A complete pre-session checklist from Horizon Pet Photography covering grooming timing, exercise, treats, and what actually helps dogs relax in front of the camera.
The single biggest difference between a photoshoot that feels stressful and one that feels easy isn't the photographer's gear or even the location — it's how prepared your dog is walking in. A well-prepped dog is a relaxed dog, and relaxed dogs make the kind of authentic, unposed images that actually capture their personality.
Here's exactly how we recommend Chicago pet parents prepare in the days and hours before a session.
If your dog needs a haircut or bath, schedule it 3 to 5 days before the shoot, not the morning of. Freshly groomed coats can look slightly unnatural in photos, and some dogs feel a little off after a trip to the groomer. A few days of settling back into their normal coat and routine photographs much better than a same-day trim.
If your dog has a longer coat prone to matting, a light brushing the night before and morning of is usually enough — no need for a full groom unless it's already overdue.
This is the step people skip most often, and it's the one that matters most. A 20–30 minute walk or play session 1–2 hours before your shoot takes the edge off high-energy dogs without tiring them out completely. You still want alertness and personality in the photos — just not a dog who's vibrating with unspent zoomies the second we start.
For anxious or lower-energy dogs, a calmer version of this still helps: a short sniffy walk around the block to let them decompress in the new environment before the camera comes out.
Treats are one of our main tools for getting ears up, eye contact, and genuine expressions. But if you bring the same treats your dog gets every day, they won't hold their attention. Bring something special — freeze-dried liver, small pieces of chicken, or a treat they only get on rare occasions. Pack more than you think you'll need; we go through a lot during a session.
If your dog has a favorite squeaky toy or a specific sound that gets their ears up (a crinkly bag, a specific word), bring that too. Small details like this make a huge difference in the variety of expressions we can capture.
A slightly hungry dog is a motivated dog. We're not talking about starving your pet — just holding off on a full meal for a couple of hours before the shoot so treats feel genuinely rewarding rather than something they've already had their fill of.
If you're going to be in any photos with your dog, choose solid colors or simple patterns that won't compete with your pet visually. Avoid busy logos or graphic tees. Neutral tones (cream, olive, navy, rust) tend to photograph beautifully against Chicago's urban and park backdrops alike.
If your dog gets anxious around new people or in new environments, tell us ahead of time. We build in extra settling time, keep our movements slow and predictable, and can shoot at a location and time with fewer distractions. Some of our most beautiful, genuine images have come from dogs who needed 15 quiet minutes before they were ready to play — there's no rush.
Every dog is different, and part of our job is adapting on the day to whatever your pet needs to feel comfortable. If you have questions about preparing for your specific dog's personality, reach out before your session — we're happy to talk through it.