Why Your Dog Doesn't Need Perfect Obedience for Great Images

Greg Lanoue • May 31, 2026

Why Your Dog Doesn't Need Perfect Obedience for Great Images

One of the most common concerns I hear from potential clients planning a dog photography session has nothing to do with what to wear, where to go, or what products they might choose afterward.

It's usually something along the lines of:

"I'd love to do a session, but my dog won't sit still."

Or...

"My dog doesn't know any commands."

Or my personal favorite...

"My dog is completely out of control."

The funny thing is that nearly every dog owner says this, regardless of whether they're describing a highly trained competition dog or a Labrador whose life mission is to make friends with every person, dog, squirrel, and leaf they encounter.

After photographing hundreds of dogs throughout Massachusetts, I've learned that perfect obedience has very little to do with creating beautiful images.

The good news?

Your dog does not need perfect obedience to create great photographs.

In fact, most of the dogs I photograph aren't perfectly obedient. They're simply being dogs.

And that's exactly how I like it.

It Starts Long Before the Session

One of the reasons I include a consultation before every session is because it gives me the opportunity to learn about your dog before I ever pick up a camera.

The consultation is one of the most important parts of the entire experience because it helps me prepare for your specific dog photography session before we ever meet with a camera.

Every dog is different.

Some dogs are highly food motivated.

Some couldn't care less about treats but will do anything for a favorite toy.

Some respond best to praise and affection.

Others have specific words, sounds, or routines that immediately grab their attention.

The consultation helps me learn what makes your dog tick so I can tailor the session around them.

It also gives us a chance to talk honestly about obedience, personality, and any concerns you might have.

If your dog struggles with staying still, that's okay.

If they're nervous around strangers, that's okay too.

If they have the attention span of a toddler after eating birthday cake, trust me, I've seen that before.

The more I know ahead of time, the smoother and more enjoyable the session becomes for both you and your dog.

The goal isn't to force every dog into the same mold.

The goal is to create a session that works for the dog standing in front of me.

Every Session Starts the Same Way

Whether I'm photographing a confident social butterfly or a nervous dog who prefers to keep their distance, I approach every session in a very similar way.

We start slow.

I don't immediately shove a camera in their face and expect them to perform.

Instead, I give them time to get comfortable.

I'll often set my camera bag on the ground and let them investigate it.

Most dogs will happily sniff around and satisfy their curiosity.

One dog even decided my camera bag looked like an appropriate place to leave a personal message. Let's just say that particular session started with a quick cleanup.

After that, I let them check out the camera itself.

They can sniff it.

Look at it.

Hear the shutter.

For food-motivated dogs, I'll often pair the sound of the shutter with treats.

Click.

Treat.

Click.

Treat.

Very quickly the camera becomes associated with something positive rather than something strange or intimidating.

By the time we start creating images, many dogs have already decided I'm not so bad after all.

Sessions Often Look Like Chaos

This is something I wish every client understood before their session.

A professional dog photography session can sometimes look like complete and utter chaos. Seriously.

There have been sessions where dogs were running around, sniffing everything, looking everywhere except the camera, and generally acting like dogs.

Meanwhile, the owners are standing nearby convinced that we're not getting a single usable image.

I've had more than a few people apologize repeatedly during a session because they thought their dog was ruining everything.

Many dog owners throughout Massachusetts arrive at their session convinced that their dog is somehow the most distracted dog I've ever photographed.

I promise they're usually not.

Whether we're working in the studio or exploring one of my favorite outdoor locations, most sessions involve a healthy amount of movement, exploration, and unpredictability.

That's normal.

In fact, it's often where the magic happens.

Then clients come back for their viewing appointment and are shocked by what we captured.

The reality is that what you see happening during the session and what I see happening are often very different things.

I'm constantly watching for moments.

A head tilt.

A curious expression.

A goofy grin.

A proud stance.

A connection between you and your dog.

Those moments happen quickly, but they're often all we need.

Breaks Are Part of the Process

A lot of dogs are very similar to young children.

The more you force them to sit still, the less interested they become in cooperating.

That's why I build breaks into many sessions.

Sometimes we'll stop and let them explore.

Sometimes we'll let them run.

Sometimes we'll encourage a game of fetch.

Sometimes we'll simply let them get the zoomies out of their system.

Not only does this help them relax, but it often creates opportunities for wonderful images that showcase their personality.

