A Dog-Friendly Approach To Studio Photography

What to Expect During Your Dog’s Studio Photo Session

A studio session is the perfect way to capture stunning, creative portraits of your dog—and I promise, the process is designed to be as fun and stress-free as possible! Whether your dog is outgoing, a little shy, or reactive, my cozy, homey studio is tailored to make every pup feel comfortable and confident. I keep a second apartment as a studio space in the Silverlake area in Los Angeles, right off the 101 freeway. Here's how it all works:

A Warm Welcome

This area is great, and always has plenty of street parking, so you can let your dog use the bathroom after you grab a spot on the street. When you and your dog arrive, the first thing we do is relax. I want your dog to feel at ease in this new space, so we’ll start with some low-key exploration. Your dog can roam around the studio off-leash, sniff everything to their heart’s content, and get comfortable with the environment. Meanwhile, you’re welcome to settle in on the couch—feel free to kick back while I handle the rest.

If your dog tends to be nervous or reactive, don’t worry—just let me know beforehand. I’ll schedule extra time for the session so we can take things slowly. In some cases, I may even have you sit on a bench alongside the backdrop to provide reassurance while we ease into photos.

Getting Acquainted

I’ll bring out my camera for a slow introduction. I let your dog sniff it and reward them with treats so they associate it with something positive. Once they seem comfortable, I’ll take a few test shots with the flash while we're just hanging out, to see how they react. Most dogs don’t mind the flash, but if your dog needs a little time to adjust, that’s totally fine—we’ll go at their pace. If you have two dogs and one is more confident than the other, I'll start with that pup so your other dog can see it's not scary.

Building Confidence

Once your dog is relaxed, we’ll move onto the backdrop. To make it less intimidating, I’ll start by tossing treats onto the paper so they can explore it naturally. This helps them get used to walking on the backdrop while hearing the sound of the camera and the pop of the flash. From there, I’ll gradually build up to some running shots since they're already on the move—it’s all about keeping things playful and lighthearted!

Capturing the Magic

After your dog is warmed up and feeling good, I’ll guide them through a variety of poses. We’ll do full-body shots, sitting poses, and close-up portraits. If your dog doesn’t have a reliable sit/stay, no problem! I often keep dogs on leash (I’ll edit it out later) or use a bench for smaller dogs. Trust me, we’ll make it work.

If you’re interested in incorporating props, this is the time to do it. Glasses, peanut butter, or any fun accessories you’d like to try are welcome but never required. If you have two dogs, I do this whole process with each of them.

Finishing Touches

Once I’ve captured our solo shots, I’ll bring you into the frame (if we haven’t already). These moments with you and your dog are so special and often end up being client favorites.

As a fun finale, we can try bubbles! While not every dog loves bubbles, most are curious enough to give it a go. It’s always a delight when they discover how fun it is to chase them around the studio, but also great if they just ignore them and focus on the camera.

Why the Studio is Perfect for Nervous Dogs

One of the biggest advantages of a studio session is the controlled environment. There are no distractions, loud noises, or unfamiliar animals—just a calm, safe space that feels like home. For nervous dogs, this can make all the difference. And because I’m experienced with all kinds of temperaments, I can adapt the process to meet your dog’s specific needs, whether that means taking extra breaks, having you close by, or letting your pup call the shots.

By the end of the session, your dog will have had a fun, rewarding experience—and you’ll have gorgeous photos that capture their unique personality. I can’t wait to meet you and your dog(s)!