Choosing the right dog photographer isn’t just about pretty pictures — it’s about finding someone trustworthy, somebody you get along with, and most importantly, someone who gets your dog. Someone who notices the tilt of their head when they’re curious, who catches that split-second tail wag that says, “I’m happy.”

In Boston, where the parks are bursting with spring color and the harbor breeze is finally warming up, this season offers the perfect backdrop for a soulful, joy-filled photo session. But before you book, let’s talk about the common missteps that can get in the way of truly magical portraits.

1. Hiring a Photographer Who Doesn’t Specialize in Dogs

Not all photographers are dog people. A general portrait or wedding photographer (including myself back in the day!) might say they photograph pets, but they may have zero clue how to coax expression, read dog body language, or adapt to unpredictable canine energy. Dogs need patience, playfulness, and an understanding of their rhythms.

Also, from a strictly photographic perspective, dogs can be incredibly fast moving and hard to focus on. They might require top of the line specialized equipment AND someone with the right experience to handle that equipment. In addition, there are specific rules how to pose, light and compose a dog portrait. Those can be considerably different from other photography genres. If you hire someone without all that knowledge and experience, you might end up with blurry pictures, stiff poses or forced moments. Your pup deserves better.

• Dogs require different pacing than humans.

• A dog-savvy photographer knows how to earn dogs trust quickly and pose a dog effortlessly.

• A pro dog photographer has specialized equipment and knows how to work with it.

• Specialization means safer, more flowing and productive shoots.

2. Booking Without Seeing a Portfolio of Dog Work

You’d never pick a hairstylist without seeing their past work — so why skip that with a photographer? A genuine Boston dog photographer will have a gallery full of wagging tails, tongue-out smiles, and soulful eyes. Look for variety: seniors, puppies, action shots, and quiet moments. You want someone who can capture your dog’s essence, not just their appearance.

• Look for emotion, expression, color, light, not just technical skill.

• Variety in breed and environment is a great sign.

• Consistency across the portfolio shows reliability.

3. Ignoring the Environment Factor

Boston’s beauty is its seasons — and this one is all about wildflowers, green grass, and golden-hour light. But not every location works for every dog. Some pups need quiet parks, others thrive in busy cityscapes. A good dog photographer will ask about your dog’s temperament and tailor the location accordingly. It’s about feeling right, not just looking pretty.

• Consider distractions and safety at the shoot location.

• Ask the photographer about their favorite hidden gems.

• Always plan around your dog’s energy and comfort.

4. Skipping the Pre-Session Chat

The best sessions are like a dance — relaxed, responsive, and totally in tune with your dog. That doesn’t happen by accident. A pre-session conversation helps your photographer learn about your dog’s quirks: Are they shy? Ball-obsessed? Sensitive to strangers? This chat also gives you the space to share what you truly want from the session — whether it’s dreamy portraits for the living room wall or candid shots of you and your dog just being together.

• Share your dog’s personality, habits, and triggers.

• Talk about your vision — mood, colors, vibe.

• Ask about timeline, editing style, and final deliverables.

5. Underestimating the Emotional Value

These photos aren’t just images. They’re memories of a season — not just of weather, but of life. Your dog won’t always be this age, this goofy, this full of springtime bounce. A good Boston dog photographer helps freeze that joy in time. Don’t let price alone guide your choice. This is an emotional investment — one that, years from now, will mean more than you can imagine.

• Budget realistically for quality and emotional value.

• Consider heirloom prints or albums, not just digital files.

• Choose someone who feels like a creative partner, not just a service.

Bonus: Hiring a Photographer Who Doesn’t Know How to Pose and Light People

You might end up being in many of the photos. A photo only looks great if everybody in it looks great. That being said, your photographer should have a solid portfolio displaying fluency in human posing and lighting skills.

At the heart of every great photo is TRUST

Trust between you and your dog, and between you and the person behind the lens. This season, let it be more than just pictures. Let it be a celebration of connection — messy paws, flopped ears, and all.

Want to work with someone who sees your dog the way you do? Let’s talk.

– Your Pal Val

Greater Boston MA CT RI NH Dog Photography