From Shy to Silly: Why No Dog Is Too Reactive, Hyper, or Untrained for Photos

You wouldn’t believe how often I hear this one:

“My dog would be your biggest challenge — he’s too reactive, too shy, too crazy, too untrained, too attached to my side…”

Sound familiar?

If you’ve ever thought this, you’re not alone. In fact, it’s one of the most common things people tell me when they’re considering a session. But here’s the good news: your dog doesn’t have to be perfectly trained to shine in front of the camera.

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Where That Worry Really Comes From

Sometimes it’s not even about the dog — it’s about how we feel as pet parents.

• Will my dog embarrass me?

• Will the photographer get frustrated?

• Will we leave with anything worth hanging on the wall?

Those are normal worries. But they don’t need to stop you.

Why It’s Not Actually a Problem

Here’s the truth: I’ve worked with just about every kind of dog personality you can imagine —

• dogs who bark at every sound in the distance,

• pups who would rather hide behind a tree than step into the spotlight,

• wiggle-butts who treat the session like their own personal agility course,

• stubborn sitters who think “stay” means “stay… until I decide otherwise,”

• and yes, dogs who insist on being velcroed to their person’s side the entire time.

And guess what? Every single one of them ended up with portraits their families adore.

That’s because I bring more than just a camera. With my background in dog training and behavior, I know how to adapt the session to your dog:

• Choosing quiet parks or studio setups for reactive pups.

• Building in play breaks for high-energy dogs.

• Using patience, positive reinforcement, and a little humor to ease shy personalities.

The result? A stress-free experience for you, and photos that feel authentic to your dog.

Quirks Make the Story

The very traits you’re worried about are often what make your photos so special.

• A shy pup leaning against their person shows trust and tenderness.

• A hyper dog caught mid-leap is pure joy frozen in time.

• A “Velcro dog” snuggled close is love, plain and simple.

Those quirks aren’t flaws — they’re the story of your dog. And that’s what I want to capture.

Your Dog Is Exactly Right

So if you’ve been holding back because you think your dog is “too much” or “not enough,” here’s the truth: they’re already perfect for photos.

You don’t need to train them into a model. You don’t need to apologize for their quirks. You just need to show up and let me do what I do best — capture the personality you love every single day.

Same Silly Dog…Same Fun Session!

Dogs have layers — sometimes within the very same minute. One moment they’re goofing off like clowns, the next they’re striking a pose worthy of a magazine cover. That’s the beauty of photographing them as they are: you get the full spectrum of personality, often just seconds apart.

Sit? Stay? …Nah, let’s party 🎉

From zoomies to royalty — all in the blink of an eye. 👑✨

Ready to see your “impossible” dog turned into unforgettable photos worth framing?

Get started by Requesting an Artwork Session.