Abi B Photography Dear Dog Session Guide

Thank you so much for being part of Dear Dog. I’m really looking forward to photographing you and your dog and creating something beautiful together.

Below are some tips to help you prepare for your session. If you have any questions, as always, feel free to reach out.

Tips To Prepare For Your Dear Dog Portrait Session

Animals can sense our emotions, so every session is designed around your pet. Sessions are calm and unhurried, giving them the opportunity to feel safe and happy throughout.

If your pet knows cues such as sit, stay or drop, feel free to practise them at home beforehand, especially if there’s something you’d like them to do during their session. If they don’t, that’s not a problem. I have plenty of ways to help them.

Grooming Tips

Have your dog groomed one to two weeks before your session. For fluffy dogs, please make sure the fur around their eyes is trimmed. If your dog is clipped, doing this a week or two beforehand will help reduce the appearance of clipping marks and lines.

Bath and brush them the day before your session. Baths can lead to shedding, so give them a good brush right before the session to remove any stray hairs.

What To Wear

As these portraits will be featured in Dear Dog, we’re aiming for a cohesive look so the book feels beautiful and consistent from start to finish.

Neutral tones will photograph best for this project. Please avoid black where possible, as you’ll disappear into the background, along with bright colours, large logos, and patterns like stripes, checks or spots. Simple textures like denim, linen or knits work really well too.

Choose something that feels natural and comfortable for you.

Your Dear Dog Love Letter

As part of this project, you’ll be writing a short love letter (around 60-100 words) to your dog. This will appear alongside their portrait in the Dear Dog book.

If your dog could understand every word you were saying, what would you want them to know? It might be something they’ve helped you through, the way they make you feel, or simply how much they mean to you.

Please write this in your own words, as the heart of Dear Dog is capturing real relationships and real voices.

I’ll send you a reminder to submit your letter closer to your session date.

On The Day Of Your Portrait Session

Bring along some treats that your pet loves and their favourite toy. These help us capture their attention.

If you would like your pet to wear a collar during their session, ensure it is clean and fits well. It is fine for your pet to remain on lead with a collar, as I can edit the lead out later if necessary. Where possible, avoid harnesses, as these will not be edited out of portraits.

For dogs, a short walk beforehand can help them settle. Be careful not to overdo it, as too much exercise can lead to panting throughout the session.

If there is anything else you would like included in your portraits, feel free to bring it with you.

Most importantly, please enjoy the experience. Dear Dog celebrates the connection you share with your dog, and I want your session to feel relaxed and comfortable.

After Your Session

Your dog will be featured in the Dear Dog book alongside the love letter you write for them. Dear Dog is expected to be ready in early 2027. Pre-orders will open later this year, and copies will be printed based on orders received. I’ll share full details, including pricing and timelines, closer to the time.

You will also receive your gifted fine art matted portrait from your session.

If you fall in love with additional images, you’ll have the option to purchase artwork and digitals.

Your portraits are meant to be enjoyed, not stored on a hard drive. Have a think about where in your home you’d love to see your dog each day.

Consider:
• Where would I like to display my artwork?
• What size space am I working with?
• Do I want one statement piece or a small collection?
• What medium suits my home best — framed, canvas or metal?