My Dog Photography Tricks (Featuring Baloo!)

Welcome to The Journal! For my very first blog post, I couldn’t think of a better focus than Baloo. He is my assistant, after all!

Don’t Let the Cuteness Fool You – Baloo’s Just Like Any Other Pup

Whenever I share photos of Baloo, I often hear comments like, “My dog would never,” or “He’s so well-behaved!” And while I appreciate the kind words, don’t let the cuteness fool you—Baloo is still a young golden retriever. He’s the best boy, but he doesn’t always listen. Like many dogs, he gets nervous around loud noises, which is why he’s always on a leash.

Thankfully, with today’s editing tools, it’s easy to remove leashes—and even people (sorry, Cody!)—from final images.

When I’m photographing Baloo, I usually start by asking him to sit. He’s much better at sitting still than standing still, so most of his portraits start from there. Of course, things don’t always go to plan. When they don’t, I pivot and give him a task instead. His personality really shines through when he’s doing what he loves—whether that’s swimming, chasing a ball, or simply exploring.

For those more posed, portrait-style shots, Baloo knows the command “look” to focus on me. But I’ve also got a few tried-and-true tricks—like squeaky toys and treats—to help your dog look at the camera too!

Location matters just as much as timing. Baloo wouldn’t thrive in a busy city setting—it’s just too noisy and overwhelming. The water is his happy place, so I’ve found quiet, scenic spots with minimal distractions where he feels safe and relaxed.

During the planning phase, we’ll talk through your dog’s specific needs and comfort level to make sure the session is calm, fun, and completely tailored to them. After all, the best photos happen when your dog feels happy, safe, and free to be themselves.