I took these photos back in July when I was still relatively early in my recovery from surgery, but it was the dog’s birthday and the photos needed to be made.
When working with dogs for a dog birthday party: you will need help. I had an assistant to help get looks and the toddler on set also unintentionally helped get attention. When working with dogs in this sort of scene try and treat it like a toddler session and just sort of let things happen. However, if the dogs know basic sit and stay commands you can throw in some anticipation shots. Finally, do not forget the treat eating shot. Some dogs eat the cake piece by piece while this birthday boy ate it all in one chunk (followed by confusion of an empty plate).
Two other things – make sure you make a dog friendly cake. No photo session is worth poisoning your dog over. Second, and as always, be nice to your dog and keep the photoshoot friendly and fun. Your dogs are doing their best to make you happy and they have no idea what you are trying to do so do not get frustrated with them.
#petphotography #dogbirthdayparty #annearundelphotographer #marylandphotographer
