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March 3, 2022 by Terran 2 Comments

Finding the Perfect Dog Models for a commercial photo shoot

If you follow my Instagram account, you have seen me post open casting model calls for commercial photo shoots. The world of dog modeling can be a strange and confusing place and the last thing a brand wants is to jump down that rabbit hole on their own.

So, I can do it for them!

I have a select list of “rockstar models” — the ones I know, love, and who have been expertly trained to perform great under almost any circumstance — but I also have a pack of aspiring models who are waiting and excited to be part of a new project! Couple that with my social media reach and it’s like my secret arsenal full of fur, slobber, and all the quirks any brand could ever need.

If you’re curious how my clients and I choose the dog models we’re going to use, then keep reading…

First, my client and I talk through their wants and needs

  1. What is being photographed and what type of dog will represent it the best?
    Brands showcasing leashes and collars call for short-haired dogs so their products can be fully seen and appreciated, whereas brands selling grooming products need a dog who loves bath time and doesn’t look miserable when wet!
  2. Does the client or brand prefer a certain breed of dog?
    • This is where knowing your target audience comes into play. We want to know who we need to reach. Who are their dogs? Are their dogs purebreds or mixes? It’s important to ensure the dog models are relatable to each brand’s target audience.
    • What size dog are the products made for? For example: large breed dog beds don’t need a chihuahua, they need a Great Dane, right? (Right!)
    • Are any breeds off-limits? Some brands need — or don’t need — certain breeds to represent their product or service.
    • Will the products look best on light-colored or dark-colored dogs? I’m fur-real about this one! Coat color can make or break the imagery you need.

Then, the model search begins!

Once I know what the client wants and the brand’s aesthetic expectations, I take to my secret fur arsenal to find the perfect doggo models. I’ll run through my previous models and clients first to assess if any of them meet the requirements for this particular shoot.

I have a list of questions I’ll ask the dog mom or dog dad to determine if their pup is a good fit. Questions like:

  • Are you available on x date in y location at z time?
  • Can your dog be off leash and does she have rock-solid recall?
  • Does your dog have strong sit, down, and stay commands?
  • Is your dog house-trained?
  • Does your dog love to {whatever action we need them to take at the shoot}?

Identifying A Dog’s Biggest Asset

Each dog model has an angle or special trait that makes him unique. We think about what type of pet photography would play to each pet’s strengths. We want to choose dogs who naturally enjoy doing the behavior we’re after. If we’re photographing fetch toys, then we want dogs who love to play fetch! If we’re photographing comfy dog beds, we want dogs who just love to relax at home. If we’re photographing dental treats…then you guessed it, we want dogs who love to chew on dental treats!

Dog Model Tip: The level of obedience training a potential dog has is vital information. (Hint: we generally want dogs who have stellar sit, down, stay, and recall commands at a bare minimum.)

This is an important step where we’re looking for the perfect balance of training, energy level, special traits, size, breed and comfort with the scouted location (indoor versus outdoor, leashed versus unleashed).


Friendly reminder: A professional dog photographer is more than just a photographer. We have a trained eye for all.the.things people photographers tend to overlook.


If I could photograph every dog that inquires when I have model calls, I would but with commercial photo shoots, we need dogs who will fit the brand’s needs while also being able to perform the required behaviors quickly and accurately.

Westway isn’t an animal talent agency, but if your commercial photography concept requires the recruitment of canine talent, chances are I can find the right dog to bring your vision to life!

Filed Under: commercial blog post, commercial pets

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kim Pravettone says

    September 2, 2022 at 7:35 pm

    My dog “Samson” can do all those things and more

    Reply
  2. Kim Pravettone says

    September 2, 2022 at 7:50 pm

    Honestly I know my dog is special. He is a Golden Doodle. His mother was a golden retriever and his dad is a standard black poodle. He is he loves to run and jump. He also loves the water. One time I was crying and he came to to me and licked my tears.

    Reply

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Wyoming better move on over and make some room bec Wyoming better move on over and make some room because Montana now shares my heart. We spent 45 days in the western half of the state this year and I did NOT want to leave.​​​​​​​​​ ​​​​​​​​​On our last day, Roxy and I sat out by the Gallatin River together. I sipped my morning tea, we listened to the birds, and watched a little squirrel eat a nut in the tree next to us. It was pure perfection.⁣ 
My *TWO* Montana blogs are up on my website so head on over to westwaypets.com/blog or click the links in my IG bio!
We're officially back in San Diego but I'm still d We're officially back in San Diego but I'm still dreaming of Utah! Photographing Rey and her mom among the red rocks was one of the highlights of our trip. Rey's beautiful brindle tones worked so perfectly with the red rocks and I just loved the happy, natural smiles both mom & pup had when they were together!
I absolutely loved this peaceful spot in Jackson H I absolutely loved this peaceful spot in Jackson Hole. Down a gravel road, away from the tourist crowds, the Teton range stood nobly in the distance while tall trees, yellow wildflowers, and a friendly little chipmunk called this hilltop home. This was such a special evening and Mother Nature's dramatic sunset is not one I'll soon forget.
Here's a little Montana sunrise sparkle and a big Here's a little Montana sunrise sparkle and a big smile from Henry to start your day!
Hello, Las Vegas! Shutterhound starts TOMORROW!!!! Hello, Las Vegas! Shutterhound starts TOMORROW!!!! I know how hard the conference founders, Kaylee & Sam, have been working to pull this all together and I am 1,000,000% confident this will be an event to remember! I am honored to have been asked to teach two separate classes at the event and am so excited to get up there on stage and share what I've learned over the past 13 years as a pet photographer! Are any of my social followers here at the conference, too? Are you ready to have your socks knocked off????? I am!!!
Who's ready to go have some fun this weekend??? Who's ready to go have some fun this weekend???
We wrapped up this year's road trip in Big Sky, Mo We wrapped up this year's road trip in Big Sky, Montana and this was our final hike. Roxy rode in her carriage and was as happy as a little clam the whole time. She loves being out in nature and I'm just so glad we can still provide her with special outings like this one.
This year's Great American Road trip flew by way t This year's Great American Road trip flew by way too quickly. It feels like we were in Wyoming just yesterday, staring out at my favorite mountain range in awe, and photographing the amazing Harley and his mom.​​​​​​​​​ 
I'm flying out to Las Vegas next week to teach at Shutterhound, *the* conference for pet photographers. I'm excited to see old friends, meet new ones, and teach two classes! I am so honored to be part of the "rockstar speaker" lineup, which includes some of the very best, most iconic, and talented pet photographers from across the globe! Can Vegas even contain so much talent? As the conference founders are telling us, expect your socks to be blown right off more than once!
Montana taught me that I can plan and plan and pla Montana taught me that I can plan and plan and plan — but Mother Nature likes to have a little fun with those who get a little too confident in the weather! ➡️ We got completely drenched at one of our photo shoots this month and it will be one of my favorite memories from our entire road trip!
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