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Whether you’re thinking about booking a session or if the session you already booked is right around the corner, it’s always good to do a little prep work before the big day! To help ensure your session day goes off without a hitch — and that your pics look flawless — I’ve outlined four major DO's and DON’Ts of session day. These are based on years of experience, so I know a thing or two!
Session Day Do’s
1. Arrive Early: You know that saying “if you’re on time, you’re late”? Well, that totally applies to photography sessions. Just like you arrive a bit early to a work meeting, doctor’s appointment, or massage, arrive a good 15-20 minutes early to your session so your pet has time to adjust to the location, have a good sniff and a small run so we can get started right on time.
2. Call Me if You’re Running Behind: On that note, things happen. If you end up running a little late, please make sure to call me so I can plan accordingly. Communication for the win!
3. Have Your Outfits (both yours and your fur-kids) Planned: If you’re doing multiple outfit changes for you or your pet, have everything figured out and put together in advance for each person or pup who’s being photographed. Trust me on this one.
4. Make Sure You’re Looking + Feeling Fab: I'm not saying you have to spend oodles of cash, but you do want to put a little extra attention into the details. Nails are often best when manicured, hair groomed, and clothing pressed. Spring for the blowout if you’re feeling it.
5. Be Flexible: Sometimes it rains, sometimes it’s windy, sometimes there’s a parade going on across the street. Whenever you're working with pets, you have to roll with the punches + take things on their schedule. I’ll even utilize all those “bumps” to your advantage whenever possible. The key to a great session is being relaxed and enjoying the time capturing amazing memories of you and your pet.
Session Day Dont’s
1· Don’t Neg Yourself: We’re all super critical of ourselves — more so than anyone else would be — but I urge you to use this day to think positive thoughts and refrain from self-criticism. Your smile is gorgeous and the outfit you picked is perfect. And believe it or not, your pet loves you just the way you are! I'm sure of it. So cut yourself some slack, relax, and enjoy the time together with your pet.
2· Don’t Bring Your Squad: I cannot stress this enough. In fact, I do not allow anyone who's not being photographed to be at a session, and while it might seem mean, there's a great reason behind this rule. You know how it’s hard to cook in a crowded kitchen? Yeah, that. It’s fun to hang out with friends, but I promise things will go way smoother if only those being photographed, and your photographer, are present. By all means, though, grab some food before and after with your crowd!
3· Don’t Direct the Photog: I’d love for your input on what sort of vibe you’re going for, and I am most definitely eager to see what sort of pictures you have in mind for your shoot. The day of, though, let me work our magic and deliver the style of images you hired us for!
4. Don’t Stress It: Your pet will feel your anxiety and it will make them anxious too. This day is about you and your fur-kids and celebrating your amazing bond + special story, and I want to make sure that you + they have the best time least stressful time ever. Try not to stress too much and be like your pups - live in the moment + relax and enjoy the small moments! I’ll help you navigate those poses and ensure that your pictures turn out beautifully.
