Pet Photography sessions in your own backyard

Recently, I took part of a discussion for One Last Network and we discussed the art of location for your pet’s session. The Washington, DC metro area is full of great spots for photos. We have the monuments downtown DC, Great Falls Park in Maryland and Virginia, and parks everywhere you go. While I love being able to meet you at a local park or some of the great places I like to go for sessions, I understand not every pet is suited for a location session. Sometimes, the best session for your pet is in your own backyard within the Washington, DC metro area.

Three reasons why a home session may be best for your pet

1-Your dog has limited mobility.

When we meet at a park for your pet’s session, we often walk around and I will photograph your pet from at least a couple of different spots to get a variety of photos. Not every pet can do this. Due to age or health issues like arthritis, your pet may not be able to walk very far. And to honor my commitment to keep your pet’s comfort level my highest priority, I will come to your home to photograph your pet. Sure, we may have to get a little creative to have a great background, but keeping your pet happy and making the session fun for them is important to me and I am more than happy to take photos at your home to keep your pet comfortable.

Last fall, I photographed Indy near her home. Indy has severe arthritis and we decided to take Indy’s photos on a path right by her home to keep her comfortable. Indy didn’t have to walk very far and we were still able to take beautiful photos of Indy. We also took a few photos of Indy in front of her house.

2-Your pet is reactive.

As a pet parent myself with a reactive dog, I completely understand why your pet may not want to be around others. And when I do have a pet who is leash, people, or dog reactive, we will try to schedule your session at a place where there will not be a lot of distractions. Sometimes, the safest place for your reactive pup is to have a session in your backyard.

Whiskey’s family has three dogs and because Whiskey is reactive to many elements outside the home, the place where Whiskey would be most comfortable was at home. I photographed Whiskey and her siblings separately to keep all dogs safe and each dog had their own moment in the spotlight to shine.

3-You have a beautiful backyard!

You know the old saying, “there’s no place like home?” Sometimes, this is true for your pet’s session. You may live on a farm or somewhere else where there is a lot of great places to photograph and there is no need to find a fantastic place to have a session. Your home is filled with a variety of locations to take great photos.

Zeke lived on a farm with his family and we had a few different locations to take Zeke’s photos. Zeke also had some mobility issues, so being able to photograph him at home was a plus for his session.

Is a home session the best option for your pet? When we discuss your pet’s session, location is one of the most important things we will discuss. If you have a pet with limited mobility, is reactive to the world around them, or your have an incredible backyard, we will come up with the best place for your session and and decide a home session may be the best option.