Some of my favorite photographs have come from those unscripted moments.

The goofy grin after a sprint.

The wild ears flying through the air.

The excitement in their eyes while chasing a toy.

Those moments are every bit as important as the traditional posed portraits.

Your Dog Does Not Need To Be Off Leash

Another concern I hear frequently is that people worry their dog won't be able to participate because they can't safely be off leash.

The good news is that almost none of my sessions require dogs to be off leash.

In fact, many of them remain on leash for the entire session.

One misconception about a professional dog photography session is that every dog needs to be off leash. They don't.

Leashes are incredibly easy to remove during editing.

I also work with owners throughout the session to position and hold leashes in ways that make the editing process cleaner and more seamless afterward.

I'd much rather have a safe dog than take unnecessary risks for a photograph.

Safety always comes first.

If your dog is happiest and safest on leash, that's exactly where they'll stay.

We're Capturing Your Dog, Not A Generic Dog

This may be the most important point of all.

I'm not trying to create generic photos of a dog.

I'm trying to create images of your dog.

The goofy one.

The stubborn one.

The sensitive one.

The energetic one.

The one who never sits still.

The one who carries a toy everywhere.

The one who insists on leaning against your legs.

The one who has a personality that makes your family laugh every day.

Those are the details that matter.

Those are the details you'll want to remember years from now.

Perfect obedience doesn't create meaningful photographs.

Personality does.

I Understand The Anxiety

There's one session every year that reminds me exactly how my clients feel.

Every year I photograph my own kids and pets for our Christmas card.

And despite photographing hundreds of dogs over the years, it's the one session that stresses me out the most. Why?

Because they're mine.

Suddenly I have all the same expectations that my clients have.

I want everyone looking in the right direction.

I want the dog sitting perfectly.

I want the kids cooperating.

I want everything to go exactly according to plan.

And just like most families, it rarely does.

That experience is a great reminder that the anxiety my clients feel is completely normal.

The difference is that when I'm photographing your dog, I know how the story ends.

I know that the moments you're worried about usually don't matter.

I know that the dog who won't sit still can still create incredible images.

I know that the dog who seems distracted can still give us beautiful expressions.

I know that the session often feels messier than the final gallery looks.

Because I've seen it happen hundreds of times.

Every Dog Deserves To Be Celebrated

Whether we're creating images in the studio or exploring one of the many beautiful parks and trails throughout Massachusetts, my approach remains the same.

I work at your dog's pace.

I adapt to their personality.

And I focus on creating an experience that's fun and low-stress for everyone involved.

At the end of the day, we're not trying to create perfect images of a perfect dog.

We're creating meaningful images of a dog who means the world to you.

Relax, Have Fun, and Let Them Be Dogs

If you've been putting off a dog photography session because you think your dog isn't obedient enough, take a deep breath. Relax.

Have fun.

Let them sniff.

Let them explore.

Let them get the zoomies.

Let them be exactly who they are.

Some of my favorite photographs have come from dogs whose owners spent the entire session apologizing for their behavior.

Then they saw the images and realized there was never anything to worry about.

At Lil Monster Photography, the goal isn't to create generic portraits that could be of any dog.

The goal is to create artwork that captures your dog.

Their personality.

Their quirks.

Their expressions.

The little things that make them uniquely yours.

Because great photographs aren't about perfect obedience.

They're about personality, connection, and capturing the dog you love exactly as they are.

If you're considering a dog photography session in Massachusetts and you're worried your dog isn't "good enough," I'd love to chat.

Chances are, your dog is exactly the kind of dog I've been photographing successfully for years.

< Older Post

Black and tan Belgian Shepherd dog stands on a road with trees in the background.

