Tips for Photo Stylists Working With Animals

Have you ever been hired for a photo styling or prop styling assignment with or for animals? We always encourage you to “forecast” what could happen, being proactive, doing tasks outside of the Photo Stylist “job description scope” and being mindful of the ENTIRE process (& success!) of your photo shoot.

Mindset of being not “just a stylist” but a “forecaster, collaborator & adviser” on projects can take you from Stylist to Art Director to creative direction roles.  It WILL propel you further! It goes along the lines of what we talk about in Skills and Traits Needed as a Photo Stylist.

Soooooo . . . never work with children or animals? Or so “they” say? I do both! (at the same time!) lol! On many a shoot, I have had a photographer and client who wanted to shoot with animals without really giving it a second thought. Like . . . What happens if the children (or adult) model gets hurt by the animal?  What happens if there is property damage shooting on location at a private home by the animal?  If you are styling with animals, ask if there are proper guidelines in place. (If not, you can offer to take on that task.  Again, be a proactive, stand out stylist.)

I’m always going legal on ya ~ but ensure that the Photographer and Client has Contract and Liability Insurance in order that covers accidents should one happen while on set.  Again, while this may not seem like something you would get involved with ~ I always say it’s a team effort when producing a photo shoot. Show your clients how valuable you are!

So, forecast, be proactive. Look at the entire project you are a part of styling. How else can you contribute? Position yourself to be (MORE than) a Photo Stylist. Our

Tips for Photo Stylists Working With Photographers will also give you some more ideas on how to be a sought after, stand out Photo Stylist. OR if you are assisting right now and you want to become very valuable to a Lead or Principal Stylist and get more work from them, this is great information for you to help out with.

Tips for Working with Animals / Are Responsible for:

▪️ Ideally, shoot in animals environment, so they are comfortable.

▪️ Ensure model that is hired is comfortable with animals before hiring them. Ask!

▪️ Animals feel stress. Ensure environment is calm and stress free.

▪️ Ensure the schedule has a "get comfortable and get acclimated" time with animals before the photo shoot.

▪️ Movements and voice tone have an effect on animals.

▪️ Animals are unpredictable.

▪️ Have legalities in place. (Liability Insurance)

If client or photographer has a Producer or Production Director working on staff (or freelance), this person is generally responsible to ensure all of above points are taken care of.  BUT, what if they don't?  These tips and guidelines are great information for you to have.  When you are mindful and take care of things like this (not generally in your "job description"), you strengthen:

(1)  YOUR client relationships
(2)  YOUR call back and retention rate
(3)  YOUR value and trust.

What are your thoughts? Have you done a photo shoot with animals?


Bonnie ~


Image Credit ｜ istockphoto