Pet Photoshoot Ideas

If you’re a pet parent who’s ever thought “I wish we had great photos of our furry friend …”, you’re in the right place. In this blog post we’ll dive into a variety of fun, creative and heart-warming ideas for a pet photoshoot, so you (and your pup) can have a wonderful experience, and walk away with amazing final images you’ll treasure forever.

Why a pet photoshoot is a fantastic idea

Your pet is more than just a companion - they’re one of the family members. Whether they’re bounding through a field, curled up on the sofa or stealing your socks, their personality shines through. A dedicated pet photography session is the best way to capture that, rather than just a quick snap. In fact, hiring a professional pet photographer ensures you get sharper, more meaningful images — not just phone-pics.

Here at Kerrie Palmer Photography I specialise in capturing candid, joyful moments — so whether it’s your pup’s goofy grin or a quiet moment with you and your pet, we’ll make sure it’s framed beautifully.

Ready to book your session? Check out the contact page today.

Planning your pet photoshoot: setting the scene

Pick a location that suits your pet’s personality

When you’re thinking about where to hold your pet photography session, consider your pet’s comfort zone. Do they love the outdoors? A favourite field or woodland walk might be perfect. Prefer the sofa snuggles? A home-based session works wonderfully. For outdoor sessions, aim for gorgeous natural light (hello golden hour!), and choose a spot with minimal distractions so your four-legged friend can be themselves.

💡 Pro tip: Scout the spot ahead of time — see what light does, what backgrounds you get, and pick a time when your pet is relaxed and happy.

Choose backdrop colours and styling

Backdrop colours, outfits and props can add visual interest and help your pet’s personality pop. For example, solid colours in your pet’s collar or bandana can contrast beautifully against autumn leaves, green grass or studio backdrops. Keep it simple so the focus stays on your pup, not a chaotic background.

Timing and energy levels

If you have a high-energy dog, a short walk or play before the shoot can help release some of the zoomies, so they’ll settle more easily for the session. On the flip side, you don’t want them so tired they’re uninterested! For a shy pet, pick a familiar space and ease in slowly — building trust each step of the way helps those more reserved four-legged friends open up.

What to wear (for you and your pet)

Since your pet is part of the family, you might want some shots of you together. Coordinate with your dog (or cat!) — nothing too matchy-matchy, but harmonised colours. Solid colours often work best so you don’t clash with your pet’s fur or distract from the moment. And if your pet wears a flat collar or gentle leader, bring those along — they’re part of their story.

Fun and creative pet photoshoot ideas

Here are some of my favourite concepts you can bring to your session (or ask me about when you book!). Each one is designed to reflect your pup’s personality (and yours) and result in beautiful, meaningful pet portraits.

Action shot fun

If your pup is full of energy, let’s lean into that. A run, leap, fetch or zoom-around captures their true spirit. These dynamic shots bring authenticity and joy — the kind of images you’ll love as wall art.

💡 Tip: I’ll position myself to capture from their level so you get that immersive feel.

‘Just us’ portraits

Time for some heartfelt shots of you and your pet together. These make for perfect family portrait pieces: you, your best friends (two-legged and four-legged) captured in a moment of connection. These are often the images clients tell me they love most.

Studio or home in-door session

Small spaces? No problem. Whether we’re in your living room or a cosy studio setup, we can create a beautiful look. With the right light source, minimal distractions and maybe a simple backdrop colour (think soft greys or pastels) we’ll make the space work. Great for shy dogs who feel safer in a familiar environment.

Outdoor golden hour shoot

One of my favourite setups — you, your pet, a beautiful location and that magical light just before sunset. The golden hour brings warmth, depth and emotion to the images. Combine that with a backdrop of a woodland, field or heritage park and you’ve got something special.

Celebrate a milestone

Adoption anniversary, your pup’s birthday, or simply “because they’re such a good girl” day. Use props (their favourite toy, a banner, maybe a little cake) and document the moment. These make for meaningful pet portraits and wonderful memories.

Pre-session chat

We’ll have a friendly chat to understand your pet’s personality, their favourite things (treats, toys, naps), any quirks (zoomies, paw-shake, hide-and-seek) and pick a location or concept together.

On the day

We’ll take it at a pace your pet is comfortable with — no rush. I’ll guide you, capture candid moments, and make sure we have variety (studio vs outdoors, action vs calm, them solo vs you together). My goal is to deliver you beautiful final images that reflect your pet’s true self.

After the session

You’ll receive your digital images ready to print or share on social media (yes, those cute ones your friends will aww at). Thinking of wall art? Let’s talk about that too — a gorgeous print of your pet is a wonderful piece of home décor and a keepsake.

Why book a professional pet photographer

Hiring a professional isn’t just about getting “better photos” (though you absolutely will). It’s about making the process fun, stress-free and deeply meaningful. A trained professional knows how to work with pets, how to use light, background, movement and emotion to create images that go beyond a snapshot. You’ll have someone there who’s in your corner — helping you capture your pet’s personality and your unique bond.

Ready to book your pet portrait session?

If you’re nodding along thinking “yes, I want that”, then let’s make it happen! Book a session with me at Kerrie Palmer Photography — we’ll create a tailored photoshoot just for you and your pup, in Warwickshire or travelling across the UK.

👉 Head over to my contact page and let’s chat about what will make you both feel excited and relaxed.

FAQs (because pet parents ask great questions)

My dog is a bit shy — will the session still work?

Absolutely. We’ll pick a familiar location (or your home). We’ll take it slow, make sure your pup is comfortable, and focus on capturing gentle moments that reflect their true self. Think of it as a relaxed owner photo shoot with your furry friend, not pressure for them to perform.

What if my dog is high-energy and won’t sit still?

No worries at all. In fact, we’ll embrace that! Action shots, playtime, movement — these can produce amazing photos. I’ll guide you both, and we’ll capture energy, love and fun, not just still poses.

Can I include my family or other pets?

Yes! If you have other family members (human or furry) we can absolutely include them. These sessions make beautiful family portraits with your pets. The more genuine the connection, the stronger the image.

What should I bring to the session?

A few favourite treats, a couple of toys, maybe a water bowl (for outdoors). And for you: something to wear that you feel comfortable in. Solid colours work well. Think about your pet’s collar or accessory too — maybe match or coordinate. Minimal props can add a fun touch.

Your pet doesn’t just exist in frames, they live in your home, in your day-to-day, they share your life. A dedicated pet photoshoot is one of the best ways to honour them. Whether it’s slow, tender moments or heart-in-throat zoomies and play, we’ll capture it all.

So if you’re ready to document the love, the laughs, the cuddles and the quirky behaviour — let’s book in your session with Kerrie Palmer Photography.

🎉 Because your four-legged friend deserves more than a phone picture. They deserve great photos, full of heart.