Challenge 2: Get Down

By Lil Monster Photography • June 13, 2025

For the second challenge as part of the Embark Photography challenge, I needed to produce an image from a very low vantage point and ideally have a very narrow focal plane visible in the image. Photography is often done at eye level, but an easy way to really be impactful with pet photography is to get down to their level or even lower to showcase the whole animal against the backdrop. Once again this was more difficult (and slightly painful) than I orginally thought it would be. Now, I'm no stranger to laying down on the ground in some weird fashion in order to get down during photo sessions, but I, admittedly, have never really paid attention to the how the focal plane can play into the rest of the image other than the dog itself... so it was definitely an educational challenge. Concept 1 & Photo Session 1 - I met a set of new clients and their pup Louie at World's End in Hingham for a wonderful, early morning session. It was a stunning morning, filled with such beautiful light and just an amazing setting to capture a session in. Starting out we had to cross a bridge to get onto the trails and I decided to have Louie pose against the rail and take some images that incorporated some leading lines... completely forgetting (it was early and I hadn't had enough coffee) about the Get Down challenge, but the resulting images were cute and low. I wrestled with using the image a little bit, but ultimately decided that it wasn't low enough and the focal plane wasn't as evident as I wanted it to be. There were a couple of other images from that same session, one in the grass and one in the water that I thought might work as well, but decided against them for different technical reasons. Concept 2 & Photo Session 2 - I met with a friend and his 2 white GSDs at Callahan State Park for a second run at this challenge. I had scouted the location before and found a few pathways and a small bridge that could work for the challenge. The sun was still a bit too high, as photographing in direct sunlight is difficult enough... photographing a WHITE dog in direct sunlight is not adviseable. We waited a short bit till the sun was filtered a bit through the clouds and positioned Maverick on the bridge. After a few shots Maverick decided that he wanted to play in the muddy stream underneath the bridge and then became a white and black dog lol! We tried some running images through the pathways, but the lighting was making it difficult and the dogs were clearly getting tired of having to go along with what we wanted them to do... they just wanted to explore and play, so we let them. I did edit up and thought about using an image of Maverick on the bridge, but I felt that his position (lower than me because the bridge dipped) and that there was some moderate side light on his face that I didn't want to enter that image. Concept 3 & Photo Session 3 - The day before the challenge image was due my wife and I took Crash down to a nearby set of fields that have a stone pebble parking lot. We did a mix of posed shots and action shots at a nice focal length 185mm+ and a nice, low aperture of 2.8 to really dial in that nice focal plane. After spending about a half an hour shooting I ended up selecting the very first image of the day for entry. I really grappled with submitting the posed shot or the action shot (which will be in my FB comments), but decided because the focal plan in the action shot as well as the kicked up stones looked a bit blurry to me, that I would go with the posed image. Plus, I really love the lighting of the posed shot as there is a nice top and backlight that seperates Crash from the background. Being a dark dog he tends to blend in with dark backgrounds, but the backlight helps him pop. Editing: There wasn't a lot to do here, but I did get rid of stray fur and doggy slobber. I brightened Crash's eyes ever so slightly and removed a few bugs from the background. The focal plane on the ground was left alone, as I thought it looked great the way it was. Image review: Charlotte and Craig agreed that the image met the brief and showed that it was shot from a really low angle. There was some slight conversation about Crash and whether he has a 2nd back leg, which he does, but the legs are lined up so well that they kind of blended together. The critique on the image was that the background greens seemed a bit too saturated and cool in tempature and Crash's tongue was a bit too long in the image. (He does have an abnormally long tongue!). The image was shortlisted and made it into the top 22, but was eliminated just prior to making it into the top 20 for this challenge. I've gone ahead and made the recommended changes in the edit, which you can see in the Facebook post comments ( www.facebook.com/lilmonsterphotography ) Onto the next challenge... Composition 101!

Red merle Australian Shepherd with two different colored eyes looking up, sitting on blue surface.

