Pet photoshoot prep: everything you need to know
How to prepare for a photo shoot with your pet
Your guide to a stress-free session
Booking a professional dog photography session can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time. But don’t worry! With years of experience capturing hundreds of pets and their humans, I’ve learned plenty of tricks to make the process stress-free and fun.
Below, you’ll find a collection of my expert resources designed to help you prepare for your dog’s big day.
But remember: this guide is just the beginning. When you book with me, you get unlimited planning assistance—from custom trail scouting to real-time wardrobe gut-checks via text. I’m here to handle the logistics so you can focus on the fun.
Let’s turn that uncertainty into excitement and create unforgettable memories with your beloved family member!
Table of Contents
The Experience
Your Session Style
Prepare Your Dog
The Finished Art
What should I expect during a professional pet photography session?
A professional dog photography session with Allison Mae is a relaxed, outdoor adventure. Instead of stiff posing, expect a scenic walk where your dog’s natural personality is captured in the Colorado landscape through a low-stress, slow-start approach that prioritizes their comfort and your connection.
When we first meet
We don’t start with a “sit and stay.” When we meet at the trailhead, the first 10 minutes belong to your dog. This is their time to sniff the mountain air, explore interesting scents, and realize that I’m just a new friends with some really good treats. We’ll go over our plan and let the excitement of a new location wear off. By the time I pick up the camera, your dog has already decided I’m a friend.
Session flow
I always tell my clients to think of this experience as a scenic where we just happen to be taking world-class dog portraits. We explore the landscape, stopping where the light hits the peaks or where the trail opens up to a particularly scenic view. I’ll give you gentle direction, but I’ve found that the best images tend happen during the in-between moments; like the way your dog looks at you when you ask them their favorite question or the way their lip gets stuck on their teeth. There’s no pressure to perform'; we’ll simply follow your dog’s lead and let the adventure unfold.
Keeping it simple after your session
I don’t believe in high-pressure sales or surprise pricing.
The Gallery: Within 7–10 days, you’ll receive a private online gallery of your hand-edited, color-corrected images.
The Files: No need to choose between your favorites. Your session includes at least five high-resolution digital files, ready for you to download, print, and cherish. You’re paying for the artist, not the ink, and I want these memories on your walls, not stuck in a cloud.
Above and below: two moments showing what a slow-start looks like during a sunrise adventure session with a client near Denver.
The best time of year for dog photos in Colorado
While Colorado offers stunning backdrops year-round, the best time for a dog photo session depends on your vision. Choose September for iconic golden aspens, June or July for alpine wildflowers, or February for quiet, snowy mountain views. Matching your session date with the right landscape is key, which is why I’ve curated a guide to the best dog-friendly photo locations in Colorado to help you decide.
Spring Rejuvnation (March - May)
Spring in the Rockies is a game of two halves. While the high country is still tucked under a blanket of snow (March is surprisingly our snowiest month), the foothills in Denver and Boulder are beginning to wake up.
The Vibe: Early greens and the first wildflowers.
How to get the best photos: We stick to lower-elevation trails to avoid the "mud season" slump. If you love the look of snow but hate the sub-zero temps of January, a late-spring mountain session is our best-kept secret for wintry photos with warmth.
Fall Foliage (September - October)
Timing the aspens is an art form. Peak color it tied to elevation and moves like a wave from the high peaks down to the foothills. I have over 15 years experience helping clients navigate finding the best fall color for their sessions.
The Vibe: That iconic Colorado gold.
How to get the best photos: I watch the reports daily. September is for the high country (think places like Guanella Pass and Breckenridge), while October belongs to the Front Range. Because this is the busiest time of year, weekday sessions are ideal to ensure we aren’t sharing our "private" mountain view with a hundred other people.
Alpine Summer (June - August)
When the plains hit 90°, we head up. Summer is the only time the high mountain passes are fully clear, offering access to alpine lakes and pristine tundra.
