How to Prepare for a Holiday Pit Stop Session
Holiday Pit Stop Sessions are short by design, which means a little prep goes a long way. The more ready you and your pet are when you arrive, the more we can do with our time together. Here's everything you need to know before you come in!
Grooming
You don't need to do anything dramatic, but if your dog is on a regular grooming schedule, try to time it so they're looking their best for the session. A few days before works better than the morning of, since freshly groomed dogs sometimes have that slightly stiff look that loosens up after a day or two.
The one thing I really want to flag, especially for long-haired and curly-coated dogs: please make sure the hair around the nose isn't covering the eyes. It's one of the most common things I see in sessions, and it can make a huge difference in how well we capture your dog's expression. If your groomer can do a quick trim around the face before your session, it's worth it!
Whatever you do, skip the bath day-of. Freshly bathed pets tend to have that fluffed-up look that takes a day to settle, and it can make the coat look a little off in photos.
What to Wear
My usual advice still applies here: neutrals and simple patterns photograph beautifully and keep the focus on your pet. But these are holiday sessions, and if you're feeling a Christmas sweater, go for it! Whether you're at the studio or outside, wear what feels like the holidays to you.
If you're planning to get in the frame with your pet, just avoid anything overly busy or distracting. Simple and cozy is always a great call this time of year.
Props
I'll have some holiday props on hand, but you're absolutely welcome to bring your own. A favorite toy, a festive bandana, a wreath your dog will immediately try to eat. Bring whatever feels like your pet.
Studio Sessions: What to Know
Studio holiday sessions are held at my home studio at 521 Wayne Drive, Wilmington. Please park on the street rather than in the driveway, since other clients may be arriving around the same time and we want to make sure no one gets blocked in. When you arrive, just shoot me a text (My cell is (910) 236-2670) and I'll meet you in the driveway!
We'll be shooting on various gray backdrops, and in editing I'll shift the tones into holiday and winter colors: reds, greens, and light blues. One thing I'm really excited to offer this year is the option for snow overlays. It's a fun addition that fits the season, and I think it's going to make some really beautiful images. We'll talk through your preferences during the session!
Outdoor Sessions: What to Know
Outdoor holiday sessions are held at Spring Creek Garden, located at 122 Spring Creek Ln, Wilmington, NC 28411. It's a beautiful setting and a great backdrop for holiday portraits!
A few things to keep in mind for the outdoor session:
Dogs must remain on leash at all times throughout your visit.
This is a group session, which means other dogs will be present. The session runs about an hour, and you'll rotate through the setups with the other participants. Most dogs do just fine with the group format, but if yours needs a little space from the others at any point, just let me know. I'll have a walkie talkie on hand so we can coordinate separating groups if needed, and making sure everyone has a good experience is always the priority.
Day-Of Tips
Since Pit Stop Sessions are short, here are a few things that will help us hit the ground running:
Arrive a few minutes early if you can, especially if your pet tends to need a few minutes to settle somewhere new. For studio sessions, a short walk before you come in can help take the edge off. For outdoor sessions, try not to wear them out too much beforehand since we'll be moving around outside together.
Skip the big play session right before you come. A little energy is great for photos. A dog who shows up panting needs time to settle before we can really get started.
Bring treats, and bring the good ones. I'll have some on hand, but whatever your pet goes absolutely crazy for is what's going to get their attention when we need it most.
I can't wait to see everyone for these! If you have questions before your session, don't hesitate to reach out.
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