I learned very quickly that a great camera and knowledge of lighting aren't enough to capture the soul of a dog. Dogs don't understand "smile for the camera." They get bored, they get distracted, and they can get anxious if stared at by a giant lens for too long.

To get those authentic shots—the goofy grins, the intense stares, the mid-air leaps—I have to become more interesting than the environment around them.

That’s why I never show up to a shoot without my "Attention Toolkit."

My goal isn't to force your dog into a rigid pose. My goal is to spark their curiosity and joy so I can capture their true personality in the split second that follows. Here is a peek inside my bag of tricks:

1. The Sound Symphony (Beyond the Squeaker)

Every dog owner has a squeaky toy, and most dogs become immune to them eventually.

To get that iconic "head tilt"—where their ears shoot up and they look intently at the camera—I need sounds they haven't heard before.

I utilize various wildlife hunting calls. Why? Because your Goldendoodle has likely never heard the call of a mallard duck or a bleating deer while standing in a local park. That novel sound creates a moment of pure, adorable confusion. That split second where they freeze to process the sound is when I get the shot of their soulful eyes.

2. The "Bubble Buffet"

Sometimes, we want action. We want to capture the silly, joyful energy that makes your dog who they are.

Enter the professional bubble machine.

But these aren't just any bubbles. I use specialized, dog-safe, edible bubbles (often scented like peanut butter or bacon!). This turns a stiff photo session into the best game ever.

The bubbles create a dynamic environment. I can capture dogs leaping into the air to snap at them, the hilarious wide-eyed look of trying to catch one on their nose, or the pure joy of running through a cloud of bacon scent. It’s fun for the dog, hilarious for the owner to watch, and results in incredibly unique images.

3. The Visual Fidgets

Some dogs couldn't care less about noises, especially older dogs or those with hearing loss. For them, I bring visual lures—feathers on strings, reflective discs that catch the light, or interesting motion toys that grab their eye without overstimulating them with noise.

Your Only Job is to Relax

The best thing about my toolkit? It lets you off the hook.

When you book a session with me, you don’t need to sweat and stress trying to make your dog "behave." You don’t need to apologize if they won't sit still.

Handling the distractions, the engagement, and the energy management is my job. Your job is just to hold the leash, laugh at your dog trying to eat peanut butter bubbles, and wait for the beautiful results.