The Notion of Motion: Why My Clients Love Action Shots

If you read my post, “Client Concerns – Part 1: But My Dog Won’t Sit Still,”  you know that this is often the top reason I’m given regarding why pet parents are hesitant to book a session: “Oh, (insert dog’s name here) is crazy–there’s no way he’d ever sit still for photos!”

When it comes to the notion of motion, the misconception that your dog must sit, stay, and lay should not prevent you from booking a session. I’ve photographed everything from squirmy-wirmy puppies (some with young children just as active as they are) to lightning fast pairs of dogs. In fact, one of the most popular client shot list requests are those of dogs in motion I can’t tell you the number of times I receive pre-session questionnaires back asking for photos of dogs running, playing together, and “action shots.” And you know what? My clients buy at least one of those shots at almost every reveal and ordering appointment!

rescue mutts running through fall leaves at North Park near Pittsburgh

These shots are so popular because they’re something many of my clients have a hard time capturing on their own. Sure, it takes a knowledge of your camera settings/equipment capabilities, an understanding of how to best work with the lighting we’re given at a particular location, and occasionally a dash of post-processing magic, but these shots are so worth it–and fun!

Motion is also one of the easiest ways to add emotion to your images. I know when Archie and Sam’s parents look back on these shots, they can’t deny the joy and free-spiritedness (that’s a word, right?) that their fur kids were feeling in that moment.

Goldendoodle and yellow Labrador puppy running through fields

I’d love to work with your rambunctious, wild, and high-energy dog. If you would like to book a Bark & Gold Photography session for your pet, click here or give me a call at 724-913-BARK (2275). For more information on Bark & Gold Photography sessions, visit “Your Session” in the menu.


This post is a part of the Pet Photography 52 Weeks project blog circle. To see what the next pawesome photographer is sharing for the weekly theme, “Motion,” check out Tracy Allard of Penny Whistle Photography, fetching portraits in Coppell and surrounding communities in Dallas – Fort Worth, Texas. Continue to click the link at the end of each post in the blog circle until you eventually find your way back here.

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6 thoughts on “The Notion of Motion: Why My Clients Love Action Shots

  1. Danyel Rogers says:

    I actually really enjoy working with energetic dogs. You get such great expressions if you can get your shutter fast enough and your right clients will almost always buy one. Great job!

    • Bark & Gold Photography says:

      Exactly! I feel like action shots are among my best images, so I always encourage pet parents to step away from the more traditional posed portraits for some go-wild-and-crazy moments! They always end up in the albums!

    • Bark & Gold Photography says:

      Thanks, Lynda! I totally agree and love using them to capture the side of their fur babies that makes pet parents say “That’s so my dog!”

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