How To Include Your Dog In Your Las Vegas Engagement Photos
Including your dog in your Vegas engagement photos can be so much fun. I’m here to share a few tips that will help make the experience easier and more enjoyable for both you and your pup.
First things first, if you’re planning on including your dog in your engagement photos, I’d recommend spending some time practicing leash manners and basic commands before your session. Simple things like “sit”, “stay”, and walking calmly on a leash can make a huge difference when it’s time for photos.
For many couples (me included), their dog is part of the family. Including them in your Las Vegas engagement photos is such a meaningful way to document this season of life and create images that feel true to your story.
Why You Should Include Your Dog In Your Engagement Photos
Your engagement photos should reflect this season of life as it is right now. If your dog joins you on weekend adventures, cuddles on the couch, and feels like part of the family, including them in your photos can make the experience even more meaningful. Years from now, you’ll be able to look back and remember not only your engagement season, but the memories you shared with your best four legged friend.
Dog Friendly Locations in Las Vegas
Choosing a dog friendly location is one of the most important parts of planning your engagement session. This session was photographed at Mt. Charleston, which is perfect for couples looking for mountain views and cooler temperatures. The Dry Lake Bed offers wide open desert scenery, while Red Rock (outside the scenic loop) can be another beautiful option depending on the area.
As your photographer, I’ll help you choose a location that fits both your vision and your dog’s needs.
Getting Your Dog Photo Ready
If you’re including your dog in your engagement photos, they have to be photo ready as well. I would refrain from any neon leashes / harnesses. You want them to match and coordinate with you so I recommend neutral colored leashes, accessories, etc. If you want to go all out you can get your pup a cute handkerchief or clothes that coordinate with your outfits!
What To Pack For Your Dog
Most of us treat our dogs like our kids, and engagement photos are no exception. You want to bring tons of treats, water, and one of their favorite toys to get their attention. Sometimes a few treats are the secret to getting their attention, lol.
Another thing to pack but doesn’t have to do with photos is waste bags, we want to make sure to be respectful of our environment and clean up after our dogs.
How To Incorporate Your Dog In Your Engagement Photos
Now let’s talk about the actual photoshoot. I recommend that my couples bring a handler (someone else to help with your dog). For this session, my husband was behind the scenes helping with their pup while the couple and I captured a few photos of just the two of them.
This is important because we’ll start the session with your dog. We’ll spend the first 15 – 20 minutes capturing all the sweet moments with your pup before they get bored, distracted, or ready for a break. Once we’ve finished those photos, your handler can watch them or even take them on a nearby walk while we focus on photos of just the two of you.
What if our dog doesn’t cooperate?
This is a question I get frequently, and the good news is that dogs don’t need to sit perfectly or look at the camera the entire time. Some of the sweetest images happen when they’re simply being themselves and in frame. Whether they’re walking beside you, playing, or snuggling up between the two of you, those candid moments often end up being everyone’s favorites.
Ready to Plan Your Las Vegas Engagement Photos With Your Dog?
I hope that this blog gave you some tips for your engagement session with your pup! Whether you’re planning a Las Vegas engagement session with your dog in the mountains, desert, or somewhere meaningful to you, these tips will help make the experience much smoother. I’d love to help you plan a session that feels true to your story and capture all the sweet moments with your pup along the way. Reach out here to start planning your engagement session.
