3 Things I look for in choosing dog models

Model calls are a great opportunity to get a photo session with your dog at little or no cost. As a pet family photographer serving metro Atlanta I have model calls two or three times a year, when I need new location sample images and for images to enter into photographic competitions. So what goes into deciding what dogs I select as models?

Your dog must be the right size and have a strong sit and stay.

I generally don't choose tiny dogs because they are so small it can be hard to see them in photos if the grass is too high! Ideally my model is between 30 and 70 lbs. The breed isn't really important to me, so mixed breeds are welcome, but I prefer dogs that don't have real long hair that covers parts of their eyes.

I'll need the dogs to be able to stay exactly where I place them. Some image types need the dog placed precisely to take advantage of the available light. If your dog will stay in place both at a sit and while standing, that is ideal. If your dog will always come when called and isn't easily distracted, that is a bonus.

Your dog must be relaxed and comfortable with new people and places and not be reactive to other dogs.

If your dog is nervous, it will show in the photos. I need a calm, relaxed, happy dog that loves new places and is friendly to strangers. Be aware of how your dog is around other dogs. Will your dog just look and wag it's tail at a new dog, or will it lunge for the other dog dragging you along to get near the new dog?

Click here sign up for session specials and model calls

Your dog must be able to be safe and secure with just a collar and leash.

Your dog is secure without a harness, and will not be wearing a sweater, bandana, or anything that will need to be removed from the finished photos. One of the main reasons I do model calls is to be able to photograph dogs that aren't wearing anything that competes with the dog's face in the photos. For client shoots, I photograph dogs with sweaters and harnesses because my clients want them in the photos, but for portfolio and especially competition photos that is not practical because editing out sweaters and harnesses to get a photo to competition standards is nearly impossible. However, removing the leash from photos is not a problem, and most of the time the collar can also be removed in editing. Safety for your dog is the most important thing during your shoot, so make sure your dog's collar is secure and they won't be able to pull loose. Choose a leash that has a secure handle.

Before

After editing

Don't want to wait for a model call? Click here for session info

In this photo, the bandana covers the entire front of this dog, so you can see why I prefer my dog models don't wear them.

If you dog loves to explore, play, or just loves treats, I'll do my best to make your model call session a fun experience for you and your dog.

Does this sound like your dog? If you live in Gwinnett County, click here to apply

0 Comments