How to Prepare for a Pet Photoshoot

Preparing for a pet photoshoot doesn’t require perfection, training, or elaborate planning. In fact, the bes

t sessions often come from keeping things simple, calm, and familiar.

At Memoirs For Pets, our sessions are guided with patience and flexibility, but a little preparation can help your pet feel more comfortable and ensure the experience feels smooth from start to finish.

Start With the Right Mindset

The most important part of preparing for a pet photoshoot isn’t what you bring — it’s how you approach the experience.

Pets are highly sensitive to energy. If you arrive feeling rushed or anxious, your pet will likely sense it. A calm mindset helps set the tone for the entire session.

There is no expectation of perfect behavior. Sessions are designed to adapt to your pet, not the other way around.

Stick to Your Pet’s Normal Routine

On the day of the photoshoot, it’s best to keep your pet’s routine as familiar as possible.

Avoid making big changes such as:

• skipping meals

• altering walk times

• introducing new environments beforehand

A well-rested and comfortable pet will always photograph better than one who feels unsettled or overstimulated.

If your pet usually enjoys a walk before settling, a gentle walk earlier in the day can help release excess energy without tiring them out.

What to Bring to the Session

You don’t need to bring much, but a few familiar items can make a big difference.

Helpful items include:

• A favorite treat or snack

• A familiar toy

• A leash or harness your pet is comfortable wearing

• Any accessories you’d like included in the photos

Familiar scents and objects can provide reassurance, especially in a new environment.

Grooming: Keep It Comfortable

Light grooming before a session can help your pet feel fresh, but there’s no need to overdo it.

Simple preparation works best:

• Brush fur gently if your pet enjoys it

• Wipe paws or faces if needed

• Avoid drastic grooming changes right before the session

If your pet doesn’t enjoy grooming, it’s best not to force it. Comfort always comes before appearance.

Choosing What Your Pet Will Wear

If your pet will be wearing apparel or accessories, choose items they are already comfortable in.

Avoid anything that:

• restricts movement

• feels unfamiliar

• causes irritation

Neutral tones and simple designs tend to photograph well and keep the focus on your pet rather than the outfit.

If you’re unsure, it’s perfectly fine to arrive without accessories, we can always adjust during the session.

If Your Pet Is Shy or Anxious

Many pets need time to warm up, and that’s completely normal.

If your pet is shy:

• allow extra time to settle in

• stay close and reassuring

• avoid forcing interaction

Our studio environment is designed to feel calm and minimal, helping reduce overstimulation. Breaks are always welcome, and sessions are paced according to your pet’s comfort.

Puppies and High-Energy Pets

For puppies or energetic pets, preparation is less about control and more about balance.

A short walk, some playtime, or a chance to explore beforehand can help release excess energy. At the same time, avoid activities that may overtire your pet.

Movement, curiosity, and personality are all part of what makes photos meaningful, energy is not something we try to eliminate.

What to Wear If You’re in the Photos

If you’ll be included in the session, wear something that feels comfortable and neutral.

Simple clothing without loud patterns or logos keeps the focus on connection rather than styling. Neutral tones tend to complement studio environments well.

Most importantly, choose something you feel at ease in, comfort always translates on camera.

Trust the Process

One of the most important parts of preparing for a pet photoshoot is trusting the process.

Sessions are guided gently, with flexibility built in. Moments are never forced, and expectations are kept intentionally low to allow genuine expressions to emerge.

Often, the images clients love most are the ones they didn’t plan for.

Preparing Is About Creating Space

Preparing for a pet photoshoot isn’t about doing more, it’s about doing less.

By keeping routines familiar, bringing a few comforting items, and approaching the experience with patience, you create space for your pet to be themselves.

And that’s where the most meaningful photographs come from.

The best preparation is presence.