Making the Most of Your Session

Pet sessions are all about capturing your pet’s unique personality, little quirks and the special bond you share with them. Here are a few tips to help your pet feel comfortable, relaxed and ready to create beautiful photographs you’ll treasure for years to come.

Exercise Before the Shoot

A quick walk or playtime session before the shoot can help your dog release a little extra energy, especially if they’re a young or high-energy breed. This way, they’ll be more likely to relax and settle once it’s time for their close-up.

Try to avoid exhausting them completely though, we still want them to have plenty of energy and personality during the session!

Accessories

If you’d like to include a special collar, bandana, or bowtie, it’s best to introduce it before the day of the shoot. That way, your dog will already feel comfortable wearing it.

If you prefer a simple look, that’s perfect too! A dog’s natural expression often makes for the most beautiful photos, so no extra styling is needed unless you’d like it.

Favorite Treats and Toys

We have treats available in the studio, but if your dog is a little fussy, then you can bring a few of your dog’s favourite treats to reward them and keep them motivated throughout the shoot. If they have a beloved toy or squeaky item, feel free to bring that along too. It can be a great way to grab their attention for the camera and capture those adorable expressions.

What Should I Bring?

Along with any favourite treats or toys, we recommend bringing anything that helps your pet feel comfortable. This could include their favourite blanket, a water bowl, poo bags, a lead, or anything that is part of their everyday routine. For nervous pets, having familiar items around can help them settle into the environment.

The most common question is “what do I wear?”

Avoid Logos and Bold Patterns:

Large logos, graphics and bold patterns, such as wide stripes, zigzags or busy prints, can distract from what matters most , your family's faces and connection. Simple, timeless clothing allows the focus to remain on you rather than your outfits.

This doesn't mean you can't wear patterns. Smaller, subtle prints and textured fabrics photograph beautifully and add interest without overwhelming the image.

Light or Dark Tones

Focus on balance and contrast.

Once you've chosen your colour palette, try to keep everyone in either lighter or darker tones. For example, if most of the family is wearing darker colours and one person is dressed in bright white, that person will naturally draw more attention in the photographs. Keeping your outfits balanced helps ensure the focus stays on your family's faces and connection rather than on one particular outfit.

Plan Ahead:

Lay out everyone's outfits a few days before your session to see how they look together. This gives you time to make any changes if needed and helps avoid last-minute stress on the day. Taking a quick photo of the outfits laid out side by side can also make it easier to spot if any colours or styles don't quite work together.

Ideas and Personalising your Experience

I always encourage clients to share their ideas, whether it's a specific shot they want to recreate or any inspiration for their session. Feel free to browse Expose Photography’s Facebook or Instagram page and screenshot any photos you love. This helps establish the style and theme you envision for your family shoot.

We strive to personalise your experience by getting to know you and your family better through a phone conversation. We can incorporate activities you enjoy together, capture simple moments like eskimo kisses with your children, or have your children bring their favorite toy to the shoot.

Additionally, we can choose meaningful locations, incorporate special family heirlooms, or even involve your pets to truly reflect your family's unique story.

Cream Background

The cream backdrop has a soft, warm tone that adds a cosy, comfortable vibe to your photos. It’s a gentle, neutral background that really flatters skin tones and brings a nice warmth to the images.

It works for all sorts of sessions, and while it looks great with most colours, I especially recommend neutral or pastel outfits to complement the backdrop.

It’s perfect for creating that intimate, relaxed feel or highlighting soft, delicate tones in your outfits.

Black Background

The black (or deep blue) backdrop brings a gorgeous, dramatic touch to your photos. It adds real depth and intensity, creating a stunning contrast that makes light-coloured outfits and subjects really stand out.

It’s an amazing choice for formal, elegant sessions or if you’re looking for something a bit more artistic and creative.

Perfect for when you want to highlight light or neutral-coloured outfits and create a striking look.

White background

The white backdrop gives you that clean, timeless look that always feels fresh.

It’s a simple, neutral background that really puts the focus on you and your loved ones.

It works beautifully for all kinds of sessions. From Family portraits, children's photography, or even pet portraits. Plus, it goes with any outfit and style, making it super versatile.

It’s perfect if you’re after something modern and minimalist, want to make vibrant outfits pop, or just love that polished, professional feel.

Before your session, your photographer will give you a quick call to chat through the final details, answer any last-minute questions, and make sure you're feeling relaxed and ready for your family photos.

We Can't Wait to Meet You!

Thank you for taking the time to read through your preparation guide.

A little preparation goes a long way in helping us create beautiful, natural photographs that capture your pet’s unique personality and the special bond you share.

Most importantly, come ready to relax, have fun, and enjoy the experience. Don’t worry if your pet is nervous, energetic or a little unsure at first, we’ll take our time and let them settle in at their own pace.