The Best Time for a Pet Photography Session
There’s no doubt pets, especially dogs, become integral parts of our families. They’re there for us through thick and thin, bringing joy, laughter, and unconditional love. As a dog owner, you probably want to capture every precious moment, but when is the best time for full a pet photography session? Here are four of the best times to schedule a photographer.
1. The Early Years: As Your Puppy Grows
The early years of a dog's life, particularly the first 8-12 months, are filled with both physical growth and personality development. Those cute little puppies are curious, energetic, and often a little goofy, which makes for some adorable photo opportunities.
Why it’s a great time for a session:
Bundles of Energy: Puppies are naturally curious, playful and full of life. They’re constantly discovering the world, which results in spontaneous moments that are often too cute to miss. Whether they’re chasing their tail, tumbling through the grass, or curiously sniffing a flower, their innocence is worth savouring.
Tiny Features: Puppies grow so quickly, and their tiny paws, floppy ears, and soft coats don’t always stick around as they grow older. A photo session during this time provides a keepsake of those adorable features to enjoy forever.
Learning & Bonding: These early years are an essential time for building a strong bond with your dog; teaching them tricks, and forming their personality. Capturing their enthusiasm and curiosity in photographs during this initial bonding phase is a beautiful way to remember the foundation of your relationship.
2. The Middle Years: When Your Dog is in Full Bloom
The middle years of a dog's life—typically between 1 and 7 years old—are when they’re at their healthiest and most vibrant. They may not have the innocent curiosity and boundless energy of a puppy, but they still bring so much joy as their personalities truly shine during these peak years. This is also often when dogs are most photogenic, as they have matured into their adult form and have a confident, strong presence.
Why it’s a great time for a session:
Peak Health & Energy: Adult dogs are usually in their prime when it comes to energy levels. Whether they’re chasing after a ball, playing with other dogs, or hiking with you on an outdoor adventure, they still have plenty of spunk but have also matured into the pet you know and love.
Distinctive Features: During this stage, their features have fully developed, and they may have developed unique features, such as distinctive markings or striking eye colour that you’ll want to capture. Their personalities are also fully formed, so their photos will reflect their true character—whether they’re playful, adventurous, or always by your side.
3. The Late Years: When Your Dog is Senior
As your dog reaches their senior years, it’s natural to feel bittersweet. They may have slowed down a bit, but their love and loyalty has never changed. Senior dogs, while no longer as energetic as they once were, have a certain grace and wisdom that can be captured beautifully in photographs.
Why it’s a great time for a session:
A Lifetime of Memories: Senior dogs have been by your side through thick and thin. Photographing them during their golden years is a way to honour their life, the countless memories you’ve shared together and the deep bond you’ve formed over the years.
Charming Grace: As dogs age, they often develop a wise, soulful look that’s full of charm and grace. Their fur may be graying around the muzzle, and they may have slower movements, but these features add to their beauty, and photograph particularly well.
Treasure the Moment: Senior dogs may not have as much time left, and capturing their personality and presence during these final years is a powerful way to celebrate their life and keep their memory alive. Senior portraits are often used in pet memorials or keepsake collections to cherish after pets have passed on.
4. Anytime: Don’t Wait for “The Perfect Moment”
While each of these stages offers unique opportunities for a pet photography session, it’s important to remember that there’s no such thing as a “perfect” time to take photos of your dog. Every moment is special, and any time is a good time for a photography session, especially with the right photographer.
If you have the opportunity, consider scheduling sessions at multiple points in your dog’s life to document their growth, their personality, and the bond you share. Don’t wait until you think they’re in their “prime” or until you’re worried they’ve grown too old—you’ll love your photographs at every stage.
So, the best time for a pet photography session is right now. These photographs will become cherished keepsakes that you can look back on, no matter how much time passes.
Interested in booking a Doggy Did It session? Get the details here.
