Honest answers to what people ask most before their session day.
A few questions come up in almost every consultation. Here they are, answered honestly, so you can walk into your session day already knowing how it goes.
My Dog Doesn't Know Sit or Stay. Is That a Problem?
Not at all. Some of my favorite portraits are of dogs standing, moving, or simply being themselves. I have plenty of ways to get and hold a dog's attention, and none of them depend on formal training. Your dog does not need to perform to deserve beautiful artwork.
My Dog Can't Be Off Leash. Can We Still Do a Session?
Yes, and that describes most of the dogs I photograph. Your dog stays safely on a lead the whole time, and I remove it from your finished images in editing. For action shots, I bring a long line so your dog can run and play and still stay secure.
Will the Leash or Harness Show in My Photos?
The portrait leads I bring are thin enough to disappear in editing. Come on whatever your dog walks on best, their normal leash and collar or harness, and we switch to my leads when it is time. Bulkier harnesses are much harder to edit out, which is why we save them for the walk in. There is more on this in how to prepare your dog.
What If My Dog Is Reactive, Nervous, or Slow to Warm Up?
Tell me ahead of time, and we will plan the whole session around what keeps your dog comfortable. That usually means a quiet, low traffic spot and a quieter time of day, often sunrise, when the beach is close to empty.
Shy dogs and slow warmers get the same patience. We go at their pace, take breaks whenever they need one, and the first frame can wait as long as it needs to.
My Dog Has a Ridiculous Amount of Energy. How Do You Keep Up?
That is exactly the kind of dog I love working with. A fast camera and a relaxed, no pressure pace mean your dog never has to slow down or sit still for us to get something beautiful. Bring the zoomies.
Do I Have to Be in the Photos Too?
You do not have to be, but I always recommend it. There are far more ways to be photographed together than a stiff, smiling portrait, from a hand resting on their back to a forehead pressed to theirs. And you never have to purchase or display an image you do not love.
Can My Whole Family or Other Pets Be Part of the Session?
Yes. Everyone in your household, two legged or four, is welcome to be part of it. I do ask that only the people and pets who will actually be in the photos come along, since extra guests tend to add distraction more than they help.
What Is a Session Like With a Senior Dog or One Facing a Diagnosis?
Gentle, and built around their comfort. We plan shorter walks, softer ground, and plenty of rest, and we stop whenever they need to. This is exactly what my Legacy sessions are for, senior dogs and dogs of any age facing a diagnosis. They can usually be scheduled quickly, often within a few days, because some chapters cannot wait.
What Happens on a Hunting Adventure Session?
You hunt the way you always do, and I come along. A hunting adventure follows real upland and waterfowl hunts to photograph you and your dog working together, from the flush to the retrieve. These days run longer than a portrait session, and I am comfortable and safety minded around firearms.
If you would rather not have someone in the field with you, a retriever drill session with birds from a recent hunt is another option. And yes, wear your real field gear.
What If It Rains, or My Dog Isn't Feeling Well?
We find a new date together. If the forecast turns, or your dog is not feeling their best that day, just let me know as soon as you can.
Still Have a Question?
If your question is not here, the full FAQ covers booking, travel, and investment. Or reach out and ask. It probably has a simple answer.
And if your session is coming up, start with what to expect, then what to wear and how to prepare your dog, so the whole day feels familiar before it begins.
Jennifer Wakefield Canine & Equine Photography is a fine art dog and horse portrait studio in Newport, near Emerald Isle, on the Crystal Coast of North Carolina, and available to travel. If you have a question about your own session, I am always just a message away.
