A growing number of shutterbugs are carving out a living by specializing in dog portraits, turning a hobby into a full-time gig. The trick, pros say, is catching the pup’s personality while making sure that tongue stays in the frame.

Veteran pet photographer Jenna Lee explains that timing and treats are everything. “You want the ears up, eyes bright, and—seriously—no tongue hanging sideways,” she laughs. Studios now stock peanut-butter lollipops to keep jaws busy and fur stylists on call for last-minute fluffs.

Prices for a 60-minute session in New York or Los Angeles start around $400 and can climb past $1,000 if the client wants a custom set or drone shots. Social media drives much of the demand; owners want scroll-stopping images for Instagram and holiday cards.

Industry watchers expect the niche to keep growing as millennials and Gen Z treat pets like family—and budget for them accordingly. The only downside? “Sometimes the model barks orders better than the photographer,” Lee admits.