Are you ready to dive into the adorable world of puppy photography?

We host regular Lounge calls in our Premium Membership, focusing on a particular topic each month, and this time we celebrated the joy of photographing puppies. We're sharing the bare bones of what we spoke about during the hour-long Zoom session here, but if you want to hear the whole thing, the replay is waiting for you in the membership archives.

Let's explore three different puppy photography scenarios and how to make the most out of your sessions.

Photographing Client Puppies

Photographing puppies that belong to clients can be a rewarding but challenging endeavour. Puppies have short attention spans and may tire easily, so keeping the sessions short and sweet is key. Here's what we recommend:

1. Keep it short. Educate clients as to the value of shorter sessions. For very young puppies, around 15 minutes might suffice. As they get older, you can extend the session a bit, but it always depends on the pup's energy levels.

2. Be safe. Consider the puppy's vaccination schedule and choose safe environments, preferably the client’s home, until the puppy is fully vaccinated. Some areas are lower in risk, like beaches, but avoid high-risk spots such as dog parks.

3. Shoot candids. Candid photography is ideal for puppies. They allow the puppy to relax without much pressure, enabling you to capture natural expressions and playful antics.

4. Use a long lens. Using a long lens can help you maintain distance and capture intimate moments without the puppy's constant curiosity interfering.

Embracing the Chaos of Litters

If you have ever photographed a litter of puppies, you know it can be chaotic but incredibly delightful. Here's how to make the most of these shoots:

5. Gather helpers. Get your friends involved – you can never have too many hands when dealing with a litter. Ideally, have one helper for every two puppies.

6. Elevate, but not too high. Position puppies on a low surface to prevent falls and ensure someone is always nearby to assist if needed.

7. Time the shoot carefully. Ideally, shoot when the puppies are a bit weary but not overtired to capture serene group photos.

8. Hone your eye for detail. Capture individual personalities by taking candid shots of the puppies exploring their environment and interacting with each other. Also, include standard "stack" shots if relevant for the breeder.

Capturing Your Own Puppy's Moments

Photographing your own puppy not only helps you bond, but is a great exercise in patience and creativity. Here’s how to ensure your furry friend becomes an enthusiastic participant:

9. Utilise positive association. Every time the camera comes out, make it a cause for celebration! By associating it with treats and playtime, your pup will look forward to photo sessions rather than wanting to run and hide.

10. Take the pressure off by shooting candids. Allow your puppy to explore and capture these candid moments. Use these to train them to see the camera as a fun part of their day rather than a job.

11. Make your sessions fun and short. Avoid overextending the session lengths; instead, intersperse mini modelling moments with more significant bouts of play.

12. Don't always take the camera. Occasionally leave the camera at home to enjoy un-pressured playtime. This prevents your puppy from viewing the camera as a constant presence, maintaining their enthusiasm for future shoots.

For more tips about photographing your own pups, you might like to check out this blog post: How to Train Your Dog Model in 5 Easy Steps

In closing, remember that photographing puppies is about celebrating their personalities and the relationships they nurture with us and their environment. Whether it’s a professional session with a client’s pup or bonding moments with your own, joy and patience are your best tools. Embrace these fleeting moments and document them with care and creativity. Happy shooting!