Challenge 1 - Colouriffic

By Lil Monster Photography • June 9, 2025

For 2025, I have chosen to push my creative boundaries by participating in a six-month photography challenge called Embark, hosted by Unleashed Education. This intriguing challenge consists of 12 distinct photography tasks spread over six months, each requiring a dedicated and intentional approach. The essence of this challenge is to submit an image for each pet photography task every two weeks. These submissions are then evaluated and critiqued by two internationally acclaimed, award-winning pet photographers. With around 100 photographers from across the globe participating under the same guidelines, the competition is both thrilling and intense. After each submission deadline, the judges release a video review and select the top 20 images, which are further narrowed down to a top 10. Here's a detailed account of my experience with the first challenge: The initial challenge was to creatively use either a single or multiple bold colors in the background of an animal photograph, ensuring the colors are harmonious and complementary. As I have come to realize, these challenges present more complexity than they initially appear to have. This realization led me to develop four different concepts and conduct three separate photo sessions before arriving at an image I felt confident enough to submit. Concept 1 , which ultimately did not result in a photo session, involved using my studio to pose my dog, Crash, against a black background. The plan was to employ a fog machine and lighting gels to alter the fog's color to complement Crash's fur, which is a blend of black, tan, and orange. However, due to budget constraints, this idea was not pursued further. Concept 2 & Photo Session 1: We ventured into the backyard, where we set up a 6-foot folding table on the ground with me positioned underneath to shoot directly upwards. My wife coaxed Crash onto the table with treats, capitalizing on his strong food motivation, and I captured his attention downward toward the camera for a unique perspective. The blue sky served as a natural backdrop, and we were fortunate to include a wispy cloud in the frame. Additionally, a bit of a tree top was captured to provide perspective. Despite these elements and a t-shirt that was very wet from Crash drool, I decided against using this image as it did not sufficiently highlight the orange and tan hues of Crash's fur. However, the image is now my desktop because I find it very cute! Concept 3 & Photo Session 2: I reached out to my niece who has an adorable Aussie named Ruckus, who was more than willing to assist with the challenge. We tried to use a big blue wall at one of the litle league fields here in town, but unfortunately the field was completely overrun by exuberant kids enjoying an evening game, so we changed plans and headed downtown to see if we could find anything that would work. We ended up in a nice part of downtown that had some red brick buildings and colorful artwork. Ruckus posed for a few shots, but the coloring didn't appear bold enough to me and the images, while beautiful, weren't what I wanted to use for the challenge. Concept 4 & Photo Session 3: I took to online searches for bold colors around town and did manage to find some really nice areas of blue that could work and one that looked amazing, but we'd need a bit of luck for it to be doable! With only 2 days left in the challenge we headed to the nearby playground with only a glimpse of hope that no kids would be there. As luck would have it and probably because it was a bit cold, overcast and dinner time, there weren't any kids on the playground. We rushed on and within a matter of a minute or so we snapped the image that would eventually be my entry into the Colouriffic challenge! Editing: Once I uploaded the images onto the computer I knew EXACTLY which one I wanted. I beautiful puppy pose view image with a slight head tilt and inquisitive eyes, but there was one problem... Ruckus' left paw wasn't showing, as it was tucked under his busy fur. A little cloning and angling later and we had a new left paw. I boosted the colors a little and added a little light to Ruckus' eyes and I was done. Critique: So the critique videos are posted on Wednesday evenings at 8PM local time and I had been anxiously awaiting the review! I had already seen all of the other entries and was convinced that there was no way my image was as good as many of them... there were so many beautiful images!! I watched the entire critique like I was watching a sporting event and rooting for everyone to do well. When it came time for my review I was told that I needed to be careful with my eye touch ups and that I had left a little bit of doggy drool on the bottom of Ruckus' jaw, otehrwise they loved the image and thought the complimentary bule to Ruckus' orange was nicely done. A big sigh of relief!! My image was shortlisted, which meant it was in consideration for Top 20 and top 10. Once all of the images were reviewed the judges narowed down from 27 images to the top 20, which Ruckus was included in. Ultimately my image didn't make the top 10, but I was still very delighted to have placed in the top 20 from the 80 images that were submitted. Next up: Get Down, so stayed tuned! Make sure you check out all of the potential images on my Facebook page!

Five fluffy, light-brown puppies sitting together in green grass, looking at the viewer.

7 Amazing Local Pet Related Services You Should Check Out

By Lil Monster Photography • April 1, 2025

Being part of a dog-loving family, I understand the challenges of finding services for your furry family members that offer the highest quality and trustworthy care. That's why I've conducted thorough research on your behalf and personally met with and spoken to the owners of each of these businesses and services.

Photos of dogs in frames: snow, running, sitting. Black frames, wooden frame, pink flowers.

The Importance of High-Quality Prints: Preserving Memories with Lil Monster Photography

By Lil Monster Photography • March 2, 2025

The Timeless Value of High-Quality Prints

What's so great about craft fairs/vendor events??

