The question I get asked all the time… Can I bring my dog to my family photo session? Yes. A thousand times, yes!
This might be the question I get asked more than any other, and honestly, I love it every single time. Because here is the thing… if you have a dog, you already know they are not just a pet. They are part of the family! They sleep in your bed, they show up in your stories, and they somehow always know when someone needs a little extra love. Why would your family photos be any different? So if you have been on the fence about whether to bring your furry family member along, consider this your sign.
Look, I am not going to pretend that adding a dog to a family session is always smooth sailing. I have been there. I have watched leashes get tangled, treats get dropped, and dogs suddenly become very interested in a squirrel at exactly the wrong moment.
But here is my honest take: you spend so much time with your dog day in and day out. They are woven into the rhythm of your family life just as much as anyone else. They deserve to be frozen in a photograph with the people who love them most.
Even if juggling a leash and a toddler whose favorite word is "no" feels a little chaotic, it is worth it. And that chaos? It usually makes for some of the most real, most beautiful photos in the whole gallery.
Tips for Including Your Dog in Family Photos
Bring the Good Stuff
Just like with kiddos, treat bribery goes a long way! Pack a bag of your dog's favorite treats and bring more than you think you need. A squeaky toy they love works great too. Having something that reliably grabs their attention can make a huge difference when you are trying to get everyone looking the same direction at the same time.
Arrive a Little Early
If you have a few extra minutes, get to the session location before we start shooting. Let your dog sniff around, explore the new smells, and get comfortable in the space. A dog that has already done their investigating is a much calmer dog when it is time for photos.
Let Go of Perfect
Here is something I always tell my clients, whether you’re including your dog or not: we will do our best to include your furry babies with your real babies. And the truth is, we might only walk away with one great shot of the dog. But even if your whole gallery ends up being everyone belly scratching the family dog or getting tied up in leashes, it is always worth it. Always. Stay calm through the chaos and let whatever happens, happen. Some of my favorite session moments have come from the unplanned ones.
Years from now, you are going to flip through these photos and remember exactly what this season of life felt like. The dog bounding around in the background. Your kid laughing because they could not stop. Your hands full in the best possible way.
Those are the moments worth capturing. Not the perfect pose… the real one! If your dog is part of your everyday life, they deserve a spot in the frame. I will be right there with you, treats at the ready, cheering you all on!
Ready to Book Your Session?!
If you're a busy mom trying to wrangle kids, a sometimes-reluctant husband, and a dog into one beautiful family photo, you are in exactly the right place. I specialize in making sessions feel fun, relaxed, and genuinely enjoyable for everyone involved (including the four-legged family members). Head over to the main website to learn more about upcoming sessions and get in touch. I would love to capture your whole crew, fur and all!
