If there's one thing I'll pretty much always encourage you to do when planning a photography session, it's bring the pets. Whether it's the dog who's been by your side for the last ten years, the cat who runs the household, or the newest little addition to your growing family, these guys are part of your story, too.  And I think they deserve a place in the photos.


I know it can feel a little intimidating to bring your pets along to a photoshoot. Maybe they're a little unpredictable, don't particularly enjoy sitting still, or have a habit of making themselves the center of attention. But honestly? That's part of the fun.



A smiling couple relaxes on a white bed against a blue wall, cuddling with their small gray and tan dog.
Couple in jeans standing barefoot on a staircase for a maternity photo, with a golden retriever peeking between the pregnant woman's legs.

Some of my favorite family and maternity photography sessions are the ones where everyone gets to show up exactly as they are, furry family members included.


So if you've been thinking about including your dog or other pets in your next photography session, here's why I think you absolutely should (and a few things to keep in mind before we get started).

Pregnant woman with wavy blonde hair smiles down at her bare belly while an orange tabby cat sits beside her near a sunny window.

Why Include Your Pets in Your Family Photos?


Our pets are woven into so many of our everyday memories. They're there for the slow Sunday mornings, the growing families, the new homes, the celebrations, and all the little in-between moments that make up a life.


And while they might not understand what's happening during a photoshoot, they're very much part of the memories we're documenting.


This is especially true for maternity and newborn photography. There's something so sweet about looking back at photos from that season of life and seeing your family as it was just before everything changed. Your first baby might have four legs, and I think they deserve to be in the family album, too.


I also love the personality pets bring to a session. A little excitement, an unexpected interruption, a quick cuddle, or a very enthusiastic kiss can turn an otherwise ordinary photo into something that feels entirely yours.

Smiling expectant couple sitting on a couch with their small dog, the pregnant woman cradling her belly, in a black and white photo.

But What If My Dog Doesn't Sit Still?


First things first, your pet does not need to be perfectly trained, perfectly behaved, or particularly interested in participating in our photoshoot.


We're not expecting them to follow a list of poses or look directly at the camera on command.


My approach to photography is pretty relaxed. I want you to spend time with the people (and pets!) you love, rather than worry about performing for the camera. We'll make space for the photos where everyone is looking, but I don't want us to miss the moments that happen along the way.


Sometimes the best photos come from the moments we didn't plan for.


If your dog needs a little break, gets distracted by something interesting, or decides they'd rather be exploring than posing, that's completely okay. We'll work around them.

Senior golden Labrador with a graying muzzle rests on a cushioned dog bed in a sunlit living room with green houseplants.
A bearded man in a white t-shirt and jeans holds a treat up high while a golden dog stands on its hind legs in a cozy living room.

Tips for Including Pets in Your Photography Session


A little preparation goes a long way in making sure your pet-friendly photoshoot is enjoyable for everyone.



1. Bring their favorite things.


Treats, toys, a favorite blanket, or anything that helps them feel comfortable can be helpful during your session. A familiar item can also be a nice way to incorporate a little personality into your photos.


2. Choose a pet-friendly location.


Not every photography location allows pets, so we'll want to make sure we're choosing somewhere that welcomes your furry family members. This is especially important for beach sessions, parks, gardens, and other public spaces that may have specific pet policies.


If you're planning a family photography session in Los Angeles or elsewhere in Southern California, we can chat about locations that make sense for both your vision and your pets.


3. Don't worry about perfection.


Your pet might get distracted, need a little break, or decide that they'd rather be doing literally anything else. That's okay. We'll take our time, follow their lead, and make the most of whatever happens.


4. Consider the timing.


If your pet is more relaxed at certain times of the day, let's take that into consideration when scheduling your session. We'll also want to think about weather and temperature, particularly for outdoor sessions during warmer months.




A golden retriever and a black Labrador lie side by side on an unmade white bed, both resting their heads and looking at the camera.

Your Whole Family Is Welcome Here


At the end of the day, I never want a photography session to feel like you have to leave parts of yourself or your family at home.


The people, the pets, the little quirks, and all the in-between moments are what make your photographs meaningful. I want you to look back at your photos years from now and remember what life actually felt like during that season, not just what everyone looked like.


So bring the dog. Bring the cat (if they're up for it). Bring the slightly chaotic, very loved members of your family. We'll figure out the rest.


If you're looking for a family, maternity, or lifestyle photographer in Southern California and want to include your pets, I'd love to hear about them. Tell me their names, their personalities, and maybe whether they're more likely to sit sweetly for a photo or steal the entire show.


Either way, I'm here for it.


Ready to plan your session? Get in touch and let's make something special together.