The Dog Park Mistake I’ll Never Make Again
It was a beautiful spring morning, and I was about 20 minutes early for a session. The client had chosen her dog’s favourite park as the shoot location, so I grabbed my camera bag from the passenger seat and decided to take a quick look around while I waited.
As I walked toward the park, my heart sank. There it was – a big footy oval, surrounded by a chain fence, and about 20 other dogs running wild, having the time of their lives.
This was 15 years ago, when I was just starting out with Ragamuffin Pet Photography. At the time, I thought choosing a dog’s local spot would make the photoshoot feel familiar and personal, capturing those heartfelt moments in a place they knew and loved. Sounds good in theory, right? Well, in practice – not so much...
The Reality of 'Favourite Parks'
As soon as I stepped onto that footy oval, I knew I’d made a mistake. The distractions were endless – barking dogs, excited zoomies, and more movement than I could keep up with. The background was a simple chain-link fence, not exactly the kind of setting that screams “wall-worthy portrait.”
I quickly realised that while the concept of photographing a dog in their favourite park was lovely in theory, it wasn’t the best choice for creating stunning, professional photos. Sure, your dog might love that park, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’ll give us the best environment for a shoot.
A New Approach
That day on the footy oval was a turning point for me. I knew I had to rethink my location strategy. So, I started scouting out places on my own – dog-friendly, but not crowded with other pups running around. I needed spots that offered beautiful scenery and great lighting throughout the day, with the right balance of variety for both calm dogs and adventurous ones.
I found my favourite spots, places that felt like hidden gems. These parks offered a quiet, calm atmosphere that allowed me to truly focus on the dog and the connection between us, without the added chaos of busy public areas.
The Benefits of Consistency
The more I returned to these locations, the more I realised something beautiful – and unexpected – about the process. You might think that reusing the same spots over and over could feel monotonous, but it’s quite the opposite. Returning to a familiar location means I can focus entirely on what matters most: capturing your dog’s unique personality.
When I don’t have to worry about unpredictable factors like crowds or challenging environments, I can be fully present in the moment. I can engage with your dog in a way that allows me to capture their quirks, their soul, and their true spirit in every shot. And I honestly believe that connection shines through in every portrait.
A More Personal Experience
The thing I love most about these familiar locations is how they allow me to connect more deeply with each dog. I’ve spent years getting to know the best spots for light, the ideal places for calm, and the most beautiful backdrops that allow your dog to really shine. This allows me to provide a photoshoot experience that’s not only personal but truly focused on the bond between you and your dog.
The Moral of the Story?
I’ve learned a lot since those early days of footy ovals and dog parks. While it’s tempting to think that a dog’s favourite park is the ideal choice, sometimes stepping outside of that comfort zone can lead to better results – for both you and your dog. I’ve found locations that allow your dog to truly be the star of the shoot, where their personality can shine in the best possible light.
So, I’ll never go back to random footy ovals or the local dog park again! If you’d love a session where your dog can be the focus, I’d be more than happy to show you some of my favourite spots that I know will make for the most beautiful, timeless portraits.
Ready for a session? Let’s create something unforgettable together! 🤎