What to wear

What to wear for a pet photoshoot

For the owner: plain and in a colour that contrasts with the animal's coat. Black clothing with a black dog produces one indistinct shape. Also…

In short: For the owner: plain and in a colour that contrasts with the animal's coat. Black clothing with a black dog produces one indistinct shape. Also expect fur on everything, so avoid anything that shows it.

What works for a pet shoot specifically

Colour. For the owner, whatever contrasts with the animal's coat. Black clothing with a black dog produces one shape with no boundary between them.

Fabric. Something that does not show fur, because it will. Smooth cotton over wool or fleece.

Footwear. Walkable and washable. Good pet frames happen outdoors and at ground level, which means kneeling in whatever is there.

The thing that ruins frames. A bright lead or a plastic harness in a portrait. Swap for a plain leather or rope lead, or drop it out of frame entirely if it is safe.

In the bag. High-value treats the animal does not get at home, a squeaky toy kept out of sight until the exact moment you need ears up, and a lint roller. A second person is worth more than any of it.

Two rules that hold everywhere

  • Steam it the night before — creases are the most expensive thing in any retouching bill and the cheapest to prevent.
  • Bring options and decide on set, where you can see the light and the background rather than guessing at home.

Next step

See if a session makes sense

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