If you didn’t already know, I love animals! From big horses to your doggos and everything in between. Hell, half the time, I bring my girl, Merlot, along with me to your photo sessions. I love when my couples choose to include pets in their sessions, it’s a great way to show their whole family. As a Reno wedding photographer, I’ve worked with incredible people. They want to capture their love, celebrate the small moments, and, most of all, have a kickass time. While we’re planning your Reno engagement session, these photos are meant to tell your love story. If that includes pets, I’m all for it!

Start With Your Pets During Reno Engagement Session

We will start with your pets before we get into the couple portraits during your Reno engagement session! Especially if we’re including cats in the photos. If you want to include a cat, I suggest starting at your house or a familiar environment for them. This is the easiest way to get them comfortable in front of the camera! This allows for the most natural interaction and a cozy feel during your session. Dogs are a little easier to work with as we can bring them to the location, so long as it’s pet-friendly!

Run Your Dogs Before Your Session

Before we have fun, let your pup roam free and play! This will help ease their excitement and prepare them for your Reno adventure together. When your dog is in a new place or even just outside with an unfamiliar person, it’s sure to get excited. Consider inviting a friend to your shoot to help with your dog in between photos with them. Get them outside playing fetch or on a walk before the session begins to allow them time to have fun before it’s time for their camera debut. After their big moment on camera, your friend can play with them while we take your photos!

Bring Treats!

Lastly, I suggest bringing treats and a toy your pup is familiar with. When capturing you both with your pup, I want to see you interact with your pets and have fun with them. Animals are hard to pose because they’re animals! So, we just let them have fun and organically interact with you. The pictures always turn out so cute and authentic. The relationship we share with our pets is so special and something that deserves to be captured forever.

I hope these tips are helpful and you’ll bring your pets to your Reno engagement session! I’m sure we’ll have a blast and make incredible memories. Let’s chat today!