Should You Bring Your Dog to Your Family Photo Session?
YES.
Okay, now that we've gotten that out of the way...let's talk about why I really do think your dog belongs in your family photographs. They're part of the family...why wouldn't they be?
They're part of your story.
Our pets are woven into so many parts of our lives. They're there when the kids wake up. They're waiting at the door when you get home. They're on the couch during movie night. They're there for birthdays, holidays, lazy Sundays, and all the completely ordinary days in between. They see us at our best, but also our worst...and there isn't a judgmental look to be seen, just kisses, tail wags, and snuggles. When we're documenting your family, I don't want to leave them out simply because they have four legs. They belong in the story, too.
But what if my dog won't sit still?
No worries at all, they're dogs! They don't have to be perfectly trained, they don't need to stare at the camera, and they definitely don't need to understand what a photography session is! I'll work with them just like I'll work with your kiddos! Sometimes the best photographs happen when your dog is doing exactly what your dog does anyway...running, cuddling with the kids, giving everyone kisses...or maybe they're standing just slightly outside the frame because they decided they were done participating. No problem! We'll take it as it comes.
And you don't have to make every photograph a “dog photograph.”
This is important. Bringing your dog doesn't mean every single image needs to include them. We can start with everyone together, then let your pup take a little break, then bring them back in for a few more photographs. That way you get a beautiful variety of images: Some with your entire family, some with just the kids, some with Mom and Dad, and some with just your dog! And hopefully at least one slightly chaotic photograph that makes you laugh every time you see it because we LOVE a good "real life" moment!
Pets are part of the seasons we want to remember.
This is one of the biggest reasons I love photographing animals. They don't stay with us forever, but we will have so many memories of them being there through thick and thin. Maybe your dog, like mine, has been there since before you were married and had children. Maybe your horse has been part of your life for years, and now is teaching your daugher to ride. Maybe your family has recently welcomed a new puppy and we know how fast they grow up! These seasons deserve to be documented.
So yes, bring the dog.
Bring the horse. Bring the cat. Bring whatever furry family member makes your family feel like home, and we will plan the session around them (and around your kids!). I promise, I will probably be just as excited to photograph your pets as I am to photograph everyone else! I don't just want to capture what your family looks like, but what your family feels like. And for so many of us, that feeling has four paws.
Planning a family session with your favorite furry family member?
I'd love to help you create photographs that capture this season of your family—including the members who happen to have paws, hooves, or whiskers.
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