Why You Should Book Your Dog’s Photo Shoot Sooner Rather Than Later

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August 4, 2022

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Do you remember the day you first brought your dog home? I’m sure it feels like it was just yesterday. Maybe it was… or maybe it’s been 6 months… or even 6 years. If you’ve only recently brought your dog home, then you’re probably excited about all of the things you’ll do together. Or maybe they’ve been a part of your family for a while. In that case, you probably have a lot of great memories behind you, and hopefully, a lot more ahead of you. 

Why You Should Book Your Dog’s Photo Shoot Sooner Rather Than Later

If you’re like a lot of my clients, you’ve probably been snapping phone pics since the minute you met your dog. Phone pics are truly great snapshots of time. There’s nothing like pulling up your phone’s photo album when you’re having a rough day. Chances are, you have tons of silly, sweet, goofy pictures of your dog that’ll put a big smile on your face.

These pictures and memories are absolutely priceless. These candid, in-the-moment shots are so important to have because they’re how you’ll remember your dog on an average day.

But for some dog owners, they want something really, really extra special too! Booking a professional photo shoot for your dog is the perfect way to create something really special to hang onto for years and years to come… even after they’re gone.

When booking through Keri Nakahashi Photography, you have a few options. You can select an all-inclusive package prior to your photo session. This includes the session itself, a mix of digital images, an album, and/or wall art. Or you can choose to purchase products and digital images a la carte after your photo session is completed. Whatever you choose, you’ll have the opportunity to personally select the images that really speak to you!

Our biggest advice? If you only do one professional photo shoot with your dog, it should be sooner, rather than later. 

Things Change Fast, Book Your Dog’s Photo Shoot

Time loves to get away from us. Look at a picture of your dog when you first got him. Now, look at a newer picture. The truth is, dogs change with the seasons. On a longer timeline, puppies grow, and adult dogs start getting gray around the muzzle. You have a fully grown dog (or a senior dog) before you know it!

Why Book Your Pet Photo Shoot Sooner Puppy Photos

Change is good. We all get older and wiser, and it’s all a part of life. But there’s something so special about your dog when they’re really in the prime of their life. When they’re most active, silly, carefree… these are the moments you want to hang onto forever!

That’s why we encourage you to book a photo shoot when your dog is young. We know that we’re creating something that will help you remember your furry friend at their absolute best. Running, jumping, splashing, exploring… these are the moments we’re searching for behind the camera. That way, you walk away from your session with beautiful art that showcases your dog as their most vibrant, youthful self!

Rainbow Sessions

There’s no way around it; we just don’t get enough time with our dogs. We love every furry minute with them, but time goes by much too fast.

Most clients wait until their dog’s older years to book a session with us. These are called Rainbow Sessions and are for older or ill dogs. The photos and memories we create during these sessions are absolutely beautiful, of course, but many owners have shared that they would have preferred to do a photo shoot earlier in their dog’s life.

Rainbow Sessions are very common. In fact, in 2021, for Keri Nakahashi Photography, Rainbow Sessions made up over 50% of all sessions booked!

These sessions are really special and unique. And some owners prefer Rainbow Sessions. That’s absolutely okay; everyone has their own preference!

dog photo shoot with Keri Nakahashi Photography

Rainbow Sessions can be a really difficult emotional experience for owners. So we always want to make sure you’re prepared for that before booking.

It’s important to remember that, while we try to make everyone comfortable during photo sessions, they are inherently a lot of work for your dog. During the shoot, your dog gets a lot of physical exercise and mental stimulation as they try to listen to commands or understand what it is we want from them. Plus, the environment around them can be really stimulating too with waves, birds, people, and other dogs around.

When booking a Rainbow Session, you want to make sure that your dog can keep up with the ‘demands’ of the photo shoot. Of course, our top priority is to keep them comfortable and happy throughout. We won’t make them do anything they can’t physically do. But even the most simple photos can be stressful for them… especially if they’re having trouble walking, standing or getting around.

We’d love to help you gather beautiful memories of your dog, but we want to make sure they enjoy the process as much as possible. And from experience, we’ve found that younger dogs are most excited about their photo shoot adventure.

My Own Experience With Professional Photos

I know what it’s like to watch your dog go from being youthful and active to a little slower. As my dog Kobe’s 13th birthday approaches, I’m looking back on our time together. It’s amazing to see how he’s changed over the years.

Kobe Keri Nakahashi Photography photo shoot

Truthfully, I regret not getting professional photos done during his really young years. While I have some candid phone photos, I wish that I had professional photos of his really goofy puppy stage. It’s my favorite stage to look back on.

That’s why I encourage you not to wait and to get portraits of your dog done as soon as you can. Your dog will always be perfect and beautiful to you… no matter what his age. As your dog gets older, it’s so important to have pictures from when he was younger. You’ll be able to see the changes and appreciate how far you have come together. 

Whatever timing you choose, there is no better way to celebrate your dog’s life than with a photo shoot.

If you have questions about booking a photo shoot for your dog, feel free to reach out here.
Plus, take a look at our portfolio and get some inspiration for your dog’s own shoot here.

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a Honolulu based dog photographer for those obsessed with their furbaby. Here youʻll find all things dogs + Hawaii - photography tips, top dog-friendly spots, client sessions, and more!

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a Honolulu based dog photographer for those obsessed with their furbaby. Here youʻll find all things dogs + Hawaii - photography tips, top dog-friendly spots, client sessions, and more!

I'm Keri.

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