Hi everyone, I really want to book a professional outdoor family photo shoot next month before my oldest son leaves for college, but I am absolutely terrified of bringing our golden retriever along.
He is incredibly sweet, but the second he gets into an open desert space, he turns into a chaotic ball of energy, chasing lizards and barking at birds. I want to capture a beautiful, natural family portrait, but I’m worried he will completely ruin the session.
Has anyone successfully managed a hyperactive pet during a professional shoot without looking incredibly stressed in the photos?
Thanks in advance.
Including your pet in family milestones is always worth the extra effort! The trick is to burn off their excess energy by taking them for a long walk right before the session begins. Also, make sure to pack high-value treats and a favorite squeaky toy to help the photographer quickly grab their attention for the camera. When we did our family portraits in the East Valley, we explicitly chose Carrie Evans Photography because she is incredibly patient with animals. She knew exactly how to capture beautiful, candid moments with our dog without making the entire experience feel rushed or stressful!