Including pets in your portrait session

Your pets are part of your family

Without a doubt pets are a huge part of our lives—I know mine are—and people often ask if they can include their pets in their family portrait sessions. My answer it always YES!

I learned the hard way that pets can’t be in the studio

Early in my photography career I did a portrait session in the studio for a well-known dog trainer. She had three border collies, trained to the nines, and I was more than happy to work with them in my studio. Everything went off without a hitch—the dogs were insanely well-behaved and their portraits came out beautifully. It wasn't until two days later when I had a toddler in the studio that I realized my mistake; within minutes he began rubbing his eyes, his nose began to run and his face turned red, red, red. It was then that I learned he had allergies to pet dander.

Some children have severe allergies to pet dander

Because some children, and adults, too, are highly allergic to pet dander I no longer do sessions in the studio that include pets, but that doesn’t mean pets can’t be included in your family portraits.

If you’d like to add your pet to your session it’s as easy as going outside

Dogs, cats, horses and even ferrets were some of my very first professional portrait subjects and I love when a family wants to include their four-legged friends in their session. Pets add life and sometimes a dose of wackiness to sessions.

Here’s what you need to know if you’d like to add your pet to your family portraits:

Let me know you’ll plan to bring your pet to the session so I can be prepared with treats and a few noisemakers to draw your pet’s attention.
Be sure your pet is leashed. If the leash or collar is dirty consider giving it a good scrub before your session. If you want your pet to really blend in, consider a collar and leash that matches your family’s clothing.
Because your pet won't be in every portrait bring along a carabiner so he can be tied to a tree or post when he’s not included.
Be sure to bring waste bags. Just in case.
It’s a good idea to give your pet a walk before the session so she’s tired out and ready to get gorgeous.