There is a particular kind of pride a dog carries when he knows he's doing well. Ears up, chin level, a look that says I understand the assignment. It's the same look you hope to catch on camera, and it turns out, a little preparation goes a long way toward getting there.
Start the day as usual. Dogs read routine like weather. A morning that feels too different, too rushed, or too quiet tends to arrive on camera as a dog who's a little unsure of himself. Keep the walk, the breakfast, the usual noise of the house. Save the surprises for later.
Bring what makes him feel like himself. A favorite toy, a well-worn leash, his favorite treats. Comfort photographs beautifully. So does familiarity.
Skip the bath the day of. A day or two before is plenty. Freshly washed dogs often smell unfamiliar to themselves, which can make them fidgety in a way that's hard to shake for an hour.
Let him sniff first. Before we ever pick up the camera, we give him time to investigate wherever we are. A dog who's checked the perimeter is a dog who can finally relax into the moment, and relaxed is where the good photos live.
Trust the process, even the goofy parts. There will be some encouraging, some treats held at odd angles, maybe a squeaky toy pressed to my forehead. This is normal. This is, in fact, most of the job.
By the time we're through, what we're really after isn't a sit-stay or a perfect pose. It's the dog being exactly who he is, good boy and all, with the camera lucky enough to catch it.