The Vibe: Wildflowers in full force and vibrant, high-altitude blue skies.
How to get the best photos: Sunrise is king this time of year. If you’re a morning person, we meet early to beat the heat and, more importantly, to finish before the inevitable afternoon thunderstorms roll over the Divide. It’s worth the 4:30 AM alarm, I promise.
Wintry Magic (November - February)
Most people overlook winter, but it’s actually one of my favorite seasons to photograph. The snow acts as a giant reflector, filling shadows and making every dog look incredible.
The Vibe: Minimalist, clean, and high-contrast.
How to get the best photos: Winter trails are significantly quieter. If you have a reactive dog who needs space, a snowy winter morning offers the peace and space we need to let them shine without distraction.
Which time of day is best: golden hour vs. blue hour
In order to take advantage of the best possible light, I schedule sessions around the "edges" of the day.
Sunrise: Perfect for early birds, crowded trailheads, and summer heat. The light stays cool and crisp.
Sunset: The classic golden hour. It’s warm, glowing, and soft, but we have to be strategic about the location to avoid crowds and summer heat.
What to wear for your dog's photo session?
Neutral tones and rich textures, like wool and knits, create a timeless look that lets the connection with your dog take center stage.
If you're wondering what to wear for your professional pet photography session, the answer is a balance of mountain practicality and high-end style. The goal isn't to look like you're heading to a studio; it's to look like you belong in the landscape. Opt for classic silhouettes and these images will feel as intentional twenty years from now as they do today.
Dressing for the adventure
Being photographed with your dog involves a lot of movement: walking through tall grass, sitting on rocky outcrops, and occasionally getting a muddy paw print on your knee.
Choose fabrics that move with you. Flowy dresses, high-quality denim, and soft knits photograph beautifully because they catch the light and the wind.
Adventure-Ready Footwear
If we’re trekking to a vista, comfort is king. Wear your most comfortable hiking boots for the trail, and we’ll perform a seamless swap into your favorite flats, boots, or sneakers once we’re at our destination.
The Layering Hack
Texture is the secret to a high-end mountain aesthetic. Build your look with a base layer and a textured outer piece (like a soft cardigan or a structured jacket) to keep you comfortable and perfectly styled.
Colors that photograph best
Choosing wardrobe colors is the first step in creating a cohesive visual story. I always suggest gravitating toward tones found in the natural world to ensure your portraits feel timeless and harmonious with both your dog and the Colorado landscape.
Earth Palette
Rust, Mustard, Forest Green, and Burnt Orange
Atmospheric Palette
Cream, Camel, Slate, and Deep Graphite
Neutrals Palette
Slate Blue, Sage, Dusty Rose, and Charcoal
PRO TIP: Focus on contrast between your wardrobe and your pet’s coat. If you have a dog with dark or black fur, lean toward lighter neutrals or vibrant earth tones to ensure they stand out. Avoid neon or fluorescent colors as they create unflattering color casts on both skin and fur.
Iconic pet photos every dog parent needs
Beyond the logistics, there’s the art. During your session I work to capture several ssential, art-driven portraits that capture everything from you and your dog in epic landscapes to the unique details that makes your dog, yours.
How to prepare your dog for a professional photo session
If you are worried that your dog won’t "behave," I have a secret for you: I love high-energy dogs. You don’t need a perfectly trained pup to get great photos; you just need a plan and a little bit of patience. Whether we are shooting at a trailhead in the mountains west of Denver or open space in Boulder, my goal is a relaxed, fun experience for both of you.
Preparing your dog appropriately ahead of time and knowing what to expect during your session will make the experience even better for both of you. Read on for some of my expert tips on how to best prepare your dog.
Pre-Shoot Exercise Tips
One of the most obvious ways to get a little extra focus from your dog is with exercise earlier on the day of the session. That said, some dogs actually “spin up” with a lot of exercise and become even more energized afterward! You know your dog best, so if exercise helps them settle (or at least not get more excited), a brisk outing earlier in the day can be a good idea.
