Absolutely! Your dog can stay on a leash for the entire session, and you’ll still end up with amazing photos (take a quick look below to see the magic).
Here’s the scoop: About 95% of the dogs you see in my portfolio were on leashes during their photoshoots. Crazy, right? But don’t worry—leashes are like magic disappearing acts in my editing process. The only times I leave them in are for walking shots (because, let’s be real, an arm awkwardly floating in space just looks odd) or if it’s tightly wound around a hand (which makes it too challenging to make the hand look natural without it).
I’ll even give you some tips on how to hold the leash so when I edit it out, everything looks natural—like the leash was never there in the first place.
Before and after examples
Check out these before-and-after shots to see just how seamless the leash removal process can be. You’ll be amazed!
Why keep your dog on a leash?
For one, it’s safer for everyone involved—you, your dog, and me. Plus, it keeps your dog focused, which means better photos. And trust me, after a little editing, no one will know the leash was ever part of the picture!
Storytime!
Let me tell you about a time when keeping a leash on could’ve saved the day.
A few years back, I had a session with Jessica and her golden retriever, Remi. Things were going perfectly—Remi was nailing every pose. Then came the running shots. Jessica decided to take off the leash because, as she believed, “Remi listens so well—it’ll be fine.”
Well, can you guess what happened next?
On the very first run, Remi zoomed right past me and… straight into the lake. Yep, full-on doggy paddle mode.
We rolled with it, of course. I ended up getting some adorable swimming shots, plus a few of Jessica with a very wet (but very happy) Remi.
When you’re ready to book a session with your pup, let me know. I can’t wait to capture some beautiful (and leash-free-looking) moments with your dog!
Love that you’re spilling the tea on how the leash magic works! And the tips on how to hold them? Genius. Helping clients set up for seamless edits is chef’s kiss perfection. Proof that even behind-the-scenes tricks make those portfolio-worthy shots look effortless.
Always good to know that my dog can be on leash!
One of the best tips I give on holding a leash during a session is to have the owner keep their hand somewhat flat, with the leash on the inside of their palm, pressed lightly against their body. And to step (or sit) on the middle of the leash so they can still have control if needed. That way, the leash isn’t wrapped around the hand and can be edited out of the final image!
Gorgeous images Amanda! It’s amazing the magic you do to remove leashes and even whole people. And as a former Golden Retriever owner, you can NEVER trust them to stay out of a body of water 😁
Thank you! It’s very rare for a dog to be off-leash during a session, and I’ve become a wizard in removing leashes. 🙂
Yes, it really is safer for everyone!
I love the magic you created in each of these images as you show the before and after on each leash removal.
Before and Afters really do show the magic that happens during the editing process!
Oh Remi…. those sweet goofy goldens are next to impossible to keep out of the water! 🥰 I love all your before and afters showing the magic! ✨
@Ginger – Yes, Remi was a magnet to the water! And it was a good lesson for me to learn about keeping leashes on – LOL.