06/03/2026
I used to hear it all the time - I wish I could get better pictures of my dog, but he won’t sit still.
Guess what, he doesn’t need to.
🐶 A tired dog is a calm dog (usually). Giving your dog some light exercise before a shoot is always a good idea. Drain some energy (but not to the point of exhaustion) to keep their excitement at a manageable point.
🐶 Let them explore. Don’t expect to put your dog on a set and immediately get the perfect shot. Let them sniff and get used to objects and people before shoving a camera in their face.
🐶 lead them to their photo spot with a treat or leash vs forcing them into place. They will cooperate more if they think it was their idea 😉
🐶 Once in place, you have to be ready to shoot! Someone should stay near by with a treat while the photographer (or picture taker) gets their attention only when they’re ready.
🐶 got a distracted dog? Funny sounds are your friend. The weirder the better! Anyone who’s shot with us can tell you this works like magic. If that fails, secretly knocking on a wall will usually get them alert as well.
🎥 Not all dogs are cut out to be models, and that’s okay! If your dog is a free spirit, or maybe a puppy, don’t fight it. Flow with it. Find a bright lit area and use toys or food to lure him to the area you want to shoot in. Make it a play session, and keep his eyes on the prize. Having a second person take the photo is ideal. Keep the toy in the direction of the camera and if they get distracted, keep moving the toy to keep it exciting.
Share this with your friend with the “free spirited” dog 🐕