Arriving at the session location a little early and going for a short walk can also be super helpful. For a lot of Denver dogs, the sight of a trailhead means it’s time to hike! A short pre-session walk on location can help them adjust to the setting, release a bit of energy, and settle in, all while keeping them alert and engaged.
High-Value Goods: Treats & Toys
Treats are key for keeping your dog focused, and high-value treats can be an especially effective tool for rewarding calm behavior. However, if your dog tends to get overly excited about these treats, consider also bringing some lower-value ones. This way, we can reward their good behavior without kicking off a little too much enthusiasm!
Small, easy-to-chew treats work best, as they won’t leave crumbs or take long to eat. Keeping treat breaks quick and seamless helps maintain the flow of our session and keeps your dog’s energy balanced.
Planning Breaks During the Shoot
During our session, I make sure to allow for plenty of breaks, especially with more energetic dogs. These breaks provide mental resets, water, and a chance to refocus, helping to balance your dog’s energy and keeping them comfortable. We’ll keep things light and fun, ensuring your dog feels happy and relaxed, which helps create authentic, personality-filled photos.
Embrace Your Dog’s Personality
Finally, the best advice I can give: embrace your dog’s personality! Their unique quirks, bursts of energy, and playful behavior are exactly what make them so lovable. These traits are what we want to capture, as they reflect the joy of your life together. So, let them be themselves. That’s where the magic happens!
By following these tips, you’ll help set the stage for a successful, stress-free session where your dog can truly shine. Their energy and personality are what make the photos unique, turning your session into a collection of memories that will make you smile for years to come.
My Number One Dog Pose: “Hop-Up.” Let me guess, did you think I was going to say “sit” or “stay”? Not quite! Instead, I highly recommend teaching your dog to hop up onto objects like rocks, logs, or benches. Many energetic dogs find this to be a fun game, and once they’re up on the object, it helps them stay still for just long enough to create a great photo.
This little trick works wonders and adds a playful dynamic to the session. It’s also a safe way to channel their energy, helping me create photos that capture their fun personality.
The result: what to do with your photos
There’s a profound difference between scrolling past a photo on your phone and catching a glimpse of a large-scale framed canvas while you're drinking your morning coffee.
Here are a few ways to bring your photos to life and ensure you get continued joy from your images long after our session is over.
Wall Art
Let’s start with a classic: the one big photo either matted and framed or a framed canvas. Nothing makes an impact quite like a single image filling a wall with color, texture and emotion. A good rule of thumb is that your art should cover 50%-75% of the available wall space, whether that’s a blank space above your couch or dresser.
Most people underestimate the size they need (trust me, an 11x14 will like tiny above a sofa). My best advice is to always go bigger. Photos that feature sweeping landscapes or wide-open spaces especially shine at a larger scale, turning your wall into a window with a view.
Heirloom Albums: A Story You Can Hold
While a single frame captures a moment, an album tells the full story.
I’ve designed my All-Inclusive Sessions to be comprehensive, ensuring you walk away with a tangible keepsake.
Every album is crafted with layflat pages, allowing your panoramic mountain images to flow seamlessly across a spread without getting lost in a hinge. The images are printed on a lustre photo finish which creates a soft, professional texture that resists fingerprints and preserves the depth of color for a lifetime.
The result isn't just a stack of pictures; it’s a high-end art book that turns your bond into a tangible part of your home.
Cards and Keepsakes
Whether it’s a holiday card, a thank-you note, or a big announcement, using a favorite image from your session turns a standard piece of mail into a keepsake. Seeing your pup’s face (or your entire crew) in the mountain light is a guaranteed way to send a little extra joy to your friends and family.
A custom calendar is a beautiful way to bring the "outside in" all year long. It’s a quiet, tactile reminder of those sweet faces and mountain adventures every time you flip to a new month.
