Nervous your pet won’t sit still for a photoshoot? Don’t worry—we’ve seen it all. From wiggly puppies to camera-shy cats, we’ve worked with every personality type under the sun (and sometimes in the mud). With a little prep and a lot of patience, you can help your pet shine in front of the camera and walk away with photos you’ll treasure for years.
Here are some tried-and-true tips to make the experience fun, relaxed, and successful:
Just like humans, pets have their moods. If your dog tends to get the zoomies every evening, aim for a morning session. If your cat naps like clockwork mid-afternoon, book around that. Choosing a time when your pet is naturally calm and alert can make all the difference.
A short walk or play session before the shoot helps burn off excess energy. This doesn’t mean running them into the ground—just enough to take the edge off so they’re not bouncing off the walls the second the camera comes out.
Treats, toys, and familiar blankets go a long way. Not only do they help your pet feel safe, but they’re also great tools for capturing attention during the session. Pro tip: high-value treats (the “special occasion” kind) work wonders when you need a good sit or stay.
Whether the shoot is indoors or outside, make sure your pet feels secure. Choose a location they’re familiar with or somewhere quiet and distraction-free. If we’re meeting at a park or nature trail, arriving a few minutes early helps them get settled and curious—in a good way.
Your pet picks up on your energy. If you’re anxious, they’ll be too. The best thing you can do is relax, go with the flow, and trust the process. We’re used to working with all kinds of pet personalities, and we’ll take the time needed to get those tail-wagging, tongue-out, head-tilted moments.
Sometimes the best shots happen when your pet isn’t “posing” at all. We’ll capture their natural charm—whether that’s a curious head tilt, a goofy yawn, or that one perfect moment of eye contact. If you have a helper (human or otherwise), bring them along to assist with handling or redirecting attention.
If you want your pet to wear an outfit, bandana, or flower collar, try it on a few days before to see how they react. Keep it light, breathable, and distraction-free. If they’re not into it? No problem. Comfort and personality always come first.
At Just Fur Pets, we believe every pet has a story—and our job is to capture it with patience, empathy, and a lot of treat-powered encouragement. Whether you’ve got a playful pup, a sassy senior cat, or a camera-curious bunny, we’re ready when they are.