If you’ve been thinking about booking a studio portrait session with your dog, there’s one question that almost always pops up right after "Will my dog behave?"


It’s: "What on earth should I wear?"


Wanting to look great alongside your fur baby is completely natural, but trying to coordinate outfits can quickly feel overwhelming. You want portraits that look polished, warm, and timeless—not stiff, outdated, or like a cheesy matching outfit from a 90s catalogue.


The secret to stunning human-and-hound studio portraits comes down to keeping things comfortable, timeless, and tailored around your dog’s coat colour.


Whether you’re planning to be in the spotlight or just step in for a few cozy cuddle shots, here are 5 simple styling tips from our indoor dog photography studio in London, ON to help you look and feel your absolute best.

 

 

1. Coordinate Colours, Don't Match Exactly

The goal is visual harmony, not identical outfits. Instead of everyone wearing the exact same colour, pick a palette of 2 to 3 complementary tones.


Think Neutrals and Earth Tones

Warm creams, soft grays, beige, olive green, muted navy, and terracotta look stunning against our seamless studio paper backdrops.


Match Tones to Your Dog's Coat

If you have a dark-coated dog (like a Black Lab or Dark Golden), lighter tops create a striking contrast so your pup doesn't blend directly into your shirt. If your dog has a white or cream coat, soft mid-tones like sage or dusty blue make them pop!

 

 

2. Choose Rich Textures Over Loud Patterns

Bold logos, bright neon shades, graphic tees, and heavy plaid patterns pull the viewer’s eye straight to your clothes—and away from your face and your dog’s sweet expression.


Instead of loud patterns, lean into rich textures:

  • Chunky knit sweaters
  • Soft denim or linen shirts
  • Woven cottons and suede jackets


Texture adds depth and cozy warmth under our professional studio lighting without creating visual clutter.

 

 

3. Keep Outfits Comfortable and Floor-Ready

Studio photography with dogs involves real-life moments! You might sit on the floor, crouch down for a snuggle, or hold your pup up close for a forehead kiss.


Choose clothes that look great from every angle and allow you to move freely:

  • Fitted or well-tailored tops prevent you from drowning in extra fabric when you bend down to hug your pup.
  • Avoid ultra-short skirts or stiff formal wear that limit your ability to sit comfortably on the studio floor.
  • Barefoot or simple footwear: Since we work on clean paper backdrops, many dog parents love going barefoot or wearing simple, neutral footwear.

 

 

4. Camera-Shy? Lean Into Candid Interactions

If the idea of staring straight into a camera lens makes you freeze up, don't worry—you don't have to look at the lens at all!


Some of the most breathtaking, emotional wall-art portraits we create aren't posed headshots. They are pure, candid moments:

  • Looking down and laughing with your dog
  • Stroking their ears while they look up at you
  • Hugging them close while resting your chin near their head


When you focus 100% on loving your dog, your posture relaxes automatically, and we capture your authentic connection effortlessly.

 

 

5. Climate Control Means Any Style Works Year-Round

One of the best perks of booking a session at our private London, Ontario dog photography studio is that weather is never a factor.


You don't have to worry about sudden rainstorms, humid hair days, freezing winter winds, or muddy paws ruining your favourite clothes. Our studio space is fully climate-controlled year-round, meaning you can wear your favourite cozy knit sweater in the middle of summer or a sleek short-sleeve outfit in February without feeling uncomfortable.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions


What if I only want photos of my dog, but might change my mind during the session?

That happens all the time! We always recommend coming dressed in something cozy and camera-ready just in case. If you decide last minute to jump into a photo for a quick snuggle, you'll be glad you dressed for it!


Do you have a private space where I can change outfits at the studio?

Absolutely! We operate in a private, clean indoor studio space right here in London, ON with full facilities so you can refresh or change tops before we begin shooting.


What London neighborhoods do dog parents come from?

We welcome dog parents from all over the Forest City and surrounding areas—including Byron, Wortley Village, Masonville, West 5, Lambeth, Hyde Park, St. Thomas, and Komoka!

 

 

Ready to Turn the Chaos into Fine Art? 🐾

You don't need a trained show dog or professional modeling experience to get portraits you’ll cherish forever. Whether your pup is a high-speed zoomie champion or a total cuddle bug, our London, ON studio is built just for both of you.


Let’s capture their unique personality before this season passes you by!


*BOOK YOUR STUDIO SESSION AT PAWS PHOTOS


Have questions before booking? Send us a message through our contact page—we'd love to chat about your dog!