Including Pets In Your Family Session
Family photography sessions are a cherished tradition for many families and a great way to capture memories that will last a lifetime. If you’re planning your own family photo shoot, why not include your furry friends?
Pets are amazing, right? They provide us with unconditional love and companionship. They are always happy to see us when we come home from a long day at work or school. They offer us comfort when we are feeling sad or down. They are great listeners and will never judge us. They give us someone to care for and help us feel needed. In return, they ask for very little food, water, shelter, and love. Pets bring so much joy into our lives and fill up our hearts with love. They make our families complete.
They are part of the family! I know; I have two fur babies at home. Here are a few tips to make a photography session with your furry friends successful.
Choose a photographer who is comfortable with animals
Not all photographers are. If a photographer is uncomfortable with your pet, your pet is not likely to be comfortable either. An experienced photographer will be patient and calm, even when Fido decides to take a detour during the session.
Bring a friend
Have someone on hand to hold onto your pet during the session. Your furry friend may not be in every photo, so having someone there to take over is helpful. This will ensure that you can relax and enjoy the session.
Location, location, location
Choose a location that is pet-friendly and comfortable for your animal companions. If your pet is timid or nervous around new people or animals, avoiding busy places like parks or beaches is best. Instead, opt for a quiet spot like your backyard or a nearby nature trail. Finally, make sure there are no hazards in the area that could harm your pet. Be on the lookout for things like broken glass, sharp rocks, or poisonous plants.
Bring on the treats
Bring along treats or toys to help keep your pet entertained. Let’s face it, most of us love to be rewarded, and that goes for our pets. If you want Fido to sit pretty for the photo, a treat will surely help.
Expect the unexpected
As any pet owner knows, our furry friends can be unpredictable at times. But that’s one of the things we love about them, right? Their spontaneity and zest for life are what make them so special to us. However, when it comes time to capture that magic on camera, it can sometimes be difficult to get them to cooperate (kind of like the kids.) That’s why patience is important when including your pet in a photography session.
With a little planning and preparation, you can easily incorporate your furry friend into your next family photography session. After all, pets are family too!
If you’re ready for your next family photography session and want to include your furry family member, reach out!
Leigh Ann – Your Oakland, CA, Family and Newborn Photographer, serving perfectly imperfect families. And remember, I serve families throughout the Bay Area.
P.S. Be sure to signup below for my monthly newsletter, where you can get tips and tricks for capturing your own adventures with your family and early access to my shoot dates.
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