6 Tips for Including Dogs in Family Photos
For many of us, the idea of capturing special family moments without our beloved fur babies seems incomplete. Including your beloved dogs in family photos can add an extra layer of warmth and authenticity to your captured memories. Here are 6 tips to ensure that your family photos exude adorable charm while featuring your four-legged friend.
1. Get to Know About the Dog’s Personality
Before arriving at a client's home for a family photo shoot, I always recommend having a consultation to get to know about their dog’s personality. As a photographer, understanding whether a dog is shy, excitable, or even aggressive is key for a smooth shoot. Smaller dogs may be more nervous around new people, while bigger dogs like Golden Retrievers are often easiergoing. Always talk to the dog owners and get to know the dog’s breed, age, and personality.
Especially for families that just welcomed a new baby, their dog may need more adjustment time before being photo-ready. Getting insight into dog behavior and personality helps me better plan poses and bribes so we can capture the whole furry family while ensuring a safe, calm environment for all. Knowing dog personalities allows this photographer to get tail-wagging-happy shots.
2. Create a Familiar Environment
Always begin in a setting that's familiar and comfortable for your dogs. Opt for the cozy embrace of your living room, capturing those heartwarming moments on the couch where family bonds are naturally at their best. Cuddle your dogs and babies just as you do every day, allowing their genuine connection to shine through in each snapshot. Dogs thrive in environments they know well, and this familiarity will undoubtedly lead to a more relaxed and authentic photo shoot. So, let the warmth of your living space and the love you share with your pets be the backdrop for the sweetest family memories.
3. Prep Your Fur Babies
Preparing your fur babies for a photoshoot involves a bit of grooming finesse. Prioritize bathing and brushing to ensure their coats are at their prime, enhancing their natural charm. Trimming can be considered, particularly around the eyes, to avoid a scraggly appearance. While adding a touch of flair to your pets can be tempting, it's wise to exercise caution. Save the colorful bandanas and cute ties for special occasions or holiday sessions, as these accessories might distract from the genuine beauty of your pets.
4. Dogs Know Better Than Photographers
Dogs possess an innate wisdom that often surpasses our expectations, especially when it comes to adapting to new family members. It's fascinating how, even before the photographer steps into their world, our fur kids have seamlessly integrated into the family, forming bonds with the little ones over time.
They're not just pets; they're fast learners, absorbing the nuances of the new lifestyle and family patterns along the journey. During a recent photo session in the bedroom, where we cleverly utilized the bed as a backdrop, the pups radiated happiness and excitement. My initial concerns about their interaction with the baby quickly disappeared as they demonstrated a great understanding of boundaries. It seems they know better than anyone how to be polite and well-behaved, showcasing their intelligence, gentleness, and quick learning abilities in the most heartwarming way.
5. Use Their Favorite Toys and Treats
In my documentary-style photo sessions, the goal is to capture the most authentic and genuine moments that reflect the true lifestyle of your family. While spontaneity is key, it doesn't mean we embark on the photo shoot without any plans. To ensure an enjoyable experience for everyone, including your furry friends, a little preparation can go a long way. Have plenty of tasty treats on hand so you can bribe your pooch into perfect poses. Small bits of cheese, hot dog slices, or favorite snacks work well. Place treats strategically to encourage your dog to look at you, look at the camera, or stay still. Praise and pet them, too, when they cooperate. This thoughtful addition not only keeps them engaged and happy but also sets the stage for candid and utterly adorable moments.
6. Take Your Time
Understand that getting great shots will require patience as you work to get kids, adults, and pets all looking good at once. When we talk about “good“, it doesn’t have to mean we capture the perfect smile. However, we are patient about finding the RIGHT angle to tell the family’s story. The story is all about how the family’s beautiful, ordinary life unfolds every day. Use burst mode so you can snap a ton of shots quickly, upping your chances for keepers. Make it fun, and don't stress about perfection. The bloopers often make the best memories, too!
“I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love. For me, they are the role model for being alive. – Gilda Radner.”
