Pets Make Perfect Models July 15, 2021 | Leave a Comment I was watching this cutie for a few days, so what do we do? I take her into the studio while I’m cleaning and putting props away, sweeping, and moving furniture around. I let her sniff everything, jump up on the couch, just like we are hanging out and having fun. I pull out a few props and put her on them, just petting her. On the second day, I do it all again, and she just loves going in the studio. She’s not too sure when the first flash fires..but after a few shots, she’s just a natural.Isn’t she adorable? Wish I had this time with all future pet clients, but there is something to allowing the pet to sniff, check everything out, and relax while they are investigating. Levi Mac is an extreme social girl, so she’s not really motivated by treats. I gave her a small treat at first and she just dropped it, didn’t even eat it. Look at her leg and paw..she was so chill. It was actually how I was talking to her, and we were the only ones in the studio, so I was the one she was interested in getting attention from. Now, I realize that most pets are not going to respond this way at first, if they are brought to a studio, or park for a Pet Photography Session, or Family Photography Session. But there may be something to learn from my little session with Levi. If you are going to a studio, then practice at home with them “staying” or “sitting” on an ottoman, or couch. Practice the “stay” or “sit” words, then give them a treat. You can even put a leash on them so that they understand what you want them to do and not run away.Again, the command words, treats, and lots of praise. If you have a suitable coffee table you can put them on, with a blanket or towel, depending in their size, then they can be introduced to staying in place without being so scared. I also have a turkey/duck call that I can squeeze with my fingers. I have a few “call” items that make different noises.I don’t use them over and over, I try with my voice, to get them to look at me, and I make noises with my mouth, so the “calls” come into play when my noises don’t work, but just 1-2 squeaks. You can buy a new squeaky toy and only use it during practice, and then bring it to the Pet Photo Session.With all of that said, Levi is used to me, and my home, so that definitely made things easier, and it was just us two, so that might have helped.I’ve had some really wonderful Pet Models in the past few years, and even though they are all unique, most of the tips I just mentioned, have been instrumental in getting great Pet Shots.She is a sweet baby, and loves to cuddle, never wants to leave your side, still loves to explore, but she wants to know where you are.She is in a family that loves her to pieces. And I get to see her from time to time, so she blesses me, too!“From the tents of God’s people come shouts of victory: ‘The Lord is powerful! With his mighty arm the Lord wins victories! The Lord is powerful!’ And so my life is safe, and I will live to tell what the Lord has done.” Psalm 118:15-17
Leave a Reply