What Dog Whispering Taught Me About Pet Photography
My journey with dog training began in an unlikely setting — a corporate office. During a particularly challenging time, my therapist recommended I watch The Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan. The goal wasn’t to train dogs, but to become more assertive at work. So I did what any Type-A learner would: I binge-watched several seasons in under a week.
The most powerful insight I took away was this: to change a dog’s behavior, you must first change the owner’s. That idea stuck. I immediately began adjusting my own behaviors — even applying those lessons to interactions with my boss. It sparked some interesting responses, but more importantly, it gave me agency. That lesson empowered me to shift my environment — and ultimately, my career path.
Nearly two decades later, I’m no longer in a corporate office. Today, I run a pet photography studio in Chicago, specializing in soulful dog portraits that reflect the heart of each animal. And I still use that core principle from Cesar: change starts with me.
From Chaos to Connection: My First Pet Portrait Shoot
My first dog photo shoot was in a client’s home. I chased the dog with my camera for hours, exhausted and unsatisfied. The dog was calling the shots — and the results showed it. I knew there had to be a better way to create meaningful portraits for pet lovers to proudly display in their homes.
Then I remembered Cesar’s lesson. The dog wasn’t the problem. I needed to shift my approach.
After consulting with a professional dog trainer, we talked through the challenges of photographing dogs in a studio setting: anxious energy under lights, untrained pups, high-energy breeds that refuse to sit still. What I realized was this — while assertiveness mattered, so did letting go. When I changed how I showed up in each session, the dogs changed too. Sessions became smoother. The photos improved. And most importantly, the dogs were happier.
4 Dog Training Techniques I Use in Every Pet Photo Shoot
1. Breathe
Before any client arrives at my Chicago studio, I breathe. I meditate, center myself, and clear any unsettled energy. Dogs are emotionally intuitive — they pick up on our moods. By setting a calm tone, I create a space where they can relax and be themselves, allowing me to capture their spirit authentically.
2. Warm Up the Room
Just like humans, dogs need to feel comfortable. I let them explore the studio — sniff, roam, observe. I avoid direct approaches and instead earn their trust gradually. I meet them at their level, physically and emotionally, before asking anything of them.
3. Train for the Task
Whether a dog is highly trained or just learning, clear, consistent direction matters. With positive reinforcement and high-value treats, I introduce simple tasks to keep them engaged. Training becomes a shared language between us — one that helps us create something beautiful together.
4. Breaks Are Essential
Dogs burn out quickly. Some can go for an hour, while others need breaks every few minutes. I read their energy and adjust. When they need to reset, we pause. I let them be divas when needed — because a happy dog makes for soulful photos.
A Full-Circle Moment
What started as simple workplace advice — “watch The Dog Whisperer” — became the foundation of how I run my dog portrait studio in Chicago.
I’ve learned that photographing dogs isn’t just about the camera. It’s about connection. I read their body language, adjust to their energy, and create a calm space where they feel safe and seen.
Every dog is different. Some are anxious, others full of energy. My job is to meet them where they are, build trust, and let their true personality shine through.
Over time, one truth has stayed with me: when I change, everything else does too. By staying grounded and present, the dogs respond—and that’s when the most beautiful, natural portraits happen.
This isn’t just about taking pictures. It’s about building a moment of trust between human and animal—and capturing it forever through authentic pet photography in Chicago.
