SLJ Photography

A dog-friendly wedding photographer is comfortable having dogs around and understands that photographing a wedding with a four-legged member of the wedding party can require a little extra patience and flexibility.

Dogs don't always follow a shot list or pose exactly when asked – and that's often what makes the photographs so special!

A photographer who is experienced with dogs can help by:

• Allowing extra time for photographs involving your dog
• Capturing natural interactions rather than expecting your dog to pose perfectly
• Being patient if your dog becomes distracted
• Understanding when your dog needs a break
• Photographing your dog at their own level
• Capturing candid moments between your dog, you and your guests
• Working with your dog chaperone or another person responsible for your dog's care
• Helping you create a realistic photography timeline that includes your dog

The goal isn't to make your dog behave like a professional model. It's to capture their personality and the special relationship you share.

A little preparation can make photographs involving your dog much easier and more enjoyable.

Give your dog time to settle in
A wedding can be an overwhelming environment, particularly if your dog isn't used to being around large groups of people. Allowing them time to become comfortable can make a big difference.

Don't expect perfection
Your dog might sit beautifully for one photograph and then decide they have somewhere else to be for the next. That's OK! Some of the most memorable photographs happen when things don't go according to plan.

Choose the right time
Talk to your photographer about when your dog will be involved. You may find that photographs are easier when your dog is well rested and the venue isn't too busy.

Have someone responsible for your dog
A wedding dog chaperone can be invaluable during photography sessions. They can keep your dog safe, help position them when needed and give them breaks when they've had enough.

Bring treats and favourite items
Your dog's favourite treats or toy can help keep them engaged during photographs. Just make sure they're appropriate for the location and your photographer is happy for them to be used.

There are so many opportunities to include your dog in your wedding photography – and they don't all have to happen during the formal photographs.

Your photographer could capture:

• Your dog getting ready with you before the ceremony
• Your first look with your dog
• Your dog walking down the aisle
• Your dog's reaction to seeing you in your wedding attire
• Family photographs with your dog
• Wedding party photographs
• Romantic portraits with your dog
• Your dog sitting beside you during the ceremony
• Candid moments with your guests
• Your dog enjoying their special role
• Your dog at the reception
• A final photograph before your dog heads home

Some of the best photographs may happen when nobody is looking at the camera – your dog greeting a guest, resting at your feet or simply being themselves.

Before booking your photographer, it's worth finding out how comfortable they are with having dogs involved in your wedding photography.

Are you comfortable photographing dogs?
This is the most important question. You want someone who genuinely enjoys working with animals.

Have you photographed dogs at weddings before?
Previous experience isn't essential, but it can be reassuring to know that your photographer understands how unpredictable dogs can be.

Can we include our dog in our formal photographs?
Some photographers may have recommendations about the best time and location for photographs involving your dog.

How much time should we allow for photographs with our dog?
Your photographer can help you build realistic time into your wedding photography schedule.

What should we bring for our dog's photographs?
Your photographer may have suggestions about treats, toys, leads or other items that could help.

Can our dog be involved in our engagement photographs too?
An engagement photo session can be a fantastic opportunity to get comfortable having your dog photographed before the wedding day.

Every photographer has their own style, from relaxed documentary photography to beautifully posed portraits. When you're choosing someone to photograph your wedding, look for a photographer whose style matches what you want from your wedding photographs as well as someone who is comfortable having your dog involved.

It's also worth discussing your expectations before booking. Let your photographer know how important your dog is to you, what role they're playing in the wedding and which moments you'd particularly like captured.

You'll find dog-friendly wedding photographers from across Australia in the Pawfect Weddings directory.

Your photographer is just one part of your wedding team. You may also be looking for: