Working with kids and dogs is like taking a canoe down a river. Sure, you have some control, but you are ultimately going wherever that river is going. So be patient and be flexible.
When working with pets that have black fur remember that you will want to bring that fur out. In this case I had a black background too. So, we rolled with the red dress, and I positioned my lights in a way that would bring the subjects out – especially that black fur and separate them from the background. As for posing, I kind of let them lead the way. There is no way to get a great big English Mastiff to do anything he doesn’t want to do so I sort of let him be. As for the toddler, toddlers are kind of like tornadoes – great to see but there is a trail of destruction behind them. So instead of trying to control things I just offered suggestions like “hug your dog,” “give your dog a kiss,” and “tell your dog a secret.” Kids love getting pictures with their pets and often these subtle suggestions are taken well.
That stated, make sure things being done are safe for the child and safe for the pet. If your kid starts doing something you know the pet isn’t going to like – intervene! Or better yet, avoid that idea ever being considered in the first place. Remember, as the photographer, you have to guide the session. You can’t control every direction but if you know what directions you want to avoid it is much easier to redirect away from them.
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