Tips for family photos with your pet • DC family photographer
Photographing Families With Their Pets (And How to Make It a Success)
Two adults, a dog and a cat IS family!
When most people think of a “family photo session,” the image that comes to mind is often the traditional setup: two parents, a couple of kids, maybe even matching outfits. But to me, family is much more expansive than that. It’s the single mom, it’s families created through surrogacy, adoption, or blending. It’s multigenerational households, chosen families, differently-abled parents and kids—and yes, it’s families with pets.
As a documentary family photographer in Washington DC, I know that pets play an incredibly meaningful role in our daily lives. I grew up with dogs and cats, some we fostered for friends and I have memories with each of them. Unfortunately, not so many photos…
Capturing your pet personality and connection within your family dynamic adds a whole new layer to your visual story.
Sessions with pets AND kids might be a bit chaotic but always worth it.
Pets Make Your Story Richer
Whether it’s a dog curled up beside your child during story time, or the joyful chaos of a pup racing through the backyard, these moments are gold when it comes to authentic family storytelling. I have photographed one family for more than 10 years now and last Christmas, they welcomed a pet (the boys have been asking for years!). It was the perfect timing for a photoshoot and a great milestone to photograph.
They welcomed this cute little pug into their life and that was the best excuse for a family photoshoot.
Including pets in family photography sessions allows me to highlight the unscripted, beautiful reality of your day-to-day life. These aren’t just photos with your dog in them. They’re images that reflect your family's unique rhythm—paw prints and all.
The old (but cute!) dog is not the center of attention anymore!
Preparing for a Session With Pets (and Maybe Kids, Too!)
Let’s be honest: sessions that involve both pets and young kids can be a bit of a circus. The key to capturing beautiful, heartfelt moments is preparation and flexibility.
Just like working with toddlers, photographing pets requires patience, a gentle pace, and a whole lot of grace. That’s why I like to be prepared before every session and ask you to fill out a questionnaire. This is where you tell me all about your pet. You know them better than anyone else and specifically their comfort level around strangers. I’ve had clients who told me I needed to shoot from afar and that the dog will be on leash all the time (we’ve shot this towards the end of the session). Some left their dog with their neighbors after we took the “family photos”.
They knew the dog could be a bit too wild so he joined us at the end of the session for some family photos.
I’ve photographed puppies and old doggies. I roll with it. The best photos come when everyone—humans and animals alike—can just be themselves.
I usually don’t recommend bringing a helper just to manage your pet, unless they’re already part of the session. The photos I create aren’t posed portraits—they’re a visual story of your family, and having someone hovering off-camera to wrangle the dog can shift the natural dynamic. If you know your pup tends to get a little wild or overwhelmed, it’s totally okay to keep them in another room or have a partner, friend, or handler take them for a walk while we ease into the session. Then, once everyone’s more settled, we can bring your pet in for meaningful moments that feel relaxed and true to your story.
Practical Tips for a Smooth Session
Pets like to show off too!
Here are a few things we’ll consider together when planning your session with pets:
Know your pet’s personality: Is your dog high-energy or shy? Do they get anxious around new people or locations? Understanding this ahead of time helps me plan a session that suits their needs—and yours.
Location: If we’re planning a session outside your home—say, in a local park—it’s important to double check the park’s pet policy. Not all public spaces allow dogs, and we want to avoid any surprises on session day.
Bring essentials: Treats, toys, a water bowl, and a leash (even a pretty one for photos!) go a long way. Comfort is key for everyone involved.
Authentic Family Photos With Pets Included
Years from now, when you look back at your family photos, you’ll be so glad your pet was part of the story. These are the companions who greet you at the door after a long day, who curl up beside you during quiet moments, and who are there for the everyday chaos and calm alike. Including them in your session isn’t just about cute pictures—it’s about honoring their place in your family. The walks you take together, the routines you share, the unconditional love they give—it all deserves to be remembered.
If you're thinking about booking a family photo session with your pet, let’s talk! I’d love to help you create images that honor all the members of your family.
A few days later they had to take the dog down so we knew this session was going to be very special.
You’re just one email away from having a genuine, artistic reflection of your real-life moments. Let’s capture the heart of who you truly are. My approach makes sessions easygoing, artistic, and naturally unposed. All you have to do is slow down and savor the beauty of simply being together. Every family has its own story, and your uniqueness deserves to be celebrated —reach out today for family photos in the DMV!
