If you're the guardian of a dog who's selective about people, you've probably heard someone say, "Oh, all dogs love me." Maybe it was a friend, maybe a stranger at the park, or maybe even another dog professional.


I want to say this right away: I'm not that person.


And honestly? When I hear that phrase, it kind of bugs me. As if you don't know your own dog.. You do know your dog. You know if they need space, if they take a while to warm up to new people, or if they'd simply rather not make friends with every stranger they meet. That's not something you need to apologize for, and it's certainly not something you need to "fix" before booking a photo session.


My own dog, Molly, was an extremely timid puppy, and while she's come a long way, she's still not particularly interested in enthusiastic "dog lovers" who assume every dog wants to say hello. Living with her completely changed the way I think about dogs, trust, and photography. I don't expect your dog to like me. I expect myself to respect your dog.


That means I let them set the pace. I don't take it personally if they'd rather keep their distance, and I certainly don't expect them to trust a complete stranger just because I showed up with a camera. Trust isn't something I demand, it's something we build together.


If you've been putting off professional photos because you're worried your dog "wouldn't be good at it," this post is for you!



So... what does a session actually look like?


Probably a lot less stressful than you're imagining.

Let's talk first. Every dog is different, so every session starts with a conversation about your dog. Tell me what they love, what worries them, what motivates them, and what situations you'd rather avoid. We'll make a plan well before session day, so you don't have to spend the whole time wondering whether things are going according to plan.


We pick the right spot. Whether we're photographing your dog in San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, or elsewhere in the East Bay, I know plenty of quieter locations that work beautifully for dogs who don't enjoy crowds. And honestly, some of my favorite sessions happen in places people walk past every day, a neighborhood street with gorgeous evening light, a quiet café patio, a colorful mural, or the park your dog already knows by heart.


People often imagine dog photography happening on a mountaintop, in a field at sunset, or at a busy doggie beach, and those places are beautiful. But they're not the only places where meaningful photographs happen. Sometimes the best location is simply somewhere your dog already feels safe.


We can also meet beforehand. For dogs who need a little extra time, I'm always happy to meet beforehand. We can go for a short walk, let your dog observe me from a comfortable distance, or simply let them realize I'm just another human who happens to carry a camera. By the time the actual session rolls around, I'm no longer a complete stranger.


We take as long as it takes. When the session starts, we take as long as we need. If your dog needs breaks, we'll take breaks. If they need twenty minutes to sniff absolutely everything before they're ready to engage, that's perfectly fine too. Sessions aren't a race, and I've never looked at the clock and thought, "Well, that's enough trust for today." Some dogs settle in within ten minutes, while others need a little longer. Both are completely normal.


One of the biggest misconceptions about dog photography is that your dog has to perform. They don't need a flawless sit, an impressive stay, or to stare into my camera every five seconds. They don't even need to like me right away. My job isn't to make your dog fit my process. My job is to build the session around your dog.


That also means I don't need to touch your dog, constantly talk to them, or get right in their face to create beautiful images. Sure, some of the classic posed shots might not happen with a fearful or reactive dog, and that's completely okay. Getting one specific photograph is never worth making your dog uncomfortable. I'd much rather create images that feel honest than force something that doesn't. I promise, your dog will look fabulous regardless!



Why I work this way


The whole point of what I do is capturing dogs as they actually are, not a polished, perfectly behaved version of them.


Whether your dog is reactive, shy, easily distracted, a senior enjoying their golden years, or a certified little gremlin who thinks sniffing every lamp post is more important than looking at my camera, their personality is what matters. Those little quirks aren't obstacles to work around, they're the reason I love photographing dogs in the first place.


I also photograph celebration-of-life sessions, and if those have taught me anything, it's this: years from now, nobody wishes they'd spent more time asking their dog to sit perfectly. They miss the little things instead. The way their ears perked up when they heard a treat bag. The goofy grin they only made when they spotted their favorite toy. The cautious glance over their shoulder before deciding everything was okay. The habit of sniffing every single lamp post on the walk home.


Those wonderfully weird little moments are what make your dog your dog. Those are the moments worth remembering.



Think your dog "isn't good at photos?"


I hear that all the time, and almost every single time those dogs prove that they never needed to be "good." They just needed someone willing to meet them where they were.


So if your dog needs a little more patience, a little more understanding, or simply a photographer who isn't expecting perfection, I'd love to meet them. We'll make a plan together, move at their pace, and create photographs that celebrate exactly who they already are.


Because your dog doesn't need to be easier. They just need a photographer who's willing to meet them where they are.


If this sounds like your dog, reach out. We'll figure it out together!