If you love dogs as much as I do, there’s a good chance that you take him along on every occasion; office parties, family get-togethers and more. And why not having your engagement photos with your dog?
Now that you’re planning your engagement photoshoot, you’re probably thinking of bringing him along. Question is, is it a smart idea to bring a dog to such an event? What if he becomes restless or refuses to cooperate?
This post provides detailed answers to these questions and more. In fact, it details useful hacks to ensure that engagement photo sesh with your pup is a success.
- How do you take engagement pictures with dogs?
- How do you take good pictures with dogs?
- How do you pose with a pet?
- Is this realistic?
How Do You Take Engagement Pictures With Dogs?
Taking engagement pictures with dogs is no mean feat. But there are a few tricks that can make this process easier.
- Highlight your pup’s personality – does your dog like to perform weird stunts? If they do, encourage them to do these tricks, and have the photographer capture those moments.
- Get down to your pup’s level – whenever possible, try to get down to your dog’s level by either crouching, or sitting down on the floor with them.
Engage your pet during the photoshoot – if your dog is refusing to cooperate, try talking to them while illustrating the action and emotion. Research shows that dogs comprehend non-verbal cues and emotions pretty well.
How Do You Take Good Pictures With Dogs?
You can get as creative as you want when taking pictures with pets.You can incorporate props, look for matching dog attire, add fancy dog collars or choose unique locations like a beach.
How Do You Pose With a Pet?
If it’s your first time taking a couple photo with dog, you might be wondering how to pose. The trick is to ensure that your dog is comfortable and relaxed.
One of my favorite poses is having the couple sit down and the dog lie down on his back. Then both individuals trickle the dog. Of course if this feels unnatural, you can go for simpler poses, such as holding the dog’s leash to suggest you’re taking the dog for a walk.
Is This Realistic?
Sure, it is. It’s very possible to take an engagement picture with dogs, especially if they’re well trained. You just have to find a wedding photographer experienced in taking dog engagement pictures.
How Should You Ask Your Photographer Without Feeling Totally Weird?
Are you reluctant to ask your photographer to take engagement photos with your pup? After all, you don’t know how they’ll perceive the idea, right?
Turns out that there are dozens of couples choosing to take their engagement photos with dogs nowadays! So there’s a high likelihood that you’re not the first one to make such a request. And even if you are, your photographer will find a way to work around it.
What matters is that you inform your photographer in advance. This gives time to research ideas on how to make your engagement photoshoot successful.
Including Your Dog in Your Engagement Photos Doesn’t Have to Be a Nerve-Racking Process
The thought of including a dog in your engagement photoshoot has made you anxious and slightly scared.
But it doesn’t have to be that nerve-racking if you’re well-prepared. Preparation in this case means carrying essential dog accessories. These include a dog leash, dog toys treats and spare dog outfits. Below, you’ll find more tips to help you have a successful engagement photo session with your furry friend.
5 Tips for Engagement Photos with Dogs
1. Bring an extra set of hands
Taking engagement pictures with your pup is a brilliant idea. But, you probably don’t want your pooch to appear in all the photos. You’ll probably want to take a few intimate pictures of just you and your life partner.
If this is what you have in mind, be sure to bring a friend along. This way, they can keep your pet engaged while you take those special pictures. Your friend can also help to grab the attention of the dog, getting him/her to look into the camera during the photoshoot.
2. Take photos of the dog first
Oftentimes, couples will want a few pictures with the dog and a couple more without the dog. If this is the case, start by taking shots with the pup first.
This way, you can capture those moments when the dog is calm and relaxed. It’s also a nice way to ease into your engagement photoshoot; if you’re slightly camera shy.
3. Groom your pet
You and your bride- or groom-to-be will be looking their best during the photoshoot, and so should your dog. Consider enlisting the help of a professional pet groomer to get your pup looking good too. They can bathe him/her, brush and trim excess hair, and look for stunning dog outfits.
4. Find a venue that allows dogs
The last thing you want is to show up to the photoshoot venue and be turned away because of bringing your dog along.
So ensure you inquire ahead of time. If the location allows dogs, find out if they have any policies and regulations. For instance, some venues require the dog to be on a leash while others only allow a particular size.
5. Let your dog be
At the end of the day, your dog is like any other animal. So don’t expect them to perform tricks they’ve never done before or hold their attention for too long. In fact, the average attention span of a dog is 15 to 30 minutes. If the photoshoot lasts any longer, your pup might start acting out.
Engagement Photos with Dogs Ideas
Here are a few dog engagement ideas for your photoshoot that you’re sure to love:
- Adding a floral collar – this will match perfectly with your floral engagement dress. It’s also a nice way to add a bit of contrast to your pictures. If you can’t find a floral collar, then get creative with it. Check out this photo of a dog engagement ring attached to the collar.
- Themed photoshoots – consider picking a theme for your engagement photoshoot. For instance, if you’re both into magic, you can incorporate magic-related props on both you and your dog. Or if you want to express your culture, a Boho couple photoshoot is a great idea.
- Dog outfits – if you like to dress up your dog, this is the perfect opportunity to do so. In fact, you should look for a dog outfit that corresponds to your photoshoot’s color palette. If you have a peach color going on, look for a dog engagement bandana or bow tie of the same hue.
Wrap Up
Your idea of a dog proposal turned out to be pretty special. From the moment she saw the ring on the dog’s paw or collar, she was bound to say yes. Although proposing with a dog went smoothly, it’s not a guarantee that including him in your engagement photoshoot will be the same.
You need to prepare adequately to ensure everything runs smoothly. First off, bring an extra set of hands to keep your pup occupied. Next, inquire if the photoshoot location allows dogs and their respective policies. Similarly, groom your pet and ensure you start with the pup’s pictures. You’ll also want to inform your photographer ahead of time.
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