By Lil Monster Photography • May 7, 2023

In short, EVERYTHING!! As a pet photographer I have an opportunity to participate in some really great events to not only promote my own artwork, but to help with some absolutely amazing causes that benefit animals in need around our area and beyond. This blog will talk about some of my experiences with these events (great, good and not so good), the benefits of visiting vendors at these events and will end with a list of the events I will be attending this year. First, let’s just get this out of the way, but by far the absolute best thing about participating in these events is all the awesome interactions that I get to have with everyone else’s dog(s). If you’ve been by my tent at any event, you are likely to see me squatting or sitting down on the ground snuggling someone’s pup and it’s just the best!! These events are full of pawsitive interactions and great conversations about the animals that sometimes I don’t even get around to pitching my services… I just talk about the furry family member(s). Another thing that is so great about these events is the conversations I get to have with pet parents and talking about whether they have thought about hiring a photographer for the pup. An increasing number of pet parents that I speak with have hired a photographer, which is so great to hear!! It’s so worth it to memorialize the different stages in a dog’s life, as they grow up so fast. At an event today I saw a previous client who had hired me last fall to do a photo session with her adult Beauceron and her 10-week-old Beauceron… the puppy had outgrown the adult already!! I was blown away and actually called them by the wrong names because there was no way that in just a matter of months that the puppy could be so big, but boy was I wrong. We all had a good laugh about it and I got to snuggle both pups. During these pet parent conversations, it’s also great to discuss some frequently asked questions and concerns, such as pricing, dog behavior, anxiety and the inability to be off leash… all topics of recent blog posts of mine. In short, I love to provide as much information to clients in these brief conversations and then let them decide in their own time if scheduling a pet photography session is the right thing for them. At craft fairs/vendor events I usually bring a wide assortment of pictures, prints and product with me so that pet parents can see all the options that they could have their images printed on. It’s one thing to see the different products in a catalog, but it’s so much better to see the artwork in person. Clients get to see how the colors pop off the metal prints, how classic the barnwood frames look and how the acrylic glass prints and blocks give a 3-dimensional feel to the images. What’s funny is that during some of the events that aren’t dog centric I can always tell who the dog owners are by the smiles I see as they approach my booth. Instantly they are putting their dogs in the images, in the frames, on the metals in their heads and it’s simply great! Now, not all the events have been sunflowers and candy canes… occasionally events do come up and there’s a poor showing, but my experience with those is that is normally due to weather. Early spring events can be tough because of the rain… and artwork doesn’t really love humid weather. Also, summer events can sometimes be a bit sparse because of the heat. However, there’s always people that come out and there’s always a dog to snuggle, which makes it all worthwhile. Another great benefit to coming out to the craft fairs and vendor events is to support the local charity hosting the event. I’ve done a bunch of charity sponsored events and the response has been phenomenal! Whether it’s Save a Dog, Buddydog, Project Samana or any one of the other charities I have had the privilege of working with these events are top notch and serve such a greater good that I’m happy to participate. Lastly, these events are always filled with super awesome vendors from all walks of life. There are normally food vendors, music, games, raffles and prizes to be won. All around these events offer something for everyone! So, if you’re looking for some high quality dog portraits that will make your friends jealous and would like to check out some of my artwork on display here is a list of the events that I will be at this year (2023). I hope to see you and your pup(s) there and don’t be surprised if I want to snuggle them. J June 10th - Hudsonfest, Hudson, MA - 9AM - 3:30PM June 25th - Unique Souls Canine Training Event, Rehoboth, MA - 5PM - 8PM July 9th - Wrentham Artisan Market, Wrentham, MA - 10AM - 2PM August - "TBD" September 10th - Pet Rock Festival, Shrewsbury, MA September 23rd - MW Humane Society, Framingham, MA - 10AM - 4PM October "date TBD" - Maynardfest, Maynard, MA - 9AM - 3:30PM

Dog jumping out of water, catching a white object. Lush green backdrop.

Photographing Dogs in Action: Capturing the Energy and Spirit of your Furry Friend

