How to Prepare Your Dog for a Muddy Paws Dog Photography Experience
- Olive
- Oct 6
- 6 min read
🐾 How to Prepare Your Dog for a Muddy Paws Dog Photography Experience 🐾
Every dog has a story — and at Olive Paw Photography, we believe those stories are best told with muddy paws, wagging tails, and a whole lot of personality. Our Muddy Paws Dog Photography Experience is all about capturing your dog’s adventurous side, whether they’re bounding through puddles, striking a pose, or simply enjoying being out in nature with their favourite human.
If you’ve booked your session (or are thinking about it), here’s everything you need to know to prepare for a relaxed, fun, and utterly unforgettable experience.
Before the Shoot: Setting You and Your Dog Up for Success
Preparation is the secret ingredient to a smooth photoshoot — and a happy pup! Before the big day, there are a few simple steps you can take to make sure your dog feels their best and you get the most out of the experience.
🐾 1. Pre-shoot energy check
If you usually take your dog for a long walk in the morning, you might want to keep it short on shoot day. We want them relaxed but not completely worn out. Think of it as the perfect balance between excitement and calm — enough energy to play, but not so much that they can’t sit still for a moment or two.
🐾 2. Bring the essentials
Pack a little ‘doggy day bag’ with everything you might need:
Fresh water and a bowl (some locations don’t have water access)
Their favourite treats (high-value ones work wonders for attention!)
A toy or ball they love
A towel for the journey home (mud and puddles come as standard!)
🐾 3. The beauty touch-up
How to Prepare Your Dog for a Muddy Paws Dog Photography Experience is easy and a quick tidy-up around your dog’s eyes makes a big difference — we want to see those expressive faces in full glory. If your dog has a fancy collar or harness, this is the moment to bring it along too. Many owners like to start with their everyday gear, then switch to something special once we’ve settled into the session.
And if you’d like to be in a few of the photos yourself (which we always encourage), wear something comfortable that suits the outdoor setting — you’ll want to feel relaxed, not self-conscious.
Arriving at the Location: Setting the Scene
Our Muddy Paws sessions take place in some truly stunning spots across the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales — wide open fields, scenic trails, and textured backdrops that make every photo unique. When you arrive, here’s what to expect:
🚗 1. Safe and simple arrival
Parking is usually roadside, so take a moment to make sure both you and your dog get out safely. Some locations involve a short walk, often through areas where there may be livestock, so keep your dog on a lead or under close control until we reach our spot.
🌿 2. The calm before the (muddy) fun
We’ll take our time settling in — letting your dog sniff, explore, and get comfortable. Dogs pick up on our energy, so the more relaxed you are, the more at ease they’ll be. There’s no rush; this is about creating space for your dog’s natural personality to shine.
If you’re running late or struggling to find the meeting point, just give me a buzz — flexibility and good humour are part of the Olive Paw experience!
The Muddy Paws Experience: What Happens During the Shoot
Each Muddy Paws session follows a relaxed structure designed to capture every side of your dog — from their calm, regal poses to their wild, joyful moments. Here’s how it unfolds:
📸 Stage 1: Portraits — the ‘pawtraits’
We’ll start with beautiful, still portraits — those timeless shots that show your dog’s expression, character, and charm. I use an off-camera flash system, which most dogs don’t even notice, but I’ll always introduce it slowly and gently. If your dog is unsure, don’t worry — I have plenty of tricks (and treats) to help them relax.
For dogs who need to stay on lead, I bring along a long line and a screw-in ground stake so we can still get stunning shots safely. These are easily edited out later, so no one will ever know!
🐕 Stage 2: Headshots — capturing personality up close
Headshots often happen naturally during the portrait stage. This is where those big eyes and soft noses take centre stage. I’ll guide your dog gently into position (or wait for the perfect spontaneous moment). Whether they’re looking curiously into the lens or giving their best side-eye, these are the photos that melt hearts.
If your dog has a longer coat, a quick fluff and tidy can help keep their eyes visible — small details make a big difference.
💨 Stage 3: Action — let the fun begin!
Once your dog has warmed up and had their portraits taken, it’s time to play! The action part of the shoot is where Muddy Paws really lives up to its name. Expect splashes, leaps, zoomies, and smiles all round.
If your dog can be safely off-lead, brilliant — we’ll capture that freedom in full flight. If not, that’s totally fine too! I can photograph with the lead on and remove it during editing. Every dog, no matter their temperament or training level, can have an amazing Muddy Paws experience.
Some dogs show off their athletic side; others give us hilarious expressions that perfectly sum up their personalities. Either way, these are the moments you’ll love looking back on.
Keeping It Stress-Free and Fun
The beauty of the Muddy Paws Experience is that there’s no such thing as ‘perfect behaviour’. Dogs will be dogs — and that’s exactly what we want! My job is to adapt to their pace and energy, and to make sure they (and you!) are having fun throughout.
If things don’t go to plan, don’t worry. We always have a Plan B (and C, and D). Whether that means switching locations, taking a break, or distracting with a toy, we’ll find what works best for your dog.
After the Shoot: What Happens Next
Once we’ve finished our adventure, it’s time to clean up and head home. Bring a towel for your pup — they’ve earned it! You can expect your gallery of images to be ready within a few weeks, carefully edited to perfection.
You’ll receive a beautiful selection of portraits, close-ups, and action shots that showcase every muddy, marvellous moment. Many clients choose to turn their favourites into wall art, albums, or digital keepsakes — and I’m always happy to help you decide what works best for your home and style.
Quick Checklist for the Day
Before you head out the door, here’s a handy checklist to make sure you’ve got everything covered:
✅ Bring water and a bowl for after the session
✅ Bring your dog’s favourite toy and some tasty treats
✅ Pack a towel and spare lead
✅ Bring any special collars or harnesses you’d like featured
✅ Trim hair around the eyes if needed
✅ Dress comfortably (and ready for mud!)
✅ Keep your dog on lead until we’re ready to start
✅ Relax, smile, and enjoy it — this is all part of the adventure!
Why Muddy Paws Moments Matter
Every Muddy Paws Experience is unique. No two dogs behave the same way, and that’s the beauty of it — each shoot becomes a reflection of their true personality. Whether your pup loves a good splash, prefers a gentle stroll, or gives their best ‘model face’ to the camera, these are the photos that tell their story.
It’s not about perfection. It’s about joy, spontaneity, and connection — the bond between you and your dog, captured forever.
Ready for Your Own Muddy Paws Adventure?
If you haven’t booked yet, there’s no better time to capture your dog’s spirit in all its muddy glory! Sessions fill quickly, especially during spring and autumn when the landscapes are at their best.
📅 Book your Muddy Paws Dog Photography Experience today and let’s create images that will make you smile every single time you see them.
💛 Relaxed. Natural. Joyful.That’s the Olive Paw way.
Get in Touch
If you have any questions or would like to chat before booking, I’m always happy to help — whether it’s about your dog’s temperament, location preferences, or simply what to wear on the day.
📞 07944 970146
📍 The Nook, Station Road, Sedbergh, LA10 5DL
Follow along on social media for more muddy smiles and behind-the-scenes fun:🐾
Instagram: OlivePawPhotography🐾
Facebook: Olive Paw Photography
Olive Paw Photography — Capturing the joy, chaos, and charm of dogs being dogs, one muddy paw at a time.
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