Tips for bringing your dog to a photoshoot in the Front Range
Your dog isn't just a pet; they’re a full-fledged member of the family. So when it comes time to update your family portraits, it only makes sense that your four-legged best friend comes along for the adventure!
As a Front Range family and pet photographer, I love including dogs in sessions. Whether we are chasing the golden hour light in Golden, exploring the foothills, or framing a shot with the Rocky Mountains in the background, pups bring a genuine, joyful energy to photos that you just can't replicate.
But if the thought of wrangling a energetic dog and getting your kids to smile for the camera gives you a bit of anxiety, don’t worry. With a little preparation, we can capture those beautiful, authentic moments without the stress.
Here are my top tips for a seamless, fun, and picture-perfect photo session with your dog in the Colorado Front Range:
1. Burn off the extra energy first
If your pup gets incredibly excited by new environments, do a pre-shoot workout. Take them for a brisk walk or a quick game of fetch a couple of hours before our session.
You don't want them completely exhausted, but burning off that initial energy will help them sit, stay, and focus much better once the camera is out.
2. Bring high-value goods
A standard piece of kibble isn’t going to cut it when there are magpies to watch and hikers passing by. Bring what I call the high-value treats: things like freeze-dried liver, cheese cubes, or hot dog pieces. Whatever makes your dog’s ears perk up instantly.
Bring their favorite squeaker toy, too. You can hand it to me, and I’ll hold it right above my camera lens to get some straight-at-the-camera head tilts.
3. Choose the right Front Range location
Not all beautiful backdrops are created equal when it comes to dogs. When we are picking a spot around Golden or the broader Front Range, we'll want to consider your dog’s personality:
For the easily distracted dog: we'll want to choose a quieter, less-trafficked trail or open space to avoid a constant stream of other dogs passing by.
For the older or low-energy dog: we’ll opt for a spot with a short walk from the parking lot, like certain areas of Lookout Mountain or local open spaces, so they don’t get tired before the session even begins.
4. Embrace the leash
Safety first! Most Front Range parks and open spaces require dogs to be on a leash, and I abide by local rules. But don't worry — a leash will not ruin your photos.
I can easily edit out a standard leash in post-processing for those standalone shots. To make the photos look cohesive, I highly recommend avoiding neon plastic retractables. Instead, opt for a simple, neutral-colored leather or climbing-rope leash and a clean collar that complements your family’s outfits.
5. Dress for adventure
Because we are including your pup, there’s a 100% chance you’ll be kneeling in the grass, laughing as they lick your face, or walking along dirt paths. Keep this in mind when picking your family's wardrobe. Terracotta, sage greens, deep blues, and neutrals look stunning against the Colorado landscape and don't easily show a little bit of dust or stray dog hair.
6. Let go of perfection
This is the most important tip of all. If your dog won’t sit perfectly like a statue, please don’t stress. The best photos are almost always the candid ones: the moments where your dog is looking up at you with pure devotion, or your family is laughing together because your pup decided to roll in the grass.
My job is to capture the beautiful chaos of your real life. Just keep smiling, love your dog, and let me handle the rest.
Ready to get the whole pack together?
Your home is filled with the pitter-patter of paws, and your walls should be, too. At Golden Family and Pet Portraits, I’m proud to be a pet-friendly photo studio. Whether we’re shooting in the Colorado foothills or at a local park, your furry family members are always welcome.
