If you’ve been wondering how to include your pet in your branding photo shoot, you’re not alone. Many of my clients have chosen to capture their furry friend in their personal branding photographs since their pets are a huge part of their lives.
I’m an animal lover myself and a very proud owner (or more accurately described: ‘servant’) to my cat Squiz. She’s my day to day companion as I work from home and I don’t know where I’d be without her.
In my years working as a freelance photographer, I have worked with lots of different animals; many dogs, a handful of cats and even a rabbit or two have been snapped by my camera.
Here are some top tips for getting your pet involved in your branding photo shoot.
Does having your pet in your branding photos align with your brand values?
This question should be first and foremost in your decision to feature your pet in your personal brand photos. For lots of business owners, their pet is like an additional colleague working with them from home every day (I call my cat the boss of my business!) In this context, it makes total sense for your pet to be pictured.
If your business is animal-related or an outdoorsy lifestyle brand, including your pet (or perhaps borrowing a doggy from a friend) is a great way to give a nod to what you do.
For some brands it won’t be appropriate to include your pet. For example, if your business is in a clinical setting, or is a high-end luxury brand, pet photographs may not fit the vibe.
Is your pet happy to be in your personal branding photographs?
Not all pets are suited to the modelling life…. If your pet is particularly anxious, high-energy, or doesn’t like meeting new people, it is probably better for them (and you) if they sit your headshots shoot out.
Having your pet along to your personal branding shoot is an additional consideration for you on the day. If it’s going to add stress and play on your mind, it’s better to concentrate fully on the task at hand and leave your pet at home. Then you can relax and enjoy your shoot to the fullest.
If you do decide to bring your pet to your brand photo shoot, you will need to put in some extra planning effort. Could a friend or sitter collect your dog when their photos are done? Or hold their lead in between shots? Having a doggy helper to ensure your furry friend is happy at your shoot is highly recommended, as they can take them away if they’ve had enough of posing!
Choosing a location for your personal brand shoot
Choosing the right location for your personal brand shoot with your pet is crucial. You will need to consider the following:
- Is your pet allowed at the location? Check any outdoor and indoor locations are doggy friendly before you set your heart on shooting there.
- Will your pet be happy at the location? Busy locations with lots of distractions aren’t the best place to go. Aim for quieter spots where your dog will be able to hear your commands and feel at ease.
- Could you have your personal branding shoot at home? Having your branding shoot at home means you can include your pet in an informal way in their own environment where they will feel comfortable. Check out my guide on how to have a personal branding shoot at home.
I’ve previously written a guide to choosing a location for your personal brand shoot which I’d recommend checking out, regardless of whether you are including your pet or not.
Preparing your personal branding photographer for shooting with your pet
- Let your photographer know you’d like to include your pet at your shoot in advance. They will be able to give you advice and guidance about how best to plan the logistics and get ideas ready for how best to capture you and your pet.
- Listen to your photographer about they have any concerns about including your pet. Creative collaborations work best when everyone is on the same page. If your photographer thinks including your pet isn’t going to work, talk it through with them and follow their expertise.
- Come prepared with everything you need for your pet on the day of your shoot. Tasty treats can work wonders as motivation for your pet to look at the camera. Or tell your photographer the right words to say to get your dog’s attention. ‘Walkies’ always gets a good response!
Be aware of the limitations of your headshot shoot
Pets don’t always play ball when it comes to looking the right way and they can be unpredictable to photograph, depending on their temperament. It’s wise to allow for extra time for your headshots shoot if you decide to include your pet.
Be prepared that you might not be able to get exactly what you had in mind for your photos on your inspiration board. (Remember there’s a reason they say don’t work with children and animals!)
However, having your personal branding shoot with your best friend by your side can be so rewarding. It’s really special to capture the special bond you have with your pet, showing a natural side of you to your clients that they can emotionally connect with.
Book a personal branding shoot
Ready to book a personal branding shoot with your beloved pet? You can browse my personal branding photography services and prices here. Or maybe you’ve got some more questions about how to get your furry friend involved in your photos? I would love to hear from you! Please feel free to contact me here or book in for a free no-obligation call to talk through the logistics.
I hope you enjoyed reading my guide to including a pet in branding photo shoots. You can find lots more free advice and personal branding resources here at my blog. Thank you for reading!
