What to wear
For the owner: plain and in a colour that contrasts with the animal's coat. Black clothing with a black dog produces one indistinct shape. Also…
In short: For the owner: plain and in a colour that contrasts with the animal's coat. Black clothing with a black dog produces one indistinct shape. Also expect fur on everything, so avoid anything that shows it.
Colour. For the owner, whatever contrasts with the animal's coat. Black clothing with a black dog produces one shape with no boundary between them.
Fabric. Something that does not show fur, because it will. Smooth cotton over wool or fleece.
Footwear. Walkable and washable. Good pet frames happen outdoors and at ground level, which means kneeling in whatever is there.
The thing that ruins frames. A bright lead or a plastic harness in a portrait. Swap for a plain leather or rope lead, or drop it out of frame entirely if it is safe.
In the bag. High-value treats the animal does not get at home, a squeaky toy kept out of sight until the exact moment you need ears up, and a lint roller. A second person is worth more than any of it.
Owners who want one good photograph of an animal that will not sit still and cannot be reasoned with.
Location changes the answer: Somewhere the animal is relaxed and off-lead if that is safe. Indoors, next to the largest window. Outdoors, overcast light or the hour before sunset — bright sun on dark fur loses all detail.
Planning pressure to account for: Shooting from standing height. Using too slow a shutter. Trying to photograph before exercise, when the animal cannot settle. And working alone — a second person for treats and noises doubles the usable frames.
Bring each proposed outfit as a complete look, including its shoes and accessories. The final choice is made against the actual background and light rather than from a generic colour rule.
For the owner: plain and in a colour that contrasts with the animal's coat. Black clothing with a black dog produces one indistinct shape. Also expect fur on everything, so avoid anything that shows it.
For a one-hour session, plan one complete look and one quick variation such as a jacket, shoe or jewellery change. Two hours can normally support two or three resolved looks. More changes reduce shooting time, so photograph the most important outfit first and treat extras as options rather than promises.
Choose colours that separate clearly from the location and suit the intended use of the pictures. Solid tones and controlled texture are reliable; very fine checks, tiny stripes and reflective logos can distract or produce moiré. Send phone photographs of the options with the brief if you want a decision before the shoot.
Bring the garments on proper hangers, matching underwear, the shoes for every full-length look, a lint roller and simple touch-up products. Pack one neutral backup layer. Steam everything beforehand, but keep a small steamer nearby for travel creases and final adjustments on set.
Send the date, location and what you need photographed.