San Diego Pet Photographer Allison Shamrell ~ The Blog

Great Photo Sessions with Shy Dogs

March 8th, 2020

Do you ever find yourself wanting to have professional photos taken of your dog, but then you aren’t so sure, because your dog happens to be shy or skittish? You might be thinking “what if they don’t warm up to the photographer? What if they are camera-shy and won’t even participate, or they hate the whole experience? Then I’m stuck paying for portraits that I won’t even like!” I’ll let you in on a secret – you aren’t the first person to have these concerns and you definitely won’t be the last! In fact, you’d be in pretty good company amongst my clients. This is a common issue (that isn’t really an issue after all) that many dog parents are concerned about. I’ve got good news for you: I know how to have a truly fantastic photo session with incredibly shy dogs. I’ve studied canine body language & psychology, and I know some of the best ways to work with skittish pets that both keeps them at ease and still captures their personality. You can’t force anything, and I certainly don’t want to force it either – but preparing correctly for a portrait session and giving my undivided attention are keys to getting those natural, fun, “frame-worthy” images!

I’m pretty proud to say that I’ve never had a photo session where the dog was too shy to get plenty of portraits. Each and every time I’ve been able to work with a dog to bring out their confidence and create some gorgeous images! (And I’ve been doing this since 2010!) Over the years I’ve developed some tips & tricks to help my photo sessions go smoother while making it a pleasant experience for everyone involved. I want to share with you 4 ways that I go above and beyond to make sure you and your pup are 100% comfortable with me:

First, Let’s be Friends!

Before every photo session we have a consultation, which is basically a meet-and-greet with you and your dog(s). The camera doesn’t even come out! This works perfectly because we meet in a casual atmosphere at my studio with few distractions. Its all about getting to know each other as a friend beforehand so I won’t be a stranger who suddenly shows up at the photo session. Even better: if you’re having a studio session then your dog will be super familiar with the studio environment. We build a foundation of trust and a relationship that is important for setting the tone… and that eventually leads to a successful portrait session!

Big Long Lenses

My absolute favorite lens to use is my L-series 70-200mm f/2.8 IS! For those of you who are like “okay Allison… that means nothing to me”, haha, let’s just say that it’s a super long lens that allows me to stay a long distance away from my client if needed without compromising an ounce of quality. I’m able to put the dog at ease since I’m not hovering over them or in their face, all while still getting those beautiful images you’re hoping for!

Introducing the Camera Slowly

I want to provide a calm environment for your pet to ensure a successful photo session. So in order to do that, I introduce the camera verrryyyy slowly. I usually start out with the camera on the ground for the dog to take a look at, maybe sniff around a bit – basically to let them know that it isn’t anything to be afraid of. Next, I let their parents hold the camera and maybe take a picture or two, so the dog can hear how it sounds when it clicks. By doing this, the dog eventually views the camera as not threatening because if mom and dad are holding it it can’t be too bad, right? (It’s all about going at the dog’s pace, not mine!)

Positive Reinforcement

Lastly, I’ve found that positive reinforcement throughout the photo session is such a game changer for the shy, timid dog! The treats start to flow in hopes that the dog will warm up to the idea of being photographed. I’m talking lots and lots of treats. And if your pet is more toy-motivated than treat-motivated we’ll use toys instead! I often don’t make eye contact, come up to the dog, or even pet them at first to keep things calm and any anxiety at bay. Another thing that helps is having mom and dad nearby constantly giving praises and encouragement! If they know their parents are being supportive then they’re more likely to relax and feel safe – which is our goal!

“Our dog, Ele, is not as social or gregarious as some dogs and often acts very timid around new people, but Allison was able to work with her to bring out her best and capture what makes her such a wonderful dog (in our eyes) in her gorgeous photographs. I appreciate the extra time and effort Allison put into our photo shoot and her attention to making the whole experience absolutely unforgettable.” – Sumrall H.

One of the things I love most about this “job” (sometimes I still can’t believe I’m living my dream as a pet photographer!) is making a connection with my clients, both human and canine. Whether your pet is shy or completely outgoing, I aim to photograph them just the way they are while creating a safe environment. And at the end of the day, it’s all about having fun!

