"How to Include Pets in Your Family Photoshoot"

Tips for a smooth, stress-free session with your furry family members

For many families, pets are more than just animals - they’re beloved companions and a big part of everyday life. So it’s no surprise that more and more families want to include their dogs, cats (or even rabbits and reptiles!) in their family photo sessions. As a photographer who loves working with animals, I absolutely encourage it! With a little planning, your pets can add personality, warmth, and fun to your family portraits.

Here are my top tips to make sure your four-legged friends feel comfortable and included during your session:

1. Bring the Essentials

Make sure to bring treats, a favourite toy, water, and waste bags (everything you’d normally pack!). Treats and toys are perfect for keeping your pet’s attention and rewarding good behaviour. If we’re shooting outdoors, a lead is a must!

2. Exercise Before the Shoot

If your pet is full of energy, it can be hard for them to sit still during photos. Giving them a good walk or play session before we start can help them settle down and feel more relaxed during the shoot.

3. Choose the Right Location

Not all pets are comfortable in every environment. For nervous or reactive animals, a quiet, familiar location (like your home or a local park) might be best. Let’s chat in advance about your pet’s personality so we can pick a spot where they’ll feel at ease and safe.

4. Keep Expectations Realistic (and Light-Hearted)

Just like kids, pets have minds of their own - and that’s totally ok! We’ll aim to capture a mix of posed and candid moments. Sometimes the unexpected shots - like a dog giving a surprise lick or a cat curling up in someone’s arms - turn out to be the most memorable and meaningful.

5. Coordinate Outfits with Your Pet in Mind

While your pet doesn’t need a full outfit (unless they’re into that!), it’s worth considering how their colour, size, or personality fits into the overall look of the shoot. Neutral tones, soft textures, and cozy layers often photograph beautifully with pets - plus, coordinating leads or simple accessories can tie the look together.

6. Let Them Be Themselves

Some pets are playful and outgoing, others are calm and reserved. The best photos happen when we let them be who they are. Whether they’re zooming around or snuggling close, we’ll go with the flow and work with their natural behaviour to capture genuine moments with your family.

7. Bring a Helping Hand if Needed

If your pet will only be in part of the session, it can be helpful to bring along a friend or family member who can take them for a walk or keep them company while we finish the rest of the shoot. That way, you can relax and focus on the rest of your session without worry.

Including a Pet Adds Heart to Your Family Photoshoot

At the end of the day, pets bring a special kind of energy, joy, and love to your family - and your photos should reflect that! Including them in your session is a beautiful way to document your family as it truly is, fur and all. With a bit of prep and patience, we’ll create images that capture your bond and the personality of every member of your family - paws included.

Thinking of bringing your pet to your next session? Get in touch and let’s chat about how we can make it work beautifully.