Tag: pets

Why Summer is Perfect for Alexandria Pet Photography
Why Summer is Perfect for Alexandria Pet Photography
Summer in Alexandria brings a burst of color and energy, making it the ideal season for capturing stunning pet portraits. The warm sunlight, lush greenery, and vibrant outdoor settings create a perfect backdrop for Alexandria pet photography. Whether your furry friend loves to frolic in the grass or pose regally by the waterfront, summer offers endless opportunities to showcase their personality in joyful, dynamic photos.

Benefits of Summer Lighting for Pet Portraits

Summer’s natural light is a photographer’s dream for pet portraits. The golden hour—early morning or late afternoon—bathes Alexandria in soft, warm tones that enhance your pet’s features, from their glossy fur to their expressive eyes. Unlike harsh winter light, summer’s extended daylight provides flexibility for scheduling shoots. The bright, even lighting also minimizes shadows, ensuring your pet’s unique markings and playful antics shine through in every shot. For Alexandria pet photography, this season’s light creates vibrant, high-quality images that pop with life.

Top Alexandria Locations for Pet Sessions

The Alexandria Landscape – Alexandria’s picturesque landscapes are tailor-made for summer photography. Old Town’s charming cobblestone streets and colorful storefronts add a whimsical vibe to pet portraits, perfect for capturing your dog’s curious strolls. Founders Park, with its open fields and Potomac River views, offers space for energetic pets to run and play, resulting in candid, action-packed shots. Jones Point Park’s wooded trails and waterfront provide a serene backdrop for more relaxed portraits. These locations, brimming with summer’s lush scenery, elevate Alexandria pet photography to a new level of beauty.

My Studio – My studio near Founders Park provides a controlled, climate-cooled environment with customizable backdrops and lighting, perfect for capturing polished pet portraits that highlight your pet’s unique charm.

Your Pet’s Home! – Shooting at your pet’s home creates a relaxed, familiar setting where they can be their most authentic selves, resulting in candid, heartwarming shots.

Tips to Prepare Your Pet for a Summer Shoot

To ensure a successful summer photography session, a little prep goes a long way. First, groom your pet to keep their coat shiny and free of loose fur—perfect for those close-up shots. Bring water and treats to keep them hydrated and happy in the warm weather. Check out The Dog Park on King Street for grooming needs, new toys, and treats! Schedule sessions for early morning or late afternoon to avoid midday heat and capture the best light. Finally, let your pet’s personality shine: bring their favorite toy or let them explore the location naturally for authentic, joyful moments. These tips will make your Alexandria pet photography experience seamless and fun.

Ready to capture your pet’s summer sparkle? Book a summer pet session now and let’s create vibrant, unforgettable portraits!
Book a Session!
June 7, 2025
Pets at Your Branding Session

8 tips for adding your pet to your branding photos

Adding your best friend to your branding images can say so much about your personal story or your business’s. Staci here wanted her dog in a couple of her images because her business is called Black Dog Financial. And these images help tell her brand’s story perfectly.
Here are 8 tips to know before bringing your pet to your session.

1. get permission

We need to have approval from the session location. It’s important that your photographer knows you want to include your pet so we can plan our shot list and so that we can get permission from anyone involved.

2. groom your pet

Make sure your pet is clean and neat. Schedule any grooming a couple days before the session.

3. Consider accessories

Would Fido look cute in a bowtie (see above, YES!)? Is he used to wearing one? Consider accessories your pet is comfortable in. You don’t want the day of your session to be the first time you’re trying out something new for him to wear. If you go with accessories, make sure they’re on brand.

4. Have a handler

Your photographer needs you to be focused on the camera. Your photographer needs to be focused on taking the shots. A handler who knows your pet and help keep him or her comfortable is great to get and keep your pet’s attention and to help keep your pet in line at the location.

5. bring treats

Today’s the day to reward your pet for any and all cooperation!

6. Bring Fido for only part of the session

Your pet doesn’t need to be at your session for the whole time. It can get pretty boring for them, or it could be pretty stressful. Minimizing their time at the session is key to their comfort. We’ll plan out the shot list to know if he should be there at the beginning, in the middle, or near the end. This is also where the handler is so important!

7. Your pet might be freaked out

Your pet probably isn’t used to seeing someone standing in front of them with a big black box (camera) covering up their face, staring at them, talking to their human, lights potentially flashing, etc. This can be stressful and scary to them. Realize that this is most likely the first time you’re asking them to do this. They don’t know what’s going on. Have patience and a soothing voice.

8. Have patience

Again, have patience. If you’ve been to any amusement park with an animal show, you’ve heard the animal handlers say that they don’t force their performers to do anything. They guide the animals and if the animals want to participate that day, then they do. If not, they don’t. If we aren’t able to get the shots you were imagining it’s ok. We can either try again another day or at another location, or you can rethink having your pet be a part of your brand imaging. Most likely we’ll get the perfect image!

Let’s talk about pets, baby

March 9, 2022