Animal Welfare in Photography: How I Photograph Dogs and Horses in Vancouver

Brooke Arseneau

2 days ago

4 min read

dog posing in front of museum with tress hanging down

Brooke's Photography | Equine, canine and branding photographer serving Vancouver and the Lower Mainland

In the horse world some would say a "boring" ride is a good ride. What they are really saying is that it was safe and uneventful, no one fell off and everyone made it home safe and sound. You can say that about pet photo sessions too, a session where nothing “happens” is a good session. A slow, safe start is where the real story begins, and it’s the part people don’t see.

Here’s what I want you to know about animal welfare in photography before you book a session with me or with any pet photographer: the whole point is to capture your animal when they’re happy and relaxed. That’s what you’re going to want to remember. Not the pose, not the perfect sit, but the version of them that’s enjoying themselves, because that’s the version you’ll miss most.

dog laying down on rocky river bed with mountains in the background

Our pets didn’t consent to this, so we have to listen

Our pets can’t consent to a photo session. This one is for us. We want the art on our walls and the memories to look back on, and because we love them, it’s on us to respect their boundaries along the way.

It’s really easy to get caught up chasing the “perfect shot” and start asking for a bit too much. Another sit, one more stay, just hold still for a second longer. Before you know it, you’re pressuring a dog or a horse to do something they don’t want to do. It is never worth it. No photograph is worth an unsafe situation, or one where your animal is showing stressed body language.

Starting slow and letting them settle in

I always begin slowly and gauge your pet’s mood in the first pose. Whether it’s a dog or a horse, I let them explore the location until they feel settled. That might take a few minutes, and that’s fine. Rushing it is how you end up with tense bodies and wide eyes in the gallery, and neither of us wants that.

Some dogs are unsure of the camera, which is completely normal. In that case we let them check it out, sniff it, get used to it, or I’ll grab a longer lens and give them more space. I also send all my clients a prep guide before their session with tips to set their animal up for a great day, so you’re not figuring it out alone.

dog sitting on sand bar in river with forest in the background

Choosing a location your pet feels good in

Comfort goes beyond the camera. Is the spot busy? Is it new? Is it loud? Are there other animals around? All of those things matter, and I’m ready to pivot if your pet can’t settle. Sometimes that means moving to a quieter corner of the park or farm, sometimes it means a totally different plan.

Equine photography: when in doubt, reschedule

With horses I’m especially careful. As an equine photographer, I know a horse that isn’t settled can be unpredictable, and if they’re on high alert, the right call is always to reschedule rather than push through. A rescheduled session is no big deal. A stressful or unsafe one is.

When your dog just isn’t that into it

Not every dog loves being photographed, and that’s okay. If yours isn’t a fan of posing, make it fun and let them be more natural. Action shots of them playing are often the best photos anyway, and they will settle down and rest eventually.

And if your pet is incredibly obedient and listens to every cue, I still want to check that they’re enjoying it and happily working with their person, not just complying.

My own dog is a perfect example

My girl is what I’d call a cold dog. She’s not super bubbly, and she has a very typical “hey, I’m not into this” expression. The last time I took her out to practise, she just layed down and showed zero interest. And honestly it was at that moment I decided it’s not worth using her as a model anymore.

I want to enjoy my time with her doing something she loves. I have plenty of photos of her, so I won’t regret not taking more, and I photograph her on our adventures when she’s just being herself. Those are the ones I treasure. If your pet is a little stone cold like mine, that’s perfectly fine too. We capture them as they are, and as long as they’re comfortable, that personality is exactly what makes the photo yours.

What a happy, relaxed portrait means for your wall art

When your pet is relaxed and happy, you can see it, and so will everyone who walks past that print on your wall in twenty years. That’s what turns a photo into fine art you’ll treasure forever. Unless you have a cute stoic statue like me, in which case their resting snoot face is what you'll cherish about those memories. Our pets love us, and as long as we keep it fun and rewarding, I truly believe they’re happy to indulge us.