Why You Need a Photoshoot With Your Dog
From 2020, this was a self-portrait on a timer and I could not get Sam to look at the camera . . . but I cherish this picture. And I am not ashamed to say that as I posted it here, I had to pause to wipe tears from my eyes. Rest in peace, Samson - you are the dog I want running to meet me when my time on earth ends. Oh, and cancer sucks.
Not too long ago, I got a call from a past client who had some sad news: her dog had been diagnosed with cancer and she wanted to have a quick photo session as, well . . . she was not too sure of how much time she had left with her pup.
Our dogs are our children. No, not as precious as human children but the fact remains that when we choose to get a fdog, we are making a commitment to caring for them for their lifetime. They will never be self-sufficient and will always rely on us for food, shelter, and health care.
But boy, oh boy - what we get back from them makes up for it all, doesn’t it?
Here are three reasons why you should have a photoshoot with your dog:
It can be a bonding experience.
You are your dog’s world. You are the one they love, unconditionally, and the one from whom they seek assureances that they are being “good.” It is a very special relationship. A photoshoot provides an opportunity to spend quality time together, strengthening that relationship and creating shared experiences. Yes, that means YOU should also be in front of the camera.
Hate having your picture taken? You can still be part of the image, especially to capture your dog’s reaction to you.
2. It will capture your dog’s unique personality.
Dogs have distinct personalities, don’t they? I have two pups and they are like night and day. One runs for cover when a thunderstorm comes while the other ignores it. One excels at the art of the “sad face” while the other always seems to be grinning. One is my “conniver” while the other - man, some days I think he could get lost in a paper bag. Buit I love them both for who they are. A photoshoot will showcase your dog’s individuality and quirks.
If you took the time to train your dog, show it off!
3. Because you have limited time with them.
I will say this frankly - it is a fact of life that depending on the type of dog, you may only get 8 to 12 years of having them with you. Maybe just ten summers, maybe just ten Christmas mornings. For many dogs, at the age of seven they are entering their senior years and it starts to show when the grey comes in around the muzzle. Time goes by so quickly - even puppyhood is over within a year or two. You just don’t get the time you think you have.
Who’s been there for you always? Your dog.
I am sure that you have hundreds, if not thousands, of pictures of your dog on your smartphone.
My Zeke was born in 2021 so he still has some years ahead of him but when he was a puppy, I found a toddler’s hoodie at a thrift store and put it on him. I was getting “Eight Mile” and Eminem vibes from it, what with his serious little face, so I used Photoshop to add some tattoos. Total gangsta pup. And yes, he grew into all that skin eventually.
Oh - and tell your dog, I say hi.