Worried that bringing your dog to your family photos will turn into a chaotic mess of leashes, treats, and trying to get everyone to look at the camera at the same time?
It doesn’t have to be. A little preparation can go a long way toward making the experience easier for everyone.
Your dog is family too, and I love working with every personality that shows up - goofy, shy, stubborn, energetic, or completely uninterested in my camera ones. As a dog owner myself (of a beagle named Bagel), I’ve learned that some of the best photos happen when you stop trying to make your dog behave perfectly and just let them be a dog. The little quirks, the goofy expressions, the excitement, the cuddles - that’s what we're here for.
So, if you’re thinking about bringing your dog to your next family or maternity session, here are five simple tips to help make the session as relaxed and pup-friendly as possible.
1. First and foremost: Check the venue or location’s pet policy.
Before we plan a session around a particular location, let’s make sure dogs are actually welcome there. Some parks, beaches, preserves, and other public spaces have specific rules about pets, including leash requirements or areas where dogs aren’t allowed. Aim for off-season for beaches.
2. Tire them out.
A good walk before your session can make a big difference, especially if your dog arrives with enough energy to power a small city. You don’t need to completely exhaust them, but giving them some exercise beforehand can help take the edge off and make it easier for them to settle in. Just leave enough time for them to cool down and catch their breath before we start. If it's a place they've never been before too, plan to arrive a little earlier than planned so they can sniff and explore a little.
3. Bring the really good treats.
And by really good, I mean the treats they’d absolutely sell you out for (you know the ones!). Treats are great for getting their attention, encouraging them to look toward the camera, or rewarding them for a particularly impressive moment of cooperation. Just avoid anything sticky, crumbly, or messy that could end up all over their face and your clothes. Something that fits in the palm of your hand or pockets is best too. We want bribery, not evidence.
4. Let their personality lead.
I’m not looking for a perfectly posed dog sitting still and staring at the camera for 20 minutes. In fact, some of my favorite images happen when dogs are doing exactly what they naturally do - cuddling, sniffing, running, looking up at their people, or being their wonderfully sweet selves. We’ll work with their personality rather than trying to turn them into a dog they’re not.
5. Bring backup.
For longer sessions, having another person along can be incredibly helpful. Once your pup has had their moment in the spotlight, a friend or family member can take them for a walk, hang out with them nearby, or give them a little break while we finish up the rest of the photos. It means your dog doesn’t have to be “on” for the entire session - and neither do you.
At the end of the day, the goal isn’t perfection - it’s capturing your family as you all are. We’ll give your pup breaks when they need them, go with the flow, and let their personality be part of the story.
If you’d like to include your pup in your next family or maternity session with me, let's chat! 🐾
