Let Me Tell You About Sophie

A few weeks ago, I finally got to meet my brother's dog, Sophie.

She'd been adopted back in August, and somehow I hadn't met her yet. Honestly? A crime.

Sophie is a nervous girl. New people coming over? She'll let you know about it. Lots of barking, lots of "I'm not sure about you yet, lady" energy. So I had to practically beg my brother to let me come over - and of course, I brought my camera just in case she warmed up to me.

We started in the garage. She barked. I ignored it and let her do her thing.

Inside, she gave me the full suspicious sniff inspection. I said her name, stayed calm, and just let her be curious. Then my brother and I took her for a walk, and every so often Sophie would turn around and look at me like, "You still back there?"

When we got home, I could read from her body language that she was ready for a little attention. I slowly reached toward her chest - never over the head with a nervous pup - and she leaned in.

Then came the belly rubs.

Friends, we had officially crossed the trust bridge!

The Misconception That Keeps Dog Moms from Booking

Here's something I hear (or sense) all the time: "My dog is reactive, so I probably can't do a photo session."

I want to gently but firmly challenge that.

Reactive dogs are not bad dogs. Nervous dogs are not unphoto-graphable dogs. And you absolutely deserve beautiful, professional artwork of your dog - no matter how they feel about strangers.

This is something I care deeply about, and it shapes the way I show up to every single session.

Ripley whom I've known since she was a puppy and never pet.

How I Work with Nervous and Reactive Dogs:

1. I Let the Dog Lead

Just like with Sophie, I don't rush it. I don't force pets or greetings. I give your dog space to observe me, sniff around, and decide on their own terms whether I'm worth trusting.

Sometimes that means we never touch. And that is completely okay.

2. I Keep My Distance on Purpose

I shoot with a long lens. That's not just a creative choice - it means I can hang back, give your dog breathing room, and still capture stunning, close-up images of their face, their expressions, their personality. Your dog doesn't have to be comfortable right next to me for us to make something beautiful.

3. I've Had Sessions Where I Never Pet the Dog

Three or four times now, I've photographed a dog without ever being close enough to pet them. And every single time, we walked away with images that made the client cry happy tears.

Proximity to me has nothing to do with the quality of your artwork.

4. Tell Me Ahead of Time

This is the big one. If your dog is nervous or reactive, just let me know before we meet. Tell me what helps them, what to avoid, and how they typically warm up to new people. That information lets me show up prepared and ready to support both of you.

I want to set your dog up to feel as comfortable as possible - because when they're comfortable, their true personality comes through. And that's what we're here to capture.

5. Read the Body Language, Always

Thanks to what I've learned from working with trainers and from my own experience with nervous dogs, I pay close attention to body language throughout a session. Ears, posture, tail, eye contact - it all tells a story. I'd rather slow down and give your dog a moment than push through and make them uncomfortable.

Why This Matters

Your dog's nervousness is part of who they are. It's not a flaw to work around - it's a layer of their personality, and it doesn't make them any less worthy of being celebrated.

I think about Sophie and how much patience and love goes into earning the trust of a nervous dog. That bond is exactly the kind of thing I want to preserve for you.

The gray hairs, the quirky habits, the way they look at you when they finally decide you're safe - those are the moments worth remembering. And they don't require your dog to be the life of the paw-ty.

They just have to be themselves.

Don't Let Your Dog's Nerves Hold You Back

If you've been waiting to book because you weren't sure if it would work for your dog, this is your sign.

Reach out and tell me about your pup. We'll talk through what makes them comfortable, how I can best support you both, and what a session might realistically look like for your specific dog. I'll meet you - and them - exactly where you are.

Because every dog deserves to have their story told. Even the ones who need a little extra time to warm up.

Especially those ones.

Would you like to work together? Contact me here.

0 Comments

Yes, Your Reactive Dog Deserves Beautiful Photos, Too!

Let Me Tell You About Sophie

A few weeks ago, I finally got to meet my brother's dog, Sophie.

She'd been adopted back in August, and somehow I hadn't met her yet. Honestly? A crime.

Sophie is a nervous girl. New people coming over? She'll let you know about it. Lots of barking, lots of "I'm not sure about you yet, lady" energy. So I had to practically beg my brother to let me come over - and of course, I brought my camera just in case she warmed up to me.

We started in the garage. She barked. I ignored it and let her do her thing.

Inside, she gave me the full suspicious sniff inspection. I said her name, stayed calm, and just let her be curious. Then my brother and I took her for a walk, and every so often Sophie would turn around and look at me like, "You still back there?"

When we got home, I could read from her body language that she was ready for a little attention. I slowly reached toward her chest - never over the head with a nervous pup - and she leaned in.

Then came the belly rubs.

Friends, we had officially crossed the trust bridge!

The Misconception That Keeps Dog Moms from Booking

Here's something I hear (or sense) all the time: "My dog is reactive, so I probably can't do a photo session."

I want to gently but firmly challenge that.

Reactive dogs are not bad dogs. Nervous dogs are not unphoto-graphable dogs. And you absolutely deserve beautiful, professional artwork of your dog - no matter how they feel about strangers.

This is something I care deeply about, and it shapes the way I show up to every single session.

Ripley whom I've known since she was a puppy and never pet.

How I Work with Nervous and Reactive Dogs:

1. I Let the Dog Lead

Just like with Sophie, I don't rush it. I don't force pets or greetings. I give your dog space to observe me, sniff around, and decide on their own terms whether I'm worth trusting.

Sometimes that means we never touch. And that is completely okay.

2. I Keep My Distance on Purpose

3. I've Had Sessions Where I Never Pet the Dog

Three or four times now, I've photographed a dog without ever being close enough to pet them. And every single time, we walked away with images that made the client cry happy tears.

Proximity to me has nothing to do with the quality of your artwork.

4. Tell Me Ahead of Time

This is the big one. If your dog is nervous or reactive, just let me know before we meet. Tell me what helps them, what to avoid, and how they typically warm up to new people. That information lets me show up prepared and ready to support both of you.

I want to set your dog up to feel as comfortable as possible - because when they're comfortable, their true personality comes through. And that's what we're here to capture.

5. Read the Body Language, Always

Why This Matters

Your dog's nervousness is part of who they are. It's not a flaw to work around - it's a layer of their personality, and it doesn't make them any less worthy of being celebrated.

I think about Sophie and how much patience and love goes into earning the trust of a nervous dog. That bond is exactly the kind of thing I want to preserve for you.

The gray hairs, the quirky habits, the way they look at you when they finally decide you're safe - those are the moments worth remembering. And they don't require your dog to be the life of the paw-ty.

They just have to be themselves.

Don't Let Your Dog's Nerves Hold You Back

If you've been waiting to book because you weren't sure if it would work for your dog, this is your sign.

Reach out and tell me about your pup. We'll talk through what makes them comfortable, how I can best support you both, and what a session might realistically look like for your specific dog. I'll meet you - and them - exactly where you are.

Because every dog deserves to have their story told. Even the ones who need a little extra time to warm up.

Especially those ones.

Leave a comment

Archive