By Lil Monster Photography • April 30, 2023

As a dog photography business owner, I often hear from owners that they can't seem to get good action shots of their furry friends. But, once they see the images we create together, they are stunned. Capturing the energy and spirit of a dog in motion is one of the most rewarding and exciting aspects of dog photography. In this blog post, we'll discuss how we create beautiful action shots and how they can benefit your furry family member. At Lil Monster Photography I believe that capturing a dog's true spirit means capturing them in action. It's not just about getting a posed photo, but about capturing their unique personalities and quirks. Action photography gives dogs the chance to loosen up and have fun during a session, which can lead to easier posed images as well. And let's be honest, some of the faces with the fur and folds flying around are often hilarious! So, what makes for a great action shot? Typically, dogs that are great off leash and have a strong recall are best for action photography. This allows them to run, jump, and play without being restrained. However, even if your furry family member is not great off leash, we can usually get some nice action shots in the right location and possibly on a long leash. We work closely with owners to find the best location and approach to make their session as comfortable and stress-free as possible. During the consultation we can discuss the best locations for action photography, as some places are better than others. Whether it’s better lighting, more openness for the dog to run, great obstacles for the dog to leap over and get caught mid-flight, it’s always best to plan this out beforehand rather than wing it the day of. One of the benefits of action photography is that it can capture a dog's unique energy and personality. It can show how they interact with the world around them, whether it's chasing a ball, running through fields, or just being goofy. These photos can be a wonderful reminder of the joy that dogs bring into our lives. A factor to think about when planning for a session involving action photography is to have another set of hands to help with recalling and wrangling the dog. I have found that single person sessions can be a bit tricky, as recalling the dog to me (away from the owner) can sometimes not be very effective. Unless your dog has a great sit/down stay that allows you to walk away from him/her back to my location then having a second person to recall to is always the best option for safety and results. Another benefit of action photography is that it can help to create a relaxed atmosphere during the photo shoot. Dogs are often more comfortable when they're able to move around and have fun, which can lead to better posed photos, as sometimes the dogs just need to get the sillies out… I mean, who doesn’t love a good zoomie? And of course, the action shots themselves can be a great addition to a collection of posed images and even better when incorporated in a gallery! At Lil Monster Photography , I specialize in capturing the unique spirit of your furry family member. I understand how to work with dogs of all shapes, sizes, and temperaments to create beautiful, high-quality artwork that you'll cherish for years to come. As a dog owner for the last 30+ years I know how much your dog means to you, and take great pride in my ability to capture their energy and personality in every shot. In conclusion, capturing a dog's spirit and personality is often best achieved through action photography. Whether your furry family member is a natural-born athlete or just enjoys a good romp in the park, I can work with them and you to create beautiful, high-quality action shots that will capture their unique spirit. So, why wait? Schedule a session with Lil Monster Photography today and let me help you capture the joy that your pup brings to your life!

Black dog with tan legs, standing on a tree stump in a forest with autumn foliage.

Puppy sessions can be chaos turned into magic!!

By Lil Monster Photography • April 23, 2023

From rambunctious puppies to calm senior dogs, I've captured images of them all. But there's something truly special about capturing a puppy's portrait. Puppyhood is such a fleeting time in a dog's life, and it's something that passes by much faster than we ever expect. This is why I believe that puppy portrait sessions are so important. Not only do they allow us to capture the cuteness and innocence of our puppies, but they also give us images that we'll fondly look back on for years to come. One of the reasons why puppy portrait sessions can be challenging is because puppies are full of energy and can be difficult to control. However, this is also what makes them so special. The excitement and joy that puppies bring to our lives is something that can't be replicated. When you capture a puppy's portrait, you're capturing their zest for life, their innocence, and their curious nature. These images can truly melt your heart and remind you of the joy that your puppy brings to your life. But it's not just about capturing a moment in time. Puppy portrait sessions can also be the beginning of a beautiful journey of capturing your dog's life stages. As your puppy grows into an adult dog and then into a senior, you can document their journey with age progression photo shoots. Starting with the puppy years, you can create a series of images that capture your dog's life in stages. This is a great way to commemorate the different milestones in your dog's life, from learning to sit to becoming a loyal companion. Many breeds of dogs experience all sorts of funny growth patterns, such as German Shepherd’s “I’m all ears” phase or Great Dane’s “my legs are too long for my body” time period or the Shar Pei’s “I haven’t grown into my wrinkles yet” stage. Puppy portrait sessions can be done in a variety of settings, but I find that studios are often the best place for them. Studios provide a safe and controlled environment, which is important when working with a lively puppy. Plus, the simple backdrops and props in a studio setting allow the focus to remain on the puppy's cuteness. Additionally, a sleeping puppy on a mirrored surface can create a beautiful, unique image that makes for a great piece of wall art. Of course, puppy portrait sessions can also be done out in nature. Parks, beaches, and gardens provide a beautiful backdrop for your puppy's portrait. The natural lighting and surroundings can create a stunning image that truly captures your puppy's spirit. However, it's important to keep in mind that nature can be unpredictable, and your puppy may become distracted or scared by their surroundings. This is why it's important to work with a photographer who is experienced with working with puppies and can keep them safe during the session. In conclusion, puppy portrait sessions are an important way to capture the fleeting time of puppyhood and create memories that will last a lifetime. By capturing your puppy's innocence, energy, and curiosity, you'll have images that you'll cherish for years to come. Plus, by continuing to document your dog's life stages, you'll have a beautiful journey of images that capture your dog's growth and companionship. So, if you have a puppy in your life, I highly recommend booking a puppy portrait session and starting your journey of capturing your dog's life.

