such a fun experience, and the memories you’ll create are sure to be unforgettable. But, like with any photoshoot that involves animals, a little flexibility goes a long way. My goal is to make the process as smooth (and enjoyable!) as possible—whether your pet is a seasoned pro or just needs a little extra encouragement with some tasty treats.

If you’re considering having your pet join the next family photoshoot in Vancouver, WA (or nearby), don’t hesitate to reach out. Let’s chat about what will work best for your furry companion, your family, and the photos you’ll cherish for years to come.

Ready to book, or just have questions? Contact me today, and let’s get those tails wagging!