If your dog is part of the family,
then I’m a firm believer that they should be part of the family photos, too.
I know bringing your dog to a photography session can sound a little chaotic. Maybe you're already imagining them running off, refusing to look at the camera, getting distracted by every person, leaf, squirrel, and blade of grass …
And honestly?
That might happen.
But that's okay.
Some of my favorite family photos are the ones where the dog is doing exactly what dogs do.
i. your dog is family, too
Our dogs are there for so many of life's little moments.
They’re there when the kids come home from school. They’re there for movie nights, Saturday mornings, walks, holidays, and all those completely ordinary moments that somehow become the memories we treasure most.
So when we're documenting your family, it makes sense to include the four-legged members, too.
Years from now, you won't just want to remember what your kids looked like. You'll want to remember who was there with them.
ii. your dog doesn't have to be "perfect"
This is probably the biggest thing I want you to know. Your dog does not need to sit perfectly, look at the camera, or behave like they've been professionally trained. I don't expect them to.
Some dogs are calm and cooperative. Some dogs are VERY excited to be outside. Some want to sniff everything. Some want to run. Some think every person they see is their new best friend. And some would really prefer that we stop taking pictures and throw the ball already.
That's okay! I'm not looking for perfection. I'm looking for your dog being your dog. Those candid moments can end up being some of the sweetest images in your gallery.
iii. we'll get the "everyone look at the camera" ones first
If your dog is joining us for a family session, I usually recommend starting with them.
Why? Because they tend to have a limited attention span, and I want to take advantage of those first few minutes when everyone is still relatively fresh.
We'll get the traditional family photos while your pup is with us, then we can let them take a break. After that, we can focus on the rest of your session without worrying about someone having to hold onto a leash the entire time.
iv. bring the bribes!
I'm never going to judge you for bringing treats. In fact, bring them.
Small, high-value treats can be incredibly helpful during a session. If your dog has a favorite toy that gets their attention, bring that, too.
Just keep in mind that squeaky toys can sometimes make getting those adorable "looking at the camera" photos a little more difficult if your dog decides the toy is the most exciting thing that has ever happened.
v. bring the essentials
A little preparation can make bringing your dog to your session much easier.
I'd recommend bringing: Their leash and collar/harness, plenty of treats, water, waste bags, a favorite toy, a towel if we're somewhere muddy or near water, a brush for a quick touch-up, and any medications or essentials they may need.
And if your dog is particularly energetic, letting them get some exercise before your session can be helpful.
Just don't completely exhaust them—we still want them to have enough energy to enjoy themselves!
vi. choosing the right location
Not every location is ideal for every dog. Some dogs are comfortable anywhere. Others are nervous in busy areas or around unfamiliar people. When we're choosing a location for your session, let me know that your dog is coming! We can take their personality into consideration when deciding where to go. A quieter location may be perfect for a nervous pup, while a more open location might be ideal for a dog who loves to explore.
And if your dog loves the water? Even better.
Some of the most fun sessions are the ones where we let dogs splash, run and be themselves.
vii. don't worry about the leash
A lot of people worry about having a leash in their photos. Don't. We'll work around it.
Depending on the location and the dog's behavior, I can often photograph them in ways where the leash isn't distracting. And if we need to keep the leash on for safety, we keep the leash on.
Your dog's safety is always more important than getting the perfect photo.
viii. the best photos are not the posed ones
Some of my favorite images happen in between the poses.
Maybe your dog gives your kid a giant kiss. Maybe they're sitting at your feet while everyone laughs. Maybe your child is holding onto their collar. Maybe your dog is running toward you with their ears flying everywhere. Maybe everyone is walking together and your dog is pulling slightly ahead because they have somewhere VERY important to be. Those are the moments that tell the story of your family.
Let Them Be Part of the Story
If you're considering bringing your dog to your next photography session, do it.
Bring the goofy one.
Bring the old one.
Bring the giant one who thinks they're a lap dog.
Bring the tiny one who has absolutely no idea how tiny they are.
Bring the dog who refuses to cooperate.
Bring them because they're part of your family.
Because someday, when you're looking through these photographs years from now, you won't care that they didn't sit perfectly.
You'll be so incredibly glad you have photographs of your whole family together.
And that's exactly what your session should be about.
The real moments. The real connection. The real people—and the dogs—who make your family yours. 🐾
AMANDA, TIM, MAV, BLUEY & MAC
LINCOLN WOODS STATE PARK, NOV 2024
