I’m so lucky. My job isn’t your typical nine-to-five. I get to spend my days lying in the dirt and getting covered in slobbery kisses. Have you ever wondered what goes into a pet photographer’s camera bag. Hint, it’s a lot more than just our camera gear. It takes a whole lot more gear to capture those unforgettable moments of furry cuteness. It takes a whole bag of tricks (and treats!). Let’s dive into my gear and unveil the secrets to getting those pawsome pics!
So we’ll start with the obvious 📷.
1. My trusty Nikon Z8
This mirrorless marvel is my constant companion. Lightweight and lightning-fast, it lets me move with the agility of a ninja squirrel, keeping up with even the most energetic furballs. It’s perfect for capturing those fleeting moments of pure joy.
2. My Lens Duo
I never leave home without my trusty lens duo! My 70-200mm lens zooms in tight for those captivating close-up portraits that capture every whisker twitch and playful tongue loll. It also allows me to be at more of a distance for dogs who maybe need a bit more space. And this lens gives you those gorgeous, smooth backgrounds. For capturing the full scene, like a majestic Golden Retriever bounding through a field of wildflowers or an adorable 15 year old Chiweenie overlooking a sweeping beach vista (at last week’s session), my 24-70mm lens is perfect for the job.
3. A little extra sunshine
I always carry a portable off-camera flash unit even for outdoor sessions. You never know when you’re going to need a little extra light on a gloomy day or deep in the woods to bring a little extra sparkle to your images.
4. Lens Wipes: Battling the Drool Monster
Let’s be real, pet photography isn’t always glamorous, in fact it’s usually downright messy. Between the slobbery kisses and the over enthusiastic muddy paw prints, my lens cleaning supplies are lifesavers. A clean lens means crisp, drool-free photos that make pet parents swoon. Gotta keep the gear clean, the rest of me can stay wet and muddy until I get home 😊
5. TREATS: String Cheese & More!
Happy pups make for happy photos, and that’s where my treat arsenal comes in. String cheese is a universal crowd-pleaser, but I also carry a variety of other yummy snacks to keep those furry friends motivated. After my camera, my treat supply is my most important piece of gear. A well-motivated model is a model who delivers the goods (and the cute poses).
6. The Noisemaker Symphony
It can take a lot of silly noises to get those adorable head tilts and adorable expressions. Sometimes, a squeaky toy just isn’t enough. That’s why I come prepared with a full orchestra of noisemakers, from crinkly balls to a quacking duck call (hey, it works!). I’m also prepared to unleash a wide array of slightly embarrassing, silly noises of my own. You will find me during a session meowing, puppy whining and generally making a fool of myself in search of the perfect expression. Hey, whatever it takes, right?
7. Poop Bags: The Silent But Necessary Hero
Accidents happen, even to the most glamorous pups. I always pack plenty of poop bags – because we want to be able to keep taking our pups to beautiful places and that means always cleaning up after our dogs.
8. Hydration Station
Especially on hot days, a portable water bowl is a must-have to keep my furry friends happy and hydrated. A happy pup is a cooperative pup, and that means more time for capturing those pawsome portraits!
9. The Multi-Purpose Towel
A towel is a lifesaver in the field! It can clean up unexpected messes, dry off a wet pup, or create a comfy spot for my furry friend to relax between takes. I didn’t have a towel at a recent session and realized I needed to add it to my kit. At the very beginning of this session an impeccably groomed Sheltie promptly jumped into some black muck before we had even taken a single photo. A quick dunk of her feet and legs into the clean water and then drying off with my sweatshirt saved the day, but a towel got added to my camera bag after that.
10. Safety First
Because unexpected situations arise, I always carry a small pet first-aid kit. Better safe than sorry, especially when dealing with adventurous furry explorers! Here are links to the Red Cross’ list of what your kit should contain and a review of the 4 best kits you can buy online for those of us who would like something ready made.
So there you have it! A peek inside my bag of tricks that helps me translate pet pandemonium into unforgettable pet portraits. It’s all about being prepared, having the right tools, and showering our furry friends with love (and maybe a few treats). Now, enough talking, gotta go capture some cuteness!!
Let me know if I left anything out. Or if you have any questions. Talk soon!
xoxoxo