Finding the perfect location for a pet photography session can be a little challenging – there’s lots of options and, of course, you want the location that best captures your pet and the things you love about them.
Considering some key factors however can help narrowing the options.
♥ What type or breed is your pet?
Each type of animal will naturally have locations that are more suited to them and some that are definitely out. With dogs, their breed is going be an indicator of their size and nature. That makes it a determining factor in deciding an appropriate location. Most mature cats, for example, will not like to go outside their home comfort zone. Horses on the other hand are generally going to be captured outdoors due to their size and the style of the photography to be captured.
♥ What is your pet’s personality?
Like a pet’s nature, their personality will have an influence on both the where and the when for a session. Very friendly pets and those tolerant of other animals will fine in a popular park or on a busy beach. Timid, shy or pets that are otherwise better with some distance from other animals will need to be photographed in a quiet location or at a time when there aren’t other animals at the location.
♥ What does your pet look like?
Firstly, YES, I know your pet is absolutely gorgeous! It’s not so much how cute/gorgeous/adorable they are but what they actually look like – big, small, their coat, its length, long legs, short legs, and so on. Their appearance will make some locations less ideal than others. Long-haired dog in muddy or sticky grass – not a great a mix. A kitten, tiny toy dog, frog or duckling might get ‘lost’ in long grass.
♥ What colour suits your pet?
The colours in the resulting photography will evoke a mood and feeling. Deciding on a colour pallet for your session and which will compliment your pet’s colours and home will shape this mood and feeling. In a studio, this can easily be controlled by backdrop and/prop selection. Even in natural environment, however, you have an idea of the colours you’ll find there and how your pet will photograph amongst them. For example, the beach on a sunny day will give you whites-yellows in the sand, blues in the water. A park in spring might give you pretty white or pink blossoms or garden beds full of bright colours.
♥ What time of the year is it?
Every season will lend itself to a location. For example winter in many places will give you snow, fog, mist or grey colours. Autumn, on the other hand, you’ll have the beauty of changing leaves colours – reds, yellows and oranges.
All the previous considerations led to the final factor when deciding on a location. Although some locations might be ruled out through other factors, it is likely that there will still be a number of possible location options. That’s where the two final factors to consider come in!
♥ Is the location the best fit for your pet?
It becomes a decision made on preferences as to what is a good fit for your pet. For dogs that like to run and horses, wide open spaces may be fabulous. For small and shy bunnies a contained space like their run or the studio might be ideal.
♥ What are your favourite places to spend time with your pet? Or where would you love to head with your pet?
Does your family love nothing better than a trip to the beach with the dog? Is cuddle time on the couch with kitty snuggles the best way to finish a long day? Do you love to head out for a ride through gorgeous forest on weekends with your horse? There is nothing better for capturing the people-pet bond than showcasing the way that you typically spend your time together or a location you often frequent together. It can also be special to head somewhere that’s been on your bucket list to visit and have memories of that first time there captured.
Of course, for pet photography sessions with a professional photographer you will be guided through these considerations and the perfect location for you identified!
