Pet photography posing suggestions?

[josphy]

This next weekend, I'm going to be doing some photos for a woman and her three dogs. Now, lady + one dog = no problem. But I'm wondering if any of you have a suggestion for doing a "family" portrait of her and her dogs. They're pugs by the way, so fairly small breed.

We'll be doing the photos at her mother's home which is apparently pretty nice, she mentioned a nice living room w/ a fireplace, and/or we could go outside as apparently her home has a nice big yard, plenty of greenery and so forth.

Any tips as to how you'd approach lady + 3 fairly small dogs?

All I can think of is that I need to get them on the same level somehow. Either her on the floor, on a sofa or maybe spread out a nice blanket and do some shots outdoors.

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!!! p.s. I know we have some pet photogs on here!

[Chris Anderson]

better bring help...................and some squeeeeeekkkkeeeey toys!!

[josphy]

Oooh yes, squeaky toys are on my shopping list. I already know it's going to be a daunting task wrangling 3 dogs + 1 human. I can only hope they are the world's most docile and well-behaved pets.

[CaptainTom]

My first instruction to the adults, wether it be with children or pets, is that the adult must concentrate on looking at the camera, and refrain from trying to direct the little ones. If you don't do this, you will have two good shots.
One of the little ones with a great smile or pose, and the adults looking down at them to see if they are OK. And one shot of the little ones running amok and the adults looking great.
A helper is great, but make sure they stand close to the camera. Be patient.
Plan for lots of extra breaks, etc.

[Davidtxs]

another thing i hvae used is a training clicker they are about a buck at petsmart or petco
and have patience
lol

[Steelsun]

I have enough trouble getting my 2 dogs and wife to pose together. The three are trouble. Well, actually one of the dogs is well behaved, the other one and the wife though.....

If she sees this, I am so dead.....

[josphy]

Hm...try the training clicker on your wife Steelsun. :-P Anyway I've added that little item to my shopping list as well. And that sounds like very good advice, Cpt. Tom. I'll definitely let her know to focus on me rather than trying to worry about the dogs.

Any thoughts on how you'd pose them all together?

[Roy]

Treats. Most dogs I've seen will perk their ears for some kind of small treat. Anything works on my dog, especially popcorn. To me the best photos of dogs are when they are alert and you have their full attention. Good light helps too. However,I don't know that this technique will work for humans........

[josphy]

Well, I'd like to thank everyone who offered suggestions and help. Unfortunately, the woman called, sobbing hysterically, and canceled on me a couple of hours before we were scheduled to meet. That was probably for the best anyway. However, this evening I had my first paying gig with a very nice couple and their sweet little dog. I left feeling like I didn't do a very good job, but after reviewing the shots, there are some keepers I guess.

Next time I know some things I need to do better. Like in this case, they wanted some shots of the dog in a field of bluebonnets, and I was worrying so much about getting shots w/ the bluebonnets that I sort of lost track of my usual style -- which is more tight shots, shallow DOF, creamy out-of-focus backgrounds -- and I regretted that afterwards.