I'm an Aggie. I was kind of raised to be one. I married an Aggie and my husband and I are now raising future Aggies. It's a tradition I'm happy to continue. I loved my time at Utah State and I love this beautiful valley.
I guess I'm not the only one- I was able to photograph this family of Aggies who are getting ready for their oldest son to leave on a LDS Church mission.
My favorite part of this shoot was shooting their sweet English bull dog, Bella. So here are some tips for getting great family photos with your pooch.
1. Time it right.
As you prepare for your shoot, keep in mind when your dog is hyper, when she's laid back and when she's uncooperative. Time your family shoot at a time when your dog is typically content and not too hyper or too exhausted.
2. Let Him Get Comfy
Your dog needs to get used to the whole idea of family photos. If you want your dog to be wearing a bow-tie for the shoot, make sure you let him wear it several times throughout the week so it's not new for the shoot. If your going to be shooting in a new location, go to the shoot a bit early, let your dog sniff around and explore before the shoot so he's less distracted during the photos. Have the photographer take lots of practice shots of different members of the family and of the dog so that your pup can get used to the sight and sound of the camera.
3. Use Natural Light
Most dogs are easily distracted (squirrell!). Using natural light instead of bright flashes will help eliminate a potential distraction for your dog.
4. Teach Her a Trick
High-energy dogs can struggle with family photos- they are expected to sit down, look at the photographer, and not chase that running that's jogging by?! Are you crazy?!
High-energy dogs can be helped by owners picking a small stuffed animal or toy and using that as a prop to teach their dog to sit and look. For example, I might use a small bird. A few weeks before the shoot I would start training my dog to sit by mommy and look at the birdy. Another family member or friend can hold the small bird in different locations. Every time the dog sits and looks at birdy, let the stand-in photographer give her a treat. As you teach your dog this trick it will become easier and easier for the dog, so make sure you make the dog sit for longer periods of time and make the bird go to different locations.
Once the day of your shoot arrives make sure you bring your item (in this case the small bird) and treats for your dog. Your photographer can then hold the small item over the camera as you order your dog "sit by mommy and look at the birdy".
As a photographer, I LOVE giving out treats, so this trick works fabulous for everyone!
5.Use a Photographer Who Works With Your Dog
I have a friend whose dog is mostly terrified of men. As an adopted dog, he just doesn't trust them because of past experience. For my friend, it is important to pick a female photographer who is warm towards her dog.
Know your dog and find a photographer who is comfortable with dogs, knows how to photograph them, and can be patient and literally roll with it when your dog thinks he is supposed to roll over and play dead.
I hope these tips are helpful to you and yours! Enjoy the rest of the highlights.
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