Memorial for a dog: German Shepherd in snow with a rainbow, text

The emotionally difficult topic of "End of Life" portrait sessions (I needed tissues while writing this one)

By Lil Monster Photography • April 16, 2023

As an animal lover and dog owner myself, I understand the pain of losing a pet all too well. On August 13th, 2021 I lost a piece of my soul, my once in a lifetime heart dog, Akudra, very suddenly and without warning. I was broken, shattered and for a while inconsolable, but I forced myself to never shy away from the myriad of images I have of her. To this day Akudra’s images are still hanging in my home, in my office, on my desktop and on my phone. Akudra (Lil Monster) is also the namesake of my business, is on the logo, my business cards and her paw print is literally tattooed right next to my heart. I see her every day and often sit in quiet remembrance of the amazing bond we shared, the laughs, the amazing adventures, the lessons we both learned and the extraordinary companionship that she unconditionally gave to me. I am so grateful for the time I had with my Akudra even if it still hurts sometimes to think about. In the wake of losing Akudra I was reminded of a quote that a friend once shared with me: "Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened." - Dr. Suess Thinking about how crazy the world is and how one simple decision can lead you down a completely different path, it's so easy to think that had we made one different decision before getting this animal then they may never have been put in our path... but that didn't happen and we all have been blessed with so many amazing, loving animals. As such we need to cherish each moment with them and try and preserve their memory so that we can look back and smile fondly when we think of them even if that smile is sometimes accompanied by tears. For this reason end of life sessions for dogs can be difficult to think about, but they can also be a beautiful and heartfelt way to memorialize your furry friend. As the owner of Lil Monster Photography, I understand the sadness and anticipation that comes with the loss of a pet, and I approach these sessions with the utmost respect and care. When scheduling end of life sessions, I try to be as flexible as possible for clients, as sometimes these sessions can't wait for weeks to be scheduled. I also prioritize the safety and comfort of the dog, ensuring that the session is tailored to their needs and limitations. It's important to me to have these sessions in a place that holds significance for the owner and their dog. This can be anywhere from the client's home to a favorite walking location or dog park. I also encourage owners to bring sentimental objects like toys, blankets, and beds, and to include important people in the session. I take the time to listen to clients' stories about their relationship with their dog, from the moment they picked them up to the silly antics and mischief over the years. Understanding the special bond between a dog and their owner helps me to create images that capture the essence of their relationship. End of life sessions can be somber, but they can also provide an opportunity for owners to look back on their time with their furry friend and smile. While it may be difficult to look at images of a recently passed dog, over time, these images can remind owners of the happy memories they shared with their pet. Elderly and sick dogs may require extra care and caution during sessions, which is why I suggest locations that are easy to access and don't require much hiking. I take a patient and cautious approach to these sessions to ensure that the dog's true personality shines through, even if they tire easily. In conclusion, end of life portrait sessions for dogs can be a beautiful way to remember the special bond between a dog and their owner. As a photographer, I take pride in memorializing dogs in a positive, heartfelt way, and I am honored to be a part of capturing these memories for my clients. Now pardon me as I go hug my dog Crash and take him for a walk. I encourage you to do the same with your furry family!

White and brown spotted dog playing on green grass, excited expression with open mouth, tail up.

"My dog is too nervous or anxious to have a photo session"

