So you’ve decided that you’d like to have a professional photoshoot of your dog, but you aren’t sure where to have the photos done? Well, you’ve come to the right place! Choosing a location for your dog’s photoshoot is such an exciting decision. It can affect the entire feel of the images, and can greatly impact the end result. The good news? You don’t have to be in or live in an incredibly scenic place to still have amazing images. A skilled professional dog photographer can craft stunning portraits that truly encompass everything you have dreamed of in almost any location! Once you’ve chosen a photographer whose skills and finished work resonates with you, the next step is to think of a location. Here are some of the main things I discuss with my clients when deciding on a location!

The Emotional Connection: Choosing the Perfect Location for Your Dog’s Photoshoot and Why Location Matters

When it comes to capturing the bond between you and your dog, the location of your photoshoot does and can play a powerful role in telling your story. A thoughtfully chosen location can not only elevate your photos beyond beautiful images—but it can truly transform them into meaningful memories that reflect the unique connection you share with your four-legged best friend. If you could pick only one place in the entire world, where nothing else mattered when it was just you and your dog, where would that be? Do you have placed that you frequent together? You and your dog’s favorite places aren’t just backdrops; they’re chapters in your shared story. Whether it’s a trail where they light up with excitement bounding through a sun-kissed field, or a quiet corner of a park where they feel at peace, these spaces hold emotional significance. They are locations where you spend time together, and bond together. It is also someplace where they are the most comfortable, and can be their authentic selves. By choosing a meaningful location that holds sentimental value to you both, you’re not just choosing a backdrop to create your portraits—you’re capturing a page in you and your dog’s story that encompasses the emotion associated with your time spent there together.

Some Key Points To Think Of When Choosing the Perfect Location

1. Think About Your Dog’s Personality

Every dog is different, and nobody knows their personality as well as you. Is your dog an adventurer who loves running through fields and splashing in streams? Or are they more relaxed, and happiest while lounging under a shady tree? Choosing a location that matches their energy and interests, in combination with what you have envisioned for your photos, can help to start narrowing down the options of potential session locations.

2. Choose a Place with Meaning

Some locations hold special memories:

• The park where you take your daily walks.

• A hiking trail where they mastered their first off-leash adventure.

• Your backyard, where they’ve spent countless happy afternoons.

• Downtown where they get to explore all the storefronts and shops and make new friends.

These personal spaces add layers of meaning to your photos, reminding you of your dog’s favorite routines and milestones. I have done photoshoots in client’s backyards all the way to in and around LL Beans. Each client’s dogs required different accomodations and each client had different visions for their end portraits and pieces of art.

3. Consider Accessibility and Safety

While the perfect location may be stunning, it’s also essential that it’s practical and safe for your dog. The safety and comfort of your dog is always my top priority when considering a location.

• Avoid areas with heavy crowds, traffic, or distractions. Having a photographer who is a local to the area can be really in helping you to pick out the perfect location. They will know the traffic patterns of locations, as well as if there is a tourist season, local events, etc.

• Picking spots with soft ground, easy traction, and good footing to protect their paws and avoid injury. I never place my client’s dogs in any aspect of a location if I have not examined it first! Their safety and well-being will always be my top priority.

• Checking leash laws for the area - not all dogs can be off leash, and not all dogs like other dogs, so finding a location that fits your dog best is key! This is especially important for reactive dogs. If you dog does not enjoy the company of other dogs, or strange dogs, choosing a location with required leash laws and someplace with slower traffic will be key.

How I Can Help You Pick the Perfect Spot For Your Dream Photoshoot

As your professional dog photographer, my goal is to create images that not only look stunning, but also feel deeply personal. I want the portraits and pieces of art we create together to fully encompass the tangible love and bond that you and your dog share. Each and every one of my clients has a personalized consultation appointment prior to their session where we explore every aspect of this. What is your vision? What does your dog love? What do you love doing together? What are and aren’t they comfortable with? Who is your dog as an individual? What are things that make them special, and unique? When I work with each of my clients, I guide them through this process step by step. From there, we craft a plan and create a completely tailored and custom portrait experience.

Being a native born and raised Mainer, I also have vast knowledge of varied locations throughout the state that are good for dogs of all shapes, sizes, ages, and personalities. And with this knowledge, I am able to make suggestions, and help guide my clients in choosing a location that resonates them, their vision, and their dog. Whether it’s finding a new hidden gem or revisiting a cherished place, through this process, we always find a perfect location to create amazing one-of-a-kind portraits. The dogs have an amazing time, the client’s finalized art is breath-taking, and a piece of their story is immortalized for them to admire for years to come.

Does this sound like something you and your dog have been looking for? Then if so, I welcome you to embark on a full-service dog photography experience with me! Our inquiry page is linked here; we can’t wait to craft a dream session for you!

Client Spotlight: Leicester

During our consultation call, Leicester’s mom (who is also wedding photographer, check out her awesome work here!) had expressed to me that she would love to incorporate portraits that would show off the heritage of Leicester’s breed. If you hadn’t guessed it already from the photos above (10 bonus points if you have!), Leicester is a Portuguese Water Dog, which means being on the coast or near a body of water was an absolute must for her session! Leicester’s mom had also envisioned some portraits in forested area to add in a nice mix of scenery between water and woodland. She would be driving from Massachusetts for her session, and wasn’t sure of potential locations in Maine that could support this, but I had the perfect location in mind! As a professional dog photographer, it is my job to be able to match a dog personalities and behavior with a location that fits what the client is envisioning. And for Leicester’s session, Wolfe’s Neck State Park in Freeport, Maine was the perfect place! A quick 20 minute drive outside of Portland, Maine and voila! You’re into some absolutely gorgeous scenery. As a whole, it is one of my favorite locations in Southern Maine (although I may be biased since I grew up in Freeport). The combination of varied scenery, as well as the fact that the dogs absolutely love it, makes it an amazing place for a session! Between miles of trails, some hidden gorgeous spots within the park that I bring my clients to, and the coastline for all those water-loving dogs, it is a dog photoshoot paradise!