Tags: pet photographer, pet photography, San Diego Dog Photographer, San Diego dog photography, San Diego pet photography
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Rocket the Havapoo Puppy

February 29th, 2020

Rocket the havapoo is a dog who lives up to his name! He is 18 months old and simply a bundle of energy! We spent the first half of his photo session in his backyard, where he enjoyed generally bouncing around, energizer-bunny-style. This spot was specifically requested by his mom, and I’m glad she saw its potential – it turned out to be an awesome location providing plenty of nice greenery! And it’s completely fenced in, which makes it safe for a quick little guy like Rocket. In the backyard, he really loved playing with his toys. He’s mostly toy-motivated, not treat-motivated – which is relatively rare, as it turns out. And I would also describe him as affection-motivated – because he is head over heels in love with his mom! I loved seeing their bond and how he would bounce around the yard but always check back in with her, to make sure she was still there and (therefore) that everything was all right. And although treats come in third on the totem pole for this boy, one of his favorite edible rewards are peanuts. You heard that right – not peanut butter, just peanuts! That was a first for me to see, and I found it so adorable! I’m all for whatever makes your pup happy, and peanuts it was for Rocket! :)

For the second half of our photo session we headed to the local park in Encinitas where he was able to explore the fascinating walking trail with all its nooks, crannies and other walkers. Like I mentioned earlier, Rocket lives up to his name – he is quick as a flash, and in addition to that he’s ready to experience the world. I bet if he could choose any pastime, he would be a world traveler. Many dogs thrive off of routine and being home with familiar places – not Rocket. He likes those things, but I think he’d rather be out and about, discovering everything he can possibly get his paws on. (Such as children – besides toys and his mom, his other favorite thing to do is meet and play with little kids. Which made the park a very exciting place to be!) His mom definitely has her hands full, but she has done an amazing job training him – no small task with this energetic boy. But I have no doubt that he’s in the best possible hands, since they’re an adorable pair.

This is Rocket – can you even resist that face?!

Rocket is a rocket. No joke.

But boy, is he a cutie or what? (Not pictured, just outside the frame: the object of his relentless affection, his mom.)

Thanks for such a fun photo session, Rocket! Jessica, I’ll see you soon! :)

Tags: backyard, dog photography, Encinitas, Encinitas dog photographer, havapoo, pet photography, puppy, San Diego pet photography
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Stoney the Shepherd Mix, at Mission Bay & Fiesta Island

February 28th, 2020

If I had to describe Stoney in one sentence, I’d say that he is an old soul and an explorer at heart. Where’s his happy place? Literally anywhere outdoors – the beach, the park, the backyard – it doesn’t matter! He just wants to be outside, and I think it’s because that’s the best place to let his wild spirit roam free. :) But as much as he loves the outdoors, he doesn’t love strangers – which isn’t a bad thing at all! He absolutely adores his parents and is very sweet with them, but it took time for them to earn his trust. Since he’s a little more timid with people he doesn’t know too well, we decided to have his entire photo session outside where he had plenty of room to roam – and where he’d be happiest, of course! It turned out to be a great decision and we had an amazing afternoon out at Mission Bay Park and then later at Fiesta Island!

Before the photo session, his parents warned me that Stoney would most likely want to spend the entire photo session sniffing the ground, and it might be a struggle to get him to do anything else. Happily that was not the case! They also didn’t think he would care about playing with toys, but all of a sudden he brought out his inner puppy and was playing fetch, chasing a tennis ball and running around! We were a little surprised, since he’s a senior dog and doesn’t kick it into high gear too often… but Stoney was full of cute surprises! (And I’m glad he didn’t spend the whole time with his nose to the ground, haha!)

After our quintessential-San-Diego start to our photo session in Mission Bay Park, we headed across the bay to Fiesta Island to catch the sunset. Stoney had a blast, and in fact maybe he had a little too much fun: at one point we decided to let him off-leash as we had trusted him (mostly!) for a game of fetch. Well… he ended up careening past where the ball stopped and kept running off into the sunset! He was probably going to sniff around and see if he could find any rabbits, but once his parents caught up to him the poor guy lost his freedom and was promptly back on-leash. :) Another fun fact about this sweet, old guy is that he used to have one floppy ear. I guess as he got older it kind of grew straighter, and his mom mentioned that she was hoping his one floppy ear would reappear for photos. Thankfully it came out for a few photos and he looked absolutely adorable! One thing’s for sure – straight ear or floppy ear, he’s a cutie. :)

Stoney was more than happy to just be with his parents during the photo session and it was so nice to see the way he interacted with them. They’ve clearly done a great job with him and have an amazing bond! It was such a wonderful, fun afternoon.

He really does look good with that trademark floppy ear. :)

Mission Bay Park was a great place to start our session – plenty of grass to run around & lounge in. Stoney took full advantage!

Oh San Diego… you’re so beautiful. But you look even better with this handsome boy.

Cathy and Adam, I can’t wait to share the images we captured with you! See you soon!

