Should You have your Dog in Family Photos? Absolutely Yes! | Dog Family Photographer
April 3, 2025
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Yes, you should hire a dog family photographer near me who specializes in capturing moments with dog families in your area. (Pssst. It’s me!)
Let’s be honest – when you imagine “family portraits,” you likely picture parents with young children, everyone dressed in matching outfits, smiling sweetly at the camera. But families evolve. Kids grow up. And through all those changes, there’s usually one constant presence, one lovable goofball who’s been there for every milestone – your dog.
That’s why I strongly believe in including your furry family member in photo sessions, especially when your “kids” are now adults. As a pet family photographer near you, I specialize in capturing these meaningful connections between humans and their four-legged family members. These photos hold more meaning than you might realize, and with the right pet family photographer, a session with grown children and your pup can be genuinely enjoyable.
Your Dog is Part of the Family
We may joke about being “dog parents,” but the bond is real. Our dogs are there for movie nights, bad days, and all the ordinary moments in between. They don’t care if you’re 18 or 38; their love is unconditional.
When adult children come home to visit, who’s the first to greet them at the door with uncontrollable excitement? The dog. Who still tries to squeeze onto their lap like they’re a kid again? The dog. As your local pet family photographer, I specialize in capturing these interactions that preserve your family’s unique dynamic exactly as it exists today—authentic, imperfect, and full of love.
The Beauty of Unplanned Moments
The most memorable photos from sessions with adult kids and dogs often aren’t the posed shots. They’re the spontaneous moments that reveal your family’s true personality.
These genuine moments create images you’ll treasure far more than stiff, formal portraits. They tell the real story of your family.
Making the Session Work for Everyone
Adding a dog to your photo session might seem challenging, but with some preparation and the right pet family photographer near me, it can be stress-free and fun:
Exercise beforehand – A tired dog is more likely to cooperate. A long walk or play session before photos helps burn off excess energy.
Bring rewards – Treats, favorite toys, anything that grabs your dog’s attention. Small pieces of cheese or meat often work wonders.
Embrace the unexpected – Your dog might not sit perfectly still. That’s okay! Some of the best photos happen when we let go of perfection.
Try different activities – