How I Get Even the Most Camera-Shy Pets to Shine

That look of uncertainty? Totally normal (and totally welcome)

If you've ever brought your dog to a new place and watched them freeze up, tail tucked and eyes wide, you're not alone. Maybe your pup is the kind who hides behind your legs, glued to your side, unsure about this "adventure" you promised would be fun. Or maybe they're extra sensitive to sounds, people, or even just unfamiliar energy. 

And the idea of putting them through a photo session? It sounds... ambitious. Maybe even impossible.

But here’s the thing: your dog doesn’t have to be picture-perfect (or even remotely brave) to be beautifully photographed. I’ve worked with more shy, anxious, reactive, or differently abled pets than I can count - and not a single one of them “failed” their session.

Take Puppy, for example - a partially blind, deaf, and very anxious girl who didn’t even want to get out of the car at first. And I get it: new people, new smells, cameras... yikes. But by the end of our session, her ears perked up, she was sniffing around, and we captured some incredibly sweet moments her mom loved. She had worried it might never be possible because of Puppy’s struggles - but with patience and understanding, it absolutely was. 

This kind of trust-building doesn’t just happen by luck. There’s intention behind every step, and I want to share a few ways we set sensitive pets up for genuine success.

Meeting pets where they're at (emotionally, physically... literally)

Let’s be real: not every dog is a golden retriever bounding through tall grass ready to “say cheese.” And they shouldn’t have to be. Anxiety, reactivity, or physical limitations aren’t barriers to a beautiful photo session. They’re part of your pet’s story - and those stories often turn out to be the most meaningful ones to tell.

All of my sessions are designed specifically for each individual dog - their comfort, their pace, their quirks. I’ve done sessions in backyards, at favorite trails, and yes - even behind a vet’s office because it was the only place besides home that a particular dog felt safe.

Your dog’s well-being always comes first. Photos come second. And when that priority is respected, the photos turn out better than you ever imagined.

Tips for helping camera-shy pets (and people) have a beautiful experience

1. Choose familiar, safe locations

The setting matters more than you think - and not just for backgrounds.

• We can use quiet, low-traffic trails or one of your dog’s favorite familiar spots so they aren’t overwhelmed.

• If your dog has mobility or health issues, we can stay close to home - even in your backyard - where they’ll feel most comfortable and relaxed.

• Familiar smells bring comfort, so you can bring a blanket or toy from home if that helps.

For Puppy’s session, her mom and I chose the field behind her vet’s office. Besides home, it a place she already knew and was comfortable with, and it made a world of difference.

2. Bring the right energy (yup, this one’s about you)

Your dog takes emotional cues from you. If you're nervous or stressed about how they're doing, they’ll sense it - and sometimes mirror it.

What I like to tell clients is: your only job is to have a good time with your dog. Let them be themselves. Don’t worry about them staying in one place or being “good.” I don’t need them to sit pretty. I just need them to exist. I’ll handle the rest.

Think of it as a fun day out with your dog, and there happens to be a third wheel tagging along with a camera and a suspiciously large treat pouch. (That’s me!)

3. We move at their pace (no time limits here)

I don’t put a clock on my sessions. If your pet needs time to sniff me from a distance before feeling okay about me pointing a camera their way, cool. We’ll take that time.

For dogs like Dolly and Pearl, two senior sisters from the same litter, we kept things slow and simple. Pearl is deaf and blind, so we met on their favorite trail out on Old Mission Peninsula, where everything felt familiar. Dolly stayed close, and we just let the moments happen.

I let the dog lead - no forced poses, just real moments as they happen. And if they’re just not feeling it that day, we can reschedule. No pressure, no guilt, ever.

4. Don’t stress the appearance, gear, or “perfect timing”

Your dog can absolutely wear their harness or medical support gear if needed. Safety is always more important than aesthetics, and I’ll photograph around those things where I can.

And please, don’t add extra stress by scheduling a bath or groomer visit the same day as your session (especially if your pup isn’t a fan). One big experience per day! 

If you can, visiting the location ahead of time or arriving early can help anxious pups have a chance to settle in. Let them sniff, get their bearings, and just exist before we jump in.

5. I’ve got the tricks - but patience is the real magic

Treats, toys, silly sounds, squeakers, long lenses so I can stay back... I’ve got it all in my toolkit. But none of it means anything without patience.

The truth is, the best photos come from giving your pet the freedom to be themselves. They may surprise you - like Rasta Fox, who went from unsure to completely at ease once he knew he was safe. Or they might just remind you what you already know: that they’re perfect just as they are.

Your pet doesn’t have to be “easy” to be photographed

Some of the most moving sessions I’ve ever done have been with pets who were scared, anxious, elderly, or misunderstood. And often, they reveal something quiet and brave about themselves that you might not have ever seen captured before.

These photos aren’t about obedience or perfection - they’re about trust, patience, and love. The kind of love that says, “You can just be yourself here. I’ve got you.”

So if you’re wondering whether your dog’s quirks or sensitivities might make a session challenging, I’ll tell you this: I've seen it all. I welcome it all. And I promise - it’s possible.

Ready to celebrate your dog exactly as they are?

Whether your pup is camera-shy, anxious, reactive, or just a little weirdo (my personal favorite type), we can create photos that reflect just how loved and lovable they are.

Learn more about my Traverse City and Northern Michigan pet photography sessions and how I tailor every session to your dog’s needs - no matter their personality.

When you’re ready, reach out. I’d be honored to meet you and your pup - even if we just hang out in the parking lot for a bit first.

I’ll bring the spray cheese.