Can my dog stay on lead for the photography session?

One of the most common questions I am asked is about taking the dog off lead for his photo session. Clients want to make sure that their dog is safe if he can’t be trusted off lead, but of course want to be assured that  they will still get good pictures.

Of course the answer is “YES!”   I know… you browse the internet and see the amazing images of dogs without leads. But I bet that most were photographed with their leads on. 

In fact almost every dog I photograph is kept on a lead during his or her dog photography session. Keeping the dogs on lead not only keeps them safe, but also allows me to have the dogs in just the right place to capture the beautiful pictures you desire!

All it takes is the magic of photoshop to remove those leads and bring you stunning pet portraits.

Here are a few “before and after” pictures to show you the image as I take it straight out of the camera, no leash removal or editing of any kind, and  then the final image. You’ll see that her Mum is standing close enough to hold the leash. Of course I removed her too!

Here is Pippa. She’s a friendly working Cocker Spaniel. We chose this lovely spot with ferns in Bernwood Forest close to Oxford, to do her photo shoot. There are some really great spots for photos there.

I just love Martha’s cute pose. She was the perfect, during her photoshoot at the local church ground in Shabbington, but for safety she is still on her lead.

Here’s Coco’s before and after! We had her standing next this log for one of her pictures but as usual she was wearing her leash. I made the mistake of not getting her Mom to put the leash behind her, which is one of my “photo session rules”. But I really liked the picture so I took the time to remove the leash from her body.

Now you’ve seen how the magic of photoshop works and how I use it, to keep you dog safe without compromising the quality of your images.

After each photo shoot I choose the best images to edit and lead removal is part of that process. So, even if your dog is an untrained puppy, totally wild or chases squirrels, we can still get beautiful, natural images of your dogs.  

Hopefully your doubts are now put to rest and you can feel comfortable in booking a dog photography session with me in Thame area {including Oxford, Abingdon, Didcot, Aylesbury, Milton Keynes, Reading, Watford), Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and London.