You Run Your Dog — I’ll Handle the Photos.
Here’s How to Get the Best Shots.
If your dog’s running a hunt test soon and you know Lucky Dog Photography will be there, a little prep goes a long way toward amazing photos you’ll treasure forever.
I am going to capture you either way, so these are only tips if you care to prioritize them and literally kill 2 birds with one shot by having a stellar run AND looking the part!
Here’s how to make sure your dog (and your gear) look their best when the camera’s rolling:
1️⃣ Clean, Don’t Overdo It
Shine shows best on healthy, natural coats, not over-groomed ones - these are working dogs with jobs after all. For land series, a quick brush or towel-off before your run helps keep your dog looking sharp, but don’t stress the mud — it’s part of the story! Of course for your water series, let it fly! The wetter the better for those shake shots.
2️⃣ Check Your Gear
Wipe down your lead, if it's a junior/started dog make sure your collar is buckled all of the way — little details pop in high-res images. So many times I have clients ask to remove or fix something that is of course not a priority the day of, but bugs you in the image later on when things have calmed down.
Don't forget about you as the handler either! Tuck in your shirt, redo your ponytail, wipe the mud off of your sleeve. Sometimes that stuff bothers you later, but you can also look at it as adding to the authenticity of the moment. If you have a hat or shirt with your kennel name or logo, wear it proudly! Branded gear looks great in photos and helps your kennel’s visibility.
3️⃣ Timing Is Everything
We know that the objective at a test is to get the pass, but if also getting quality photos at a particular test is a priority to you, keep an eye out for me near the line. I try to photograph every dog’s marks, blinds, and delivery to hand, but clear sightlines help — so try not to stand too close to the judge's tent where poles will interfere, or directly in between me and your dog when you can help it.
4️⃣ Let Your Dog Be Themselves
The best shots aren’t posed — they’re the split-second moments when instinct takes over. That’s the beauty of sporting dogs: they’re wild precision wrapped in heart.
5️⃣ Enjoy It
Your dog doesn’t know what a camera is — they just know you’re proud of them. Relax, smile, and soak it in. I’ll take care of the rest. Clients favorite shots are often what I call the sigh of relief shot - when you finally take a breath because it's over and you're beaming with pride because your teamwork was proven when it counted most. Take your time, be proud, don't be a tough guy - let yourself smile, praise your dog, If you do it, I'll catch it.
At the end of the day, you’ll walk away with more than just photos — you’ll have memories frozen in time: your dog’s intensity, teamwork, and personality in full color.
Whether it’s your first Junior pass or a Grand-level run, every dog deserves their moment in the spotlight.
Want photos from your next event?
