Our pets are family, but many families choose not to include their pet in family portraits. Concerns about their behavior and having one more body to keep an eye on are some of the reasons families don’t bring their pets to the family session. However, including your pets in your family photos is a great way to show them off and bring an additional layer of your family’s story into your session. In honor of National Pet Day (April 11), we wrote this brief guide to help you feel more comfortable and prepared to say yes to including your beloved furry friends in your next family portrait session.
1. Preparing for the Photo Session
Grooming & appearance: Bathe your pet, brush their fur & trim their nails to ensure they look their best on picture day.
Exercise first: A short walk or playtime before a photo shoot can help your pet work off any excess energy and make them more cooperative during your session.
Treats & toys: Bring a container of treats and your pet’s favorite toy to your session. A favorite toy can help keep your pet focused on the photographer and makes a great prop for action shots (more on that below). You can use treats to reward their good behavior during the session.
2. Choosing a setting
Home vs outdoor locations: Consider your pet’s comfort level & temperament when deciding on a location. Dogs that are reactive to other people/animals may do better with a home-based session because of the familiar, comfortable environment. If you are considering outdoor locations for your session, be sure to check whether the location allows pets & the leash laws for your chosen setting. Locations such as nature preserves or certain beaches may not welcome pets.
Natural lighting: Outdoor locations often provide the best lighting. If you choose to have your session at home, consider holding your session in a living room or bedroom with large windows or bring your family onto your porch or front yard to allow for more natural light.
Distraction-free zone: When choosing a location consider areas of parks or outdoor settings that have fewer people and are further from the street to minimize distractions from other people and passing cars.
3. Coordinating outfits & props
Matching Colors & Themes: Neutral colors like black, white, and brown work well in both color and black-and-white photos. If you prefer colorful outfits, choose colors that go well together instead of wearing the same shade. Coordinated outfits let each family member show their style while still creating a unified look.
Pet accessories: Choose accessories such as a bandana, bow, or seasonal item that complement your family’s outfit choices. An accessory adds more personality to your images and is another opportunity to show off your pet as part of your family.
Comfort is key: When choosing an accessory for your pet, remember their comfort is important. While a t-shirt or pet outfit might look cute, photo day is not the time to try an outfit on your furry friend if they are not used to wearing clothing.
4. Working with your photographer
Choose a pet-friendly photographer: Inform your photographer ahead of time that you are interested in including your pet(s) in your family portraits to ensure they are comfortable working with your pet.
Many Bella Life photographers have experience working with families and their furry friends. Contact us to find a photographer in your area.
Bring a friend: Consider bringing a friend or additional family member to help handle your pet during the session. It helps to have a familiar person hold your dog’s leash while they aren’t in the pictures and gives your pet a familiar face to focus on to help keep their attention on the camera. Discuss your plan with your photographer before the session so you can agree on the best way to handle you pet the day of your shoot.
Be patient: If it’s your pet’s first professional photography session, they may be a bit overwhelmed or uncertain of the camera. Allowing breaks during the session can help reduce stress. Try to avoid frustration and embrace the moment, even if your pet isn’t as cooperative as you would like. Sometimes the unplanned moments make the best images.
5. Capturing personality & emotion
Candid vs posed: Incorporating a variety of posed and candid shots into your session is a great way to have fun and reduce the stress on your furry friend. Let them be themselves for a while by bringing out a favorite toy to play with the family. We love a posed image with everyone smiling at the camera, but playful moments can be just as memorable.
Expressions: Capture fun expressions as your dog kisses your child’s face, your cat jumps into your lap, or your children chase your dog around the park. These moments let your family’s personality shine through.
Close-ups: Focus on little details like your furry friend’s unique markings, or your dog’s paw in your child’s hand as they ‘shake hands.’
Final Thoughts
Don’t let your four-legged friends be forgotten when it comes time for your family portraits. By choosing a photographer who has experience with pets, taking a little extra time to prepare for the session, and bringing a little patience, you can have a fun and memorable portrait experience that includes the entire family.
Interested in working with a Bella Life photographer to capture your family (two-legged & four-legged alike)? Book your session online or contact us for more information.
