Should We Include Our Dog in Our Family Photos? | Lehigh Valley Family Photographer

If your dog is part of your family, why shouldn't they be part of your family photos?

As a dog lover /owner and Lehigh Valley family photographer, I love when families ask about including their pup in their session. Family photos with dogs can be some of the sweetest images we create. Dogs bring so much happiness to our lives, and there is a different feel to family photos when the kids have their fluffy sibling included. They can bring out genuine smiles, sweet interactions, and sometimes a little extra fun, too!

Including your dog does take a little additional planning, but with realistic expectations and a few simple preparations, we can absolutely include them in your family photos.

Give Your Dog Time to Get Comfortable

Just like children, every dog is different.

Some dogs arrive at a session ready to jump right into photos. Others may have a lot of energy and need to walk around for a few minutes before they're ready to join the family.

Most dogs need at least five minutes of sniff time when they arrive at a new environment. There are new smells, sounds, people, and surroundings to investigate. Giving your dog a few minutes to explore can make a big difference.

I don't follow one set order when a dog joins a session. We'll see what your dog needs when you arrive and adjust from there. If your dog needs a little walk first, that's where we'll start. If they're ready for photos right away, we can take advantage of it!

Bring a Dog Handler With You

One of my biggest recommendations when including your dog in family photos is to bring an extra adult who can serve as your dog handler.

Your dog won't necessarily be in every photo we take. After we've captured some portraits with your pup, your helper can take them for a walk while we photograph the family without the dog.

This is especially helpful with young children. Instead of Mom or Dad worrying about holding the leash, watching the dog, helping the kids, and smiling for the camera all at the same time, your helper can take over when needed.

It makes the session easier for everyone.

Your Dog Will Stay Leashed

For safety, dogs remain leashed throughout my outdoor family sessions.

During photos, we'll do our best to position the leash behind family members or arrange everyone so that the leash is as unobtrusive as possible.

One important thing to know before your session is that I do not digitally remove leashes from your final images.

Take a look at your dog's leash when you're planning everyone's outfits. A simple leash in a neutral or coordinating color will be much less noticeable in your photographs than a brightly colored or heavily patterned leash.

It's a small detail that can make a big difference in the finished portraits.

What Should You Bring for Your Dog?

A little preparation goes a long way. I recommend bringing:

• High value treats your dog loves

• A favorite toy

• A squeaky toy or something that quickly gets their attention

• Water

• Waste bags•

A leash that works well with your family's clothing

• A tote bag for your dog's treats and toys

Keep the treats and toys inside the tote bag rather than carrying them around during the session. I can hang onto the bag and we can pull something out when we need a little help getting your dog's attention.

Sometimes a quick squeak or treat from your helper is all we need!

Choose the Right Location

Location is another important consideration when bringing a dog to your family session.

There are many Lehigh Valley locations I love for family sessions with dogs. Lockridge Park, Allentown Rose Garden, and Burnside Plantation are just a few.

I'll also help you choose a location that works well for your particular family and dog.

One thing families don't always consider is the type of landscape. A beautiful field or area of tall grass may sound like the perfect setting for photos with your dog, but ticks can be more of an issue in those areas.

We'll consider both how a location photographs and whether it's a practical choice for everyone coming to the session, including your pup.

If you choose to add your dog to our studio session, please let me know well in advance. Due to allegies of other clients I may not be able to allow it on particular days at in certain seasons of the year. I have my studio professionally cleaned regularly and like to schedule dog session for right before a studio cleaning when possible.

What If My Dog Doesn't Sit or Look at the Camera?

Your dog does not have to be perfectly trained to be part of your family photos.

If you have a high energy dog or a pup who isn't great at sitting, staying, or looking toward the camera, we'll adjust our expectations.

This is another reason having a helper is so useful. They can stand near me with a treat, squeaky toy, or another attention getter when we need your dog to look in my direction.

We may concentrate on getting a few great portraits with your dog rather than expecting them to participate in every photo we take.

