Maren English with Stirrups and Styles Photography
Chattanooga, North GA pet photographer traveling wherever you are!
If I had a dollar for every time a dog owner said,
"My dog won't sit still"
"Does my dog have to be off leash?"
"My dog doesn't know any tricks."
OR
"My dog isn't well behaved."
I'd be a very wealthy woman.
Your dog doesn't need to be perfectly trained, calm, or obedient to have beautiful photos. Let me go through some dog owner worries and how you don't need to stress about them.
1. "My dog won't sit still."
Dogs are curious creatures. They have their own personality. I don't expect stillness, and I don't force it.
How I handle it: I work with your dog's energy, not against it. We take movement breaks use treats and toys strategically, and photograph in short bursts. Capturing expression and personality is my goal.
2. "My dog doesn't listen very well."
Good news is, this isn't an obedience test! Your dog doesn't need advanced training or flawless commands. I've photographed all types of canine personalities and each one gets fantastic photos!
How I handle it: I give simple, clear directions and allow your dog to process. I'm a hands on kind of person and I will always be happy to step in a show you what I mean! We keep things low pressure!
3. "My dog is nervous around new people."
This is actually very common! Some dogs warm up immediately, and some have trust issues! That's perfectly okay!
How I handle it: I don't rush introductions. I give your dog space to observe, sniff, and settle in. I come equipped with a mega zoom lens where I can be plenty far away, giving them space, and still get fantastic photos. This is an awesome opportunity for you to be involved and help me capture great photos of your canine buddy.
4. "What if my dog won't look at the camera?"
Some dogs don't understand a camera. They don't understand why this enormous eye like thing is pointed at them. They don't need to understand!
How I handle it: I use super weird noises, calm movements, and timing to capture natural attention. Sometimes the best photos don't involve a dog looking right into the camera.
5. "I'm worried my dog will embarrass me!"
There's nothing embarrassing about a dog being a dog!
How I handle it: I come with a judgment free view. There's no pressure, no comparison, and no expectation of perfection. My job is to make you feel supported and your dog to feel safe!
6. "Does my dog have to be off leash?"
This is a BIG one, and I want to be very clear: Your dog does NOT have to be off leash. Safety comes first. I would much rather photograph a dog on a leash, than put them in a situation where they or someone else could get hurt. Photographing your dog off leash is your decision.
How I handle it: We use thin leashes and collars that are easy to edit out in post-processing. I position myself intentionally so your photos look clean and leash free. You won't be able to tell that there was a leash involved! Your dog stays safe, you are less stressed, and you still get beautiful, professional photos.
Final thoughts
Dog photography isn't about controlling your dog. It's about patience, timing, and understanding canine behavior. Your dog doesn't need to change for the photoshoot. The photoshoot should change to fit your dog. If you've been hesitating to book because you're worried your dog is "too much," "to wild," or "not trained enough," I promise those are often the dogs that create the most genuine and meaningful images.
Who's Stirrups and Styles?
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