Should you include your pet in your senior session? YES!!! 100% yes!
I absolutely ADORE when seniors include their pets for their high school senior sessions.
I’ve been lucky enough to document seniors with their puppies, horses, even a CALF!
I’m not a big prop photographer…I only want to include props that are meaningful and have sentimental value to the seniors and their parents. (Except for flowers…I’m always up to include a beautiful bouquet of flowers.)
Including pets in senior portraits is extremely dear to my heart because my furbaby helped me get through a lot of tough times when I was in high school. So I know firsthand how important they truly are in our lives.
So trust me when I say that I know how strong the bond is between you and your animals. I get it! I absolutely love when seniors include their pets during their portrait session.
I want to make sure everyone feels prepared and comfortable to include their furry family in their session. Here are a few top tips to for taking senior photos with your pet:
- Consider how does your pet generally behaves. Before you choose a location, consider what your pet is like. Are they fine around new people? Do they hate being held? Can you easily travel with them in a car? Knowing your pet’s personality and behavior will help you better plan your session.
- Bring someone along with you. Since your pet might not be in all your photos with you, bring someone along who can manage your pet in between shots.
- Have a carrier or leash with you. Depending on where your shoot will take place, it’s important to bring a carrier or leash along with you. This will prevent your pet from running away and putting themselves in harm’s way during all the excitement.
- Bring some treats. If your furbaby responds to treats as a reward for good behavior, bring them along to your session.
- Think twice about the location. The location you pick should fit in with your pet. If you know that your pet would go crazy in a setting where there’s a lot to do and see, you may want to have your shoot at home or in a quieter park instead.
- Schedule a grooming session. In the same way that you want to look good for your senior photos, your pet should look good too. Schedule a grooming session the day before or the day of your shoot.
- Choose the right outfit. Find an outfit that matches your pet. For starters, your outfit should be easy to move in and not show hair or dirt easily. You should also find a way to match your outfit to your pet’s collar or bow – whatever you choose to dress them in. It’s best not to opt for wacky pet outfits as this could the focus off you.
- Relax into it. You never quite know what might happen during a photo session with a pet so it’s best to simply have fun and go with the flow. Not every photo with your pet needs to be perfect! I love the snuggly moments.
Hopefully these tips help ease your mind when planning your senior session with your pets!
Christine Lee Photography specializes in high school senior photography, family and maternity photography in Plant City, Lakeland, Riverview, Apollo Beach, Tampa, and Fishhawk, Florida.