What to expect during a family photo session with your dog
Our dogs are more than pets. they’re part of the family.
As a dog-friendly family photographer Lansing, MI I understand that our dogs are more than pets - they're part of the family. They're there for the everyday moments, the celebrations, the quiet mornings, and all the little memories in between. So when it comes time to document your family, it makes perfect sense to want them included, too.
In this blog, we will explore the reasons why family photos with your dog hold significant value to us, how to prepare for dog-friendly photography sessions, and tips for overcoming potential challenges.
The Value
A family session with your dog is about more than capturing a few photos of your pup. It’s about documenting the connection between the people and animals who make your family feel like home. From their goofy personalities and wet-nose kisses to the way they naturally stay close to the people they love, these are the details you’ll want to remember.
Including your dog in your family portraits doesn’t have to mean perfectly posed photos or expecting them to sit still for an entire session. In fact, some of the most meaningful images happen in the in-between moments—walking together, playing, cuddling, or simply letting your dog be themselves.
These portraits become a lasting reminder of the bond you share and the role your dog plays in your family story. And because our pets’ lives are often far too short, having beautiful photographs that capture their personality and your connection can become especially meaningful for years to come.
Chose the Right Location
One of the first things we’ll consider when planning your family photo session with your dog is the location. The right setting can make all the difference—not only in the look of your portraits, but in how comfortable and relaxed your dog feels throughout the session. I’m happy to help you choose a location that fits your family and your pup. This might be a favorite local park, an open field, your own property, in a private dog-friendly studio, or another meaningful location that feels like you.
For dogs, having room to move is especially important. Rather than expecting your pup to sit perfectly still for an entire session, I want them to have the freedom to explore, walk, play, and interact with you. These natural movements often create some of the most beautiful and genuine photographs.
When we plan your session, I’ll take your dog’s personality, comfort level, and your family’s vision into consideration so we can create a setting that feels natural and photographs beautifully.
CAPTURE THEIR PERSONALITY
Every dog has their own personality—and those little quirks are exactly what make them yours. Maybe your dog is playful and full of energy. Maybe they are happiest curled up beside you. Perhaps they have the sweetest floppy ears, an expressive face, or a habit of looking at you in a way that makes everyone laugh. These details are part of your family’s story, and I want your photographs to reflect them.
During your session, I’ll pay attention to the little things that make your dog unique. Rather than focusing only on perfectly posed portraits, I’ll look for genuine expressions, interactions, movement, and those in-between moments that show who your dog really is.
My goal as a family photographer is to create portraits that feel like your family—not a picture-perfect version of someone else’s. Years from now, I want you to look back at these photographs and immediately remember your dog exactly as they were.
POSING WITH YOUR DOG
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to posing with your dog. Some pups are natural models, while others would much rather be exploring the grass or chasing a leaf. And honestly? That's okay. Rather than forcing your dog into a pose that doesn't feel natural, we’ll work with their personality and comfort level. I’ll guide you through simple interactions that give your dog something to do while creating beautiful opportunities for photographs.
We might capture your dog sitting beside you, walking hand-in-hand—or paw-in-hand—snuggling into your lap, looking up at you, or simply enjoying being close to their favorite people. We’ll also leave plenty of room for playful, candid moments. The best family dog portraits aren't always the ones where everyone is looking at the camera. Sometimes it’s the photograph of your child laughing while your dog gives them a kiss, the way your pup leans against your leg, or the moment you reach down to scratch behind their ears.
Those are the moments that tell your story.
ACTIVE OR NERVOUS DOGS
If your dog is energetic, easily distracted, nervous, or simply not a fan of sitting still, you are absolutely not alone. One of the biggest things I want families to know is that your dog does not need to be perfectly behaved to have beautiful family portraits.
If your pup tends to have a lot of energy, a little exercise before your session can help take the edge off. Just be careful not to overdo it. A happy, comfortable dog is much more important than a tired one. For nervous dogs, bring familiar treats, a favorite toy, or anything else that helps them feel comfortable. We can take our time, allow them to explore their surroundings, and give them opportunities to settle in.
I also don't expect your dog to hold a perfect pose for an entire session. We’ll work with their natural rhythm and use breaks in activity to capture those quieter moments.
Sometimes the most beautiful images happen when your dog isn't looking at the camera at all.
Whether your pup is a little wild, a little shy, or somewhere in between, patience is key. We’ll move at a pace that works for your family and give your dog plenty of opportunities to simply be themselves.
YOUR DOG DOESN'T HAVE TO BE PERFECT
If you're considering a family photo session with your dog, but you're worried they won't cooperate, take a deep breath. They don't have to. Dogs are part of our families, and just like our children, they can be unpredictable. They get excited. They get distracted. They want to sniff everything. They occasionally refuse to sit when asked. That's real life—and I think those little moments are worth remembering, too. As a dog-friendly family photographer in Lansing, MI, my job isn't to make your dog behave like a professional model. It's to create a relaxed experience where I can document the connection between you and your dog in a way that feels authentic to your family.
CONCLUSION
Including your dog in your family portraits is about more than simply adding another face to the photograph. It's about documenting an important part of your family while you have the chance. From the playful moments to the quiet ones, these photographs preserve the personality, connection, and love that make your dog such an important part of your story.
From the moment you inquire, we'll work together to plan a session that feels personal to your family—from choosing the right location to preparing your pup and creating a gallery of photographs you'll love.
Whether you're looking for a dog-friendly family photographer in Lansing, East Lansing, Okemos, or the surrounding Mid-Michigan area, I'd love to help you create portraits that celebrate the people—and pets—you love most. Indoor and private studio options are also available.
Ready to plan your family photo session with your dog? Click below to get in touch and let's start planning a session that's uniquely yours.
"We found our photographer, Dana, through a local networking group after searching “family and dog photography, studio option,” and her beautiful, consistent portfolio made the choice easy. Her website and communications were incredibly thorough, walking us through what to expect and helping us plan clothing and comfort items for the whole family (fur baby included), which took so much of the pre-shoot anxiety away.
The session itself was full of laughter and felt so much more natural than we expected. And the gallery is phenomenal. We’re in love with the moments she captured of our family with our dog. I exceedingly recommend her."