By Lil Monster Photography • April 9, 2023

As a dog photographer, I've worked with dogs of all temperaments and personalities, including those who are nervous or anxious. While these dogs may require a little extra patience and attention during a photo session, with the right approach, it's still possible to capture beautiful and memorable images of your furry family member. Here are a few tips for dog owners with nervous or anxious dogs to help ensure a successful photo session: Take things slow: As a photographer, I always take things slow and get to know the dog before taking any photos. This is not only true for anxious/nervous dogs, but every dog, even if the dog is described as a super happy go lucky, “wigglebutt” of a dog. I'll sit down on the ground with them, let them sniff my camera bag and camera, and give them time to become comfortable with me and the environment. Bring familiar items: Bringing along familiar items like their favorite toy or blanket can help your dog feel more at ease during the photo session. Having something that smells like home can provide a sense of comfort and familiarity for your pet. Choose a comfortable location: Choosing a location that your dog is familiar with, such as a favorite park or backyard, can help them feel more comfortable and relaxed during the photo session. I provide all prospective clients with a Location Guide that describes each of my favorite locations to shoot at, including the best times of the week and day. Use positive reinforcement: When working with nervous or anxious dogs, it's important to use positive reinforcement techniques. I'll click the camera shutter and give them a treat so that they begin to pair the shutter click with the food, which makes it a positive thing. This can help your dog feel more comfortable around the camera and make the photo session a more enjoyable experience for everyone involved. This can also help with getting the dog’s attention later when he/she is posing because the pup thinks I still have food. Stay relaxed: Dogs are very intuitive and can pick up on our emotions. If you're feeling anxious or stressed during the photo session, your dog may become more nervous as well. Staying calm and relaxed can help your dog feel more at ease and make the photo session a more enjoyable experience for everyone involved. Clients have time and time again said to me that all they saw was a chaotic crazy mess, but are mesmerized by the images we were able to pull out of the session, so take a breath and enjoy the moment. At Lil Monster Photography , I understand that every dog is unique and may require a different approach during a photo session. That's why I take the time to get to know each dog and work with their individual needs and personalities. With patience, positive reinforcement, and a little bit of preparation, together we can capture timeless and high-quality portraits of your furry family member. If you have any questions or concerns about working with a nervous or anxious dog, please don't hesitate to reach out. I’m always happy to help and provide guidance to ensure a successful photo session for both you and your pet.

Great Dane dog in a harness, sitting on grass in front of trees with autumn foliage.

"I'd love to do a photo session, but my dog can't be off-leash."

By Lil Monster Photography • April 2, 2023

As the owner/photographer of Lil Monster Photography , safety is always my top priority when it comes to capturing beautiful images of your furry family member. I understand that not all dogs are comfortable being off-leash, and I want to assure you that there are plenty of options available to still create stunning images while keeping your dog safe. With every session inquiry I always like to begin with a consult to discuss not only a dog’s personality, when and where a client would like to have a session, how a client plans to display their artwork, but also to address any client concerns if their dog can’t be off-leash. I understand that some clients may have concerns about working with their dog on-leash during a photography session. However, I want to reassure you that I have plenty of experience working with all kinds of dogs, from the energetic and playful to the more reserved and cautious. I always take the time to get to know your furry family member and their unique personality, so I can create a customized plan that works best for you. There’s never any pressure to take your dog off-leash and that decision is solely left up to you, as you know your dog better than anyone. I always recommend that a dog stay on leash if they don’t have a strong recall under distraction, are reactive and especially if they are aggressive. If an outdoor session is preferred or required, I will work with you to find a location that your dog is familiar with and comfortable in. I will also discuss the best approach for working with your pup on-leash during the session, taking into account their specific temperament and behavior. In addition, we can discuss different locations that offer less distraction In some cases, I may recommend working in-studio to provide a safe and controlled environment. This allows me to work closely with you and your dog to ensure that everyone is comfortable and at ease throughout the session. Plus, working in-studio provides the added benefit of being able to experiment with different backdrops, lighting, and props to create truly one-of-a-kind images of your furry family member. I also want to assure you that leashes can be easily edited out of images. I work closely with owners to show them how to hold the leash in a way that will make it easy to remove in post-processing, ensuring that your dog looks their best in every portrait. I have a variety of techniques and tools that I use to make sure that the leash removal is seamless and natural-looking, so you can enjoy beautiful images of your dog without any distractions. At Lil Monster Photography y, I understand that your pup is a cherished part of your life. That's why I'm committed to working closely with you to ensure that we capture beautiful images that you'll treasure for years to come. I offer a variety of options for wall art and desk art, including prints under acrylic, metal prints, canvas prints, and framed prints, so you can choose the option that best fits your style and budget. In conclusion, I want to reassure you that everyone’s safety is always my top priority. I have the experience and expertise needed to work with all kinds of dogs, on-leash or off, and I'll always take the time to create a customized plan that works best for your furry family member. Contact me today to schedule your dog photography session and let me help you capture beautiful memories that you'll treasure for a lifetime. All the best! greg@lilmonsterphotography.com (508) 545-3890

Why Your Dog Doesn't Need Perfect Obedience for Great Images