Graduation is one of the most momentous occasions in your life, and capturing those precious memories is a must. But have you ever thought about making this milestone even more special by including your furry best friend in your photos? Bringing your dog to your Butler University, Purdue University (or any campus that you attend for that matter!) graduation photo session is not only fun but also adds a unique, personal touch to your pictures. Imagine the joy and heartfelt smiles you’ll share as you look back on these photos, where your loyal companion stands proudly by your side. 

Picture this: you’re standing in your cap and gown, surrounded by the beautiful architecture of campus, when suddenly, your dog bounds into the scene, their tail wagging fervently, eyes sparkling with excitement. This simple addition can transform a standard photo into a heartwarming narrative of companionship and love. After all, graduating is not just about academic achievement; it’s also about celebrating the journey and the ones who have been by your side through it all. 

Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.
– Roger Caras

Why Your Furry Friend Deserves a Spot in Your Graduation Photos

Imagine looking back on your graduation photos years from now and seeing not just yourself donning that cap and gown, but also your beloved dog by your side, tail wagging and eyes sparkling with joy. Why include your furry friend? Because those candid, authentic moments you share convey a unique and personal story that traditional photos often miss. Bringing your dog along can reveal a side of you that is joyous and genuine, something that stiff, posed photos might fail to capture. 

Bringing your dog along for your Butler University graduation photos is a wonderful way to showcase the unique bond you share. Yes, I get it; pets can be unpredictable. They might have short attention spans or get easily distracted. But that’s where the magic happens. Candid and spontaneous moments often result in the most genuine and heartfelt images. 

I always encourage my clients to embrace their pet’s unique quirks and personalities during the photo shoot. Whether your dog is goofy, serious, playful, or even a bit gruff, those characteristics genuinely shine through the lens. And let’s not forget about those outtakes. Sometimes, the most memorable shots come from unexpected, laugh-out-loud moments. 

Tips for Bringing Your Pup to the Photoshoot

Breaks

One pro tip for ensuring you and your dog have a smooth and enjoyable session is to limit the time they spend in front of the camera. Dogs can quickly become restless or distracted, so keeping the session short and sweet can result in better, more natural photos. A peaceful setting, like a field or a quiet area, provides the ideal backdrop for your senior pictures and helps keep your dog calm and happy. 

Bring someone to help

Bring a handler for your furry companion. A parent, sibling, bestie, roommate, or even hire a pet caretaker like Walk Your Doggo. It will allow us to get solo shots of you but also to give your doggo a break. They can go and sniff, roll around, get some water, have a potty break, or just get some cuddles between shots. 

All the bribes!

But how do you keep your dog focused during the shoot? I recommend bringing along their favorite treats as a little bribe for good behavior. A treat can make a world of difference, especially if you want them to sit still for just a few more seconds. That said, always be prepared for the unexpected. The unplanned moments, where your dog’s personality truly shines, often make for the best photos. 

Familiar places

If your dog knows the area, they are going to be a lot less stressed out. The clicking of the camera, new faces, crowded campuses can be overwhelming to your furry friends. If you lived on Butler’s campus and had a regular walking path, let’s grab some shots there. The ability to sniff and know a spot can go a long way for your doggo to relax and enjoy the experience. 

Pet friendly spaces

Not all locations allow pets. Please remember this. This is why it is crucial to have a handler of some sort. If there is a building you really want to go inside and get some shots, the handler can stay outside with your pet while we run in. 

Poop bags

Please always pack poop bags. Butler University has many stations around campus for dog waste cleanup, but they are not everywhere. Make sure that you have some bags packed so when your love goes potty we can clean it up. 

Leashes

Remember to leash your doggo please. This is so important. We want them to be safe. I’d rather photoshop the leash off than have them not be on leash. 

Expectations Do’s and Dont’s 

I love dogs. Heck, my husband, son and I have 9. Yup, you read that right…we have 9 shiba inu’s. We are dog lovers!! But it is important to have appropriate expectations when it comes to photos. Dog’s don’t understand what is happening. 

If you get them a cap and gown to wear, it may not stay on. They may panic and not enjoy it. So be aware we may have to adapt and take photos without. Or get it on super quick, grab the shot and take it off. We want your beloved pet to be happy and stress-free. So don’t have expectations that they will wear the outfit the entire time. 

Bring those doggos!

Dogs have an incredible ability to bring joy and happiness to any situation, and their presence in graduation photos can amplify these emotions. Their playful and loving nature can help graduates feel more relaxed and genuinely happy, resulting in more authentic and joyful expressions in the photos.

So, go ahead and bring your dog to your graduation photo shoot. Let their energy, spirit, and love create beautiful, unforgettable images that you’ll cherish forever.