Dogs have so much personality and usually need little embellishment when it comes to styling for photoshoots. However, it can be nice to add a little punch to the photo with a prop or accessory. I’ve had plenty of time working with dogs and learning what works well and what to doesn’t. Here are my top tips:

Don’t make them wear hats!

Most dogs absolutely hate things on top of their head. My goal is to have the pet enjoy the session so I want to work with things that make them feel at ease. So while that floppy hat would look adorable in your tea party shoot, opt for something else instead, like I did here with Polly. I simply took a hair clip and clipped it onto her collar, which I was easily able to edit out after.

When in doubt grab a bowtie

Bowties are classic for a reason. Adjustable and available in a variety of colors, there’s one to suit every dog. Pick one in a subdued tone similar to the dog’s fur color for a classy vibe. To give the photo a fun pop, choose a color that stands out like this blue here.

Think outside the box

If at all possible, avoid buying props at a pet supply store. Yes, doggy fashion has exploded in recent years and those bandanas are so cute. But if you’re crafting a fine art image you need to elevate the props. This doesn’t mean spending a fortune (my accessories come from mostly secondhand shops and Amazon). Often your closet can be the best source of inspiration: ties, jewelry and scarves offer infinite possibilities!

Less is more

As I mentioned, dogs need very little to embellish their innate beauty. Stick to one or two props to avoid overwhelming the dog and distracting from their natural charm. They will thank you and you will have art to cherish that never goes out of style!