Ahhh…puppies! Sweet, cuddly, and crazy all at the same time! This time in a pup’s life whizzes by so fast between training, acclimating to the family and possibly other pets, and not a lot of sleep for the humans in the first couple of months. Of course, everyone in the family is taking tons of photos with their phones to post on a separate Instagram account for the new family member.
So setting up a puppy pet photography session might not be that high on the list of things to do. But Mary, knowing that they didn’t have too many puppy photos (including the whole family) of their beloved pets in the past, contacted me for a puppy photo session before they brought Tucker, a Pembroke Welsh Corgi, home on May 21st, 2022.
Planning Tucker’s Puppy Session
Before the session, we chatted on the phone about all the details for the big day. Mary, her husband, and two daughters would also be in the photos, and the session would be at their home in Dublin, CA. We planned for me to visit a month before the session to meet the family and Tucker so he would be used to me and my camera. This is always so helpful to plan and prepare for the session and the type of photos that would work with the lighting and set up of their home.
Mary and her family have had professional photos before but really wanted just a real casual, lifestyle feel to the photos, which is the way I love to take my photos.
Besides discussing details on the phone before a session, I like to meet the people and pets I photograph ahead of time. This always makes things smooth and efficient on the day of the session. and helps me prepare a shot list of custom moments and/or activities I would like to capture for the personalities of the people and pets at the location. I truly start to see and feel a vibe that will work specifically for the collaboration.
Tucker’s Lifestyle At Home Puppy Photography Session
When I showed up for Tucker’s “relaxed lifestyle vibe” puppy session prepared with all my gear, ideas, and excitement to capture this adorable Corgi (with a little heart shape on his booty!) and his family, Tucker was ready for me! He was happy, playful, and so smart for a 3 ½-month-old puppy. But, oh, he had some fun surprises for me. Running, playing, and deciding to chew on Mary’s finger a few times.
Corgis are known for being independent thinkers at times and Tucker definitely did what he wanted to do, which was absolutely fine with me. Capturing this time in his life with his family is exactly what they wanted.
Documenting Puppy Playtime
We started the session in their family room. Then the girls and dad each played with Tucker just as they normally do. I just let Tucker and his family interact as I moved to different angles and directed just a little bit to get different variations of the action. Tucker was definitely in charge and being a rockstar puppy.
Towards the end of the session, we ventured outside and did some more family shots, running, chewing his mom’s finger, and sitting for a little bit. Tucker was “tuckered” out towards the end; we could see it in his sleepy eyes. He did great!
Bay Area Puppy Pet Photography Session
It was a puppy experience that was fun and memorable, and as time goes by, the photos of Tucker and his family will become more treasured as the girls and Tucker grow up. My favorite part of this experience was documenting the love and excitement this family has for their puppy. It’s just the start of a lifelong relationship with Tucker. If you’re thinking about a puppy pet photography session near the Bay Area, please reach out with any questions at all!
Oh, and of course, please follow Tucker’s adventures on IG @tales_0f_tucker
