Grooming, meals, leashes, timing, and the short list of what to pack.
You have got the treats. You have got the leash. You are halfway out the door, your dog is spinning in circles because they can tell something exciting is happening, and now you cannot remember if you packed water or left it on the counter.
Here is everything that actually matters before your session, and nothing that does not.
When Should You Groom Your Dog Before a Photo Session?
Book any full grooming a few days before your session, not the same day. A fresh cut needs a little time to settle and look natural, and a trip to the groomer right before a big outing can be one exciting thing too many.
At home, a good brush the morning of is plenty. Stray fur, a little eye gunk, and the occasional slobber are easy for me to clean up in editing.
Should You Exercise Your Dog Before the Session?
Yes, a little. A walk or some playtime beforehand takes the edge off, especially for a young or high energy dog, and makes it easier for them to settle once we start.
Just do not wear them out. Tired and happy is the goal, not asleep on the sand. An older or calmer dog may need nothing more than their usual routine.
Should Your Dog Eat Before the Session?
Skip the meal or keep it light. A slightly hungry dog finds treats a lot more interesting, which helps when we need their attention for a moment.
It also keeps us from overdoing it. Between a full breakfast and all the treats we go through during a session, it is easy to overfeed a dog and end up with an upset stomach. A light meal beforehand keeps the treats working and keeps your dog feeling good.
What Treats and Toys Should You Bring?
I always have treats on hand, but bring your dog's favorites too, especially if they are picky or have any dietary restrictions. Small, bite sized pieces work best, since we will use a lot of them.
The ones that tend to get the biggest reaction are boiled chicken, leftover steak, cheese, hot dogs, peanut butter, and cream cheese.
If your dog would trade every treat in the world for one specific squeaky toy, bring the toy. You know what lights them up better than anyone.
What About the Collar, Leash, Tags, and Harness?
Come with whatever your dog is most comfortable walking on, their normal leash and collar or harness. You do not need to buy anything new.
I bring the leads we use during the actual portraits, including thin ones that disappear in editing and a long line for action shots. When it is time, we switch over. One less thing for you to think about.
Two small details that do make a difference. The collar usually stays in the photos, so choose a clean one you like the look of. And jingly tags can come off for the session unless they mean something to you, since they catch the light and pull focus.
What Else Should You Pack?
- Water for you
- Fresh water and a bowl for your dog, since a beach dog will happily try the ocean if nothing better is offered
- Poo bags
- Sunscreen and bug spray
- A towel, especially if we are anywhere near sand or water
- One bag to carry all of it
That is the whole list. Toss it all in one bag, grab the leash, and you are ready.
When Should You Arrive?
Ten to fifteen minutes early is perfect, and no earlier. That gives your dog time to sniff around and settle into a new place.
Much earlier than that and all the waiting and exploring can wear them out before we have even started, or leave them running on empty early in the session.
What If Your Dog Is Nervous, Reactive, or a Senior?
Tell me ahead of time. That is the whole trick. I live with one of those dogs myself, so nothing you share will surprise me.
If your dog is uneasy around other dogs, kids, or new places, we can choose a quieter spot and a quieter time of day, often sunrise, when the beach is close to empty. We take breaks whenever they need one, and we go at their pace, never mine.
For a senior dog, or one facing a diagnosis at any age, we plan around comfort first. Shorter walks, softer ground, plenty of rest. If that is where you are right now, my Legacy sessions are built for exactly this chapter.
What If the Weather Doesn't Cooperate?
Sometimes the coast has other plans. If the forecast turns, or your dog is not feeling their best that day, let me know as soon as you can and we will find a new date together.
Bring your dog, bring the list, and leave the rest to me. Every session is a little different, and I meet your dog exactly where they are that day, whether that means five minutes of zoomies first or a slow, quiet walk to start.
If you have not yet, read what to expect from the session itself and what to wear, 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 getting ready for your session, I am always just a message away.