Kandace and Tyler had a gorgeous evening for their Wildcat Creek sunset session! They brought along their pup, Snickers, and he miiiight have stolen the show. 🙂 I so recommend finding a way to make your photo session really feel like you, and bringing your dog along is such a great and fun way to do that.
Why I love Wildcat Creek sunset sessions
Wildcat Creek Park is a secluded nature preserve in Lafayette. It’s magical in autumn. The park explodes with oranges, yellows, reds, and browns. Perfect for a fall photo session! You can walk several trails down to the creek, and meanwhile the cascading trees are great backdrops for a nature-filled photoshoot. The park is famous around here for the amazing picnic spots. That is to say, don’t be hesitant to bring a basket of your own or incorporate it into the shoot! Whatever the season, a Wildcat Creek sunset session is sure to fulfill a natural earthy style.
Plus, your dog will love to explore it!
How to include your dog in your photo session
I get asked often if it’s okay for a couple to bring their dog to their session, and the answer is always a resounding yes. I want to pet all dogs. Also, including a beloved family pet will make you cherish your photos even more for years to come.
When planning to bring your dog, there are a few things you should keep in mind to make everyone’s experience (including your dog’s!) a success.
- Consider bringing a friend or family member. A full session might be a long time for your dog. It’s a great idea to bring along another person who can play with and handle your pet when we’re done with their portion of photos.
- Have a nice, neutral collar and leash ready for photos. Most locations require you keep your dog on leash (and it’s usually a good idea no matter where we are). I recommend bringing a collar and leash that have a similar aesthetic to your outfits. Leather always looks wonderful (for example, this one!), and dark neutral colors are a good choice too. Bright colors or bulky retractable leashes can be distracting.
- Bring treats and toys! This may seem like a no-brainer, but can be easily forgotten in all the excitement. Treats and toys entice your dog to look at the camera, come in handy for posing, and are a great way to reward them and help them relax between photos.
- Have water for your pup. Especially in hot weather! Their comfort is crucial. We have one similar to this for traveling with our dogs.
- Pack some dog poop bags. Yep, it happens. We always want to make sure we leave our location in the same condition we found it, so be prepared to clean up after your pet.
Keeping everyone comfortable is the key to success
Above all, taking the few steps above to maximize your pet’s comfort and prepare them for photos will help make sure your session is a success and keep you all happy.
Pro tip: you can make a date night out of your session and swing by Dairy Queen afterwards for some ice cream and a pup cup. Everyone deserves a little ice cream!
Finally, if you’re planning a photo session with your dog (for any occasion!), reach out here!
