What Your Dog’s Personality Tells Me as a Photographer

Every dog walks into a photoshoot with their own personality and that matters far more than how well they sit, stay, or look at the camera.

Before I ever lift my camera, I’m paying attention to who your dog is. Their body language, their energy, how they move through the space, it all matters. That’s what shapes the entire session.

Here are some of the personalities I see most often and what they tell me as a dog photographer.

1. The Shy Observer

These dogs like to take it all in first.

They might hang back, watch quietly, or stick close while they get comfortable. With shy dogs, I move slowly and give them space. There’s no rushing and no pressure.

Some of the most soft, soulful images come from dogs who need a moment to feel safe and that’s always worth waiting for.

2. The Velcro Dog

This dog’s favourite place is right next to their human.

Velcro dogs feel safest when they’re close, and that tells me everything I need to know. These sessions naturally become more calm and intimate, focusing on connection rather than distance.

The result? Images that feel warm, grounded, and deeply familiar, just like your bond.

3. The Confident Explorer

Confident explorers are curious, bold, and ready to see it all.

They sniff, wander, and move through the space with ease. For these dogs, I lean into motion and variety. We let them explore and capture them mid-adventure.

These sessions often produce expressive, energetic photos that feel alive and full of personality.

4. The Silly Chaos Goblin

You know this one.

Wiggles. Zoomies. Goofy expressions. Zero interest in holding still.

And honestly? I love it.

These dogs bring pure joy to a session. Instead of forcing structure, I follow their energy and let moments unfold naturally. Some of the most memorable images come from dogs who are unapologetically themselves.

Highly food-motivated dogs are focused, eager, and very expressive.

They love having a job to do, even if that job is just making eye contact for half a second. These quick, intentional moments often lead to strong, character-filled portraits.

It’s not about perfection, it’s about timing and understanding what motivates them.

6. The Big Feelings Dog

This one matters.

Reactive dogs aren’t bad, difficult, or unmanageable. They simply experience the world more intensely.

When I photograph reactive dogs, everything is adjusted, from distance and angles to pacing and expectations. Sessions are planned with awareness and flexibility, prioritizing safety and comfort over posed moments.

The goal is never to push past a dog’s limits. The best photos come when a dog feels understood, respected, and secure.

There is no right or wrong way for a dog to show up to a photoshoot.

Shy, silly, reactive, confident, clingy...every personality brings something special. My job isn’t to change who your dog is, but to meet them exactly where they are and document that.

Because years from now, it won’t be the perfect sit you’ll care about. It’ll be the way they tilted their head, stuck close to you, or exploded with joy.

That version of your dog deserves to be remembered.

If this resonated, take a moment to think about your dog’s personality...not how well they listen, but who they are. If you’d like photos that reflectthat, I’d love to chatand see if we’re the right fit.