How to Include Pets in Your In-Home Family Photos: New Orleans Family Photographer
Our pets are such a big part of our everyday lives—they curl up at our feet during story time, sneak into bed with the kids, and follow us from room to room like little shadows. So when it comes to in-home family photos, I love when families choose to include their pets. These sessions are all about capturing your real life, and that definitely includes your furry family members.
Here are a few easy ways to make sure your session with your pet feels relaxed, fun, and meaningful:
1. Let Me Know in Advance
Before your session, just let me know you’ll be including your pet. I’ll plan for a little extra time, and we’ll talk about what parts of the session might work best for them—whether that’s snuggled up on the couch, curled up in the nursery, or romping in the backyard.
2. Keep Their Favorite Spot Clean + Cozy
Think about where your pet naturally hangs out in the house—whether it’s a sun-soaked patch by the window or a favorite spot on the couch. A quick tidy-up of those areas goes a long way, and having your pet in their element makes for the most natural, heartwarming photos.
3. Have Treats or Toys Handy
Just like kids, pets sometimes need a little encouragement. Having a few treats or a favorite toy nearby can help grab their attention or bring them into the moment. Don’t worry—I’ll guide you through it all and follow their lead as needed.
4. Embrace the Real Moments
Maybe your dog decides to lay in the middle of the floor during story time. These are the little moments that make your house feel like home—and I’m here to capture them as they are.
5. Be Flexible
Pets can be unpredictable, and that’s part of the fun. They might wander in and out of the frame mid-session and that’s okay. I always take a relaxed approach so that we’re capturing your family dynamic exactly as it is—imperfections and all.
The beauty of in-home sessions is that they’re deeply personal—and pets are part of that story. Whether they’re lounging on the couch with you or bringing a little extra chaos to the mix.
So if you’ve been wondering whether or not to include your pet in your session, I say absolutely yes. Let’s capture it all—the soft, the silly, the real.
Ashley, with Payne & Co., is a wife, mom, former pediatric nurse & New Orleans family photographer specializing in family & newborn portraits. You can view more of my portfolio here.
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