Don't be alarmed if I bark or make noises to get your dog to look at the camera. This usually works well and kids typically laugh too!

And not every photo needs to involve sitting and looking at the camera.

Walking together is a great way to include an energetic dog. It gives them something to do while also creating fun, natural family photographs.

Sometimes embracing your dog's personality works much better than trying to make them do something that simply isn't natural for them.

Should You Book a Mini or Full Family Session With a Dog?

Dogs can absolutely participate in a mini session. Whether a mini or full family session is the better choice depends on your family, the ages of your children, and your dog's personality.

If you have older children and a dog who is generally comfortable in new environments and settles fairly quickly, a mini session may work perfectly well.

If you have young children and a dog, however, I strongly recommend considering a full family session.

With young children and a dog, we have more variables to work with. Your child may need a break just as your dog decides they're finally ready for photos!

A full session gives us more time for everyone to get comfortable without feeling rushed. Your dog can have some sniff time or take a quick walk. Your children can have a break if they need one. We can photograph everyone together, capture some photos of the kids with their fluffy sibling, and then have your dog handler take your pup for a walk while we finish the rest of your family portraits.

That extra time can take a lot of pressure off everyone.

Your Dog Doesn't Have to Be Perfect

One of the most important things to remember is that the goal isn't to have a perfectly behaved dog who sits and smiles at the camera for an entire photo session.

We just want to capture your family as it is right now.

Maybe that means we get the traditional family portrait with your dog looking toward the camera. Maybe it means your pup is looking up at one of the kids instead. Maybe they're happiest walking alongside your family.

Those moments are part of your story, too.

Dogs bring so much happiness to our families, and they can certainly bring smiles to our photo sessions as well.

Frequently Asked Questions About Family Photos With Dogs

Can I bring my dog to my family photo session?

Absolutely! Dogs are part of our families, and I am happy to include them in your family portraits. Let me know when booking that you plan to bring your dog so we can choose an appropriate location and plan your session accordingly.

Does my dog need to be well trained for family photos?

No. Your dog does not need to sit perfectly or look at the camera on command. We will adjust our expectations based on your dog's personality. Treats, squeaky toys, walking photos, and a little patience can go a long way.

Does my dog need to stay on a leash during the photo session?

Yes. I require dogs to remain leashed throughout outdoor sessions for safety. We will position the leash behind family members whenever possible to make it less noticeable. I do not digitally remove leashes, so consider choosing a simple leash in a color that coordinates with your family's outfits.

What should I bring for my dog?

Bring high value treats, a favorite toy or squeaky toy, water, waste bags, and a leash that will look good with your family's clothing. I also recommend putting treats and toys in a tote bag that I can hold during your session.

Should I bring someone to help with my dog?

Yes! I strongly recommend bringing an extra adult to act as your dog handler. Your helper can take your dog for a walk while we capture family photos without your pup and can also help get your dog's attention when needed.

What are some good Lehigh Valley locations for family photos with dogs?

Lockridge Park, Allentown Rose Garden, and Burnside Plantation are just a few locations I enjoy for family sessions that include dogs. We'll choose a location based on your family's needs, the season, and your dog's personality. Keep in mind that while fields and tall grasses can be beautiful, ticks may be more of a concern in those areas.

Can I bring my dog to a mini session?

Yes, depending on your family and your dog's personality. A mini session may work well with older children and a dog who settles easily. If you have young children and a dog, I strongly recommend considering a full family session. The additional time gives both the children and the dog an opportunity to get comfortable and allows us to create more variety without feeling rushed.

Bring Your Fluffy Family Member Along!

If you've been wondering whether you should include your dog in your next family photo session, my answer is absolutely!

With a little planning, realistic expectations, the right location, and an extra set of hands to help, we can include your dog while still creating the family portraits you're hoping for.

After all, they're part of the family, too.

If you're planning family photos in the Lehigh Valley and would love to include your dog, I'd be happy to help you choose the right session and location for your entire family, including your four legged family member.