Tags: beach, fiesta island, mission bay, mixed breed, park, pet photography, pets, San Diego Dog Photographer, San Diego pet, San Diego pet photography
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Sasha, the Opinionated Yorkie from Fallbrook

February 6th, 2020

You’re in for a treat today! Sometimes I have out-of-town clients and I am always so appreciative that they travel quite a distance to have a photo session with me. This time, Sasha the Yorkie and her parents drove all the way down to San Diego from Fallbrook, CA. Sasha’s mom loved the idea of a vintage feel to her photos – so of course we had to go to Old Poway Park!

It’s one of my favorite locations for a rustic, old-fashioned look, so I knew it would be perfect! And as diverse as the various settings in that park are, we were able to strike a pose in all of my favorite spots – because Sasha was such a dream to work with! Honestly, she spoiled me: we would ask her to sit, she sat. We would ask her to stay, she stayed. Seriously – what a dream come true. There were only a couple of things she would express an opinion about: first was whether or not she was tired of running for action photos. We would toss a tennis ball for her to fetch, and after a few times she would just stop and watch it roll away. So then we would toss it again and she would just look at us with a look on her face that said “no, guys”… so we would try again by tossing it much closer to her, and then she finally gave in as if to say “ok well… that’s close enough”. It was too funny – that clever girl was just conserving her energy, I suppose. There were also a couple of times we asked her to lay down in the grass and she pretty much told us no, that wouldn’t be happening. We thought well ok, that’s fine, on to the next thing – but later we wouldn’t even be asking and she would decide to lay down on her own. We asked her seriously Sasha? now!? Haha! She definitely has her opinions on what she will and won’t do, and I think it’s totally fair to let her be in charge of the photo session. :)

But like I said, for the most part she’s happy to do whatever her parents ask her to do. She is a TOTAL daddy’s girl, but her and her mom make a gorgeous pair too! It was so sweet to see the bond between all three of them. After having a good time at the park playing fetch and posing, we headed to Del Mar Beach! She doesn’t go to the beach very often (Fallbrook, remember?) and this was her first time at Del Mar so she was naturally curious. She was also a little concerned about having her parents nearby! She wanted to keep track of them very closely and seemed like she just wanted everyone to stick together. Once again, she let us know if she was in the mood or not to fetch the ball – specifically when the ocean got involved! We threw the ball at one point into the water and she looked at us like you want me to do what?! No way! We tried getting her to walk towards the ocean and a wave came crashing and she just stopped, as if to say “I shall not do this.” It was quite funny!

Another fun fact about Sasha – she’s a bilingual dog and knows commands in both English and Spanish. How cool is that?! Needless to say, I had a blast with her and her parents. Edith, I can’t wait to see you soon and show you the rest of Sasha’s portraits!

Tags: action, park, San Diego Dog Photographer, San Diego pet photography, Yorkie
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A La Mesa Family of Cats and Dogs!

January 31st, 2020

I recently had the honor of photographing a full house of lovely pets in La Mesa! In particular, three cats and two dogs at their gorgeous home and at a nearby park. We mainly focused on the cats being photographed inside the house even though the dogs, Poppy and Charlie, were super excited to get in on the action! (And I was excited to see them too, haha!)

Two of the cats, Bao and Botas, were ready for their close-up. It might have had to do with a little trick their parents used: fresh salmon! And it worked like a charm. They were more than willing to pose for the camera and get head scratches (and plenty of that salmon) as a reward. Whereas the third cat, Mama Kitty, basically wanted nothing to do with our silly antics. Salmon, head scratches, snuggles, nothing… she wasn’t having it. We did minimal photos with her – and that’s all right! (It happens sometimes! And her family knows she’s not the “jump-in-front-of-the-camera” type.) We were still able to get a few beautiful portraits and move on to our next location… much to Mama Kitty’s relief. :)

We went to Briercrest Park in La Mesa, a nearby neighborhood park that I had never been to but immediately fell in love with! It was close to their home and provided an amazing atmosphere for their photo session. The park had little structures, grass, trees, pathways, bridges… I was so impressed by all the picture-perfect opportunities. What made it even better was that it was familiar territory for Poppy and Charlie; it was already their favorite park that they visit on a regular basis. So no need to sniff everything, explore all the nooks & crannies, etc – it’s practically an extension of their yard. This spot is definitely one I will want to keep in mind for future photo sessions!

Poppy and Charlie were very well behaved during their photo session, and were happy to do whatever we asked for treats. My favorite fact about these two fluffers: they are both from China! They were rescued from a terrible fate on the streets, and I have no doubt that their life couldn’t be better than it is today. :)

Ellen & family, I cannot wait to show the rest of the images to you soon! Thanks for such a fun photo session!

Tags: cats, dogs, home, la mesa, mixed breed, park, pet photography, San Diego Dog Photographer, San Diego pet photography
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