Stelmah Photo Is The Premier Pet Photographer Serving Westchester & Beyond
Pet photo sessions don’t have to be stressful—or stiff. In fact, the best photos usually come from moments that weren’t planned at all. After photographing pets of all personalities across Westchester and beyond, I’ve learned that a little prep (and a relaxed attitude) goes a long way.
Here’s how to get your pet photo-ready without overthinking it.
FIRST THINGS FIRST, YOUR PET DOESN'T NEED TO BE PERFECT
Let’s get this out of the way: your pet does not need flawless manners. They don’t need to sit on command, hold a pose, or look at the camera every time.
What I’m looking for is personality—those little expressions and quirks that make your pet your pet. When you let go of perfection, the session instantly becomes more fun (and the photos get better).
A Little Movement Helps (Just Not Too Much)
For dogs, a short walk or light playtime before the session can take the edge off extra energy. Think of it as helping them settle, not wearing them out.
Too much exercise can leave dogs looking tired or disengaged, while just enough keeps them alert and happy. Cats should stick to their usual routine—forced play rarely helps.
Grooming Without Overdoing It
Clean and comfortable always beats overly styled. A quick brush, clean eyes, and a wiped nose are usually all you need.
A few photographer-approved tips:
- Brush for the day of or the night before
- Skip drastic haircuts right before the session
- Clean tear stains and eye corners
- Remove harnesses unless we plan to photograph them
- If your pet wears a collar daily, we can absolutely include it—or go without for a more natural look.
Bring the Treats They Actually Care About
This is not the time for “meh” snacks. High-value treats make everything easier and help keep things positive.
Best options:
- Soft treats that are easy to chew
- Small pieces for quick rewards
- A favorite toy for pets who aren’t food-motivated
- If your pet has allergies or dietary rules, just let me know—we’ll work around it.
Familiar Places = Happier Pets
Pets feel more confident in places they know. That’s why in-home sessions or favorite outdoor spots around Westchester often work so well.
At-home sessions are great for:
- Shy or anxious pets
- Cats (especially cats)
- Senior pets
- Outdoor sessions are perfect for dogs who love to explore and move at their own pace.
You Don’t Need to Train—Just Handle Gently
No training drills required. What does help is casually touching paws, ears, and faces in the days before your session. It makes gentle adjustments during the shoot feel more natural and less intrusive.
If your dog knows basic cues, wonderful. If not, that’s completely fine—I’ll meet your pet exactly where they are.
Timing Meals Makes a Difference
A huge meal right before the session can make pets sluggish, while an empty stomach can mean zero attention span. A lighter meal a few hours beforehand usually works best, so treats still feel exciting.
For cats, stick close to their normal feeding schedule to keep stress levels low.
If You’re in the Photos, Keep It Simple
When people join the session, neutral colors photograph beautifully and keep the focus where it belongs—on your pet.
Soft textures and tones like cream, gray, blue, and earth colors work well indoors and outdoors and keep your images feeling timeless.
Trust Your Pet—and Trust the Process
Some pets jump right in. Others need a few minutes to warm up. Both are completely normal.
My job as a pet photographer is to read your pet’s cues, move at their pace, and let real moments happen. We’ll take breaks if needed, follow your pet’s lead, and keep things low-pressure.
That’s how genuine, meaningful images are made.
A Final Note From Behind the Camera
Preparing your pet for a photo session isn’t about control—it’s about comfort. When pets feel safe and understood, their true personality shines through every photo.
If you’re looking for a relaxed, experience-driven pet photographer in Westchester (and beyond), I’d love to help you capture your pet exactly as they are—because that’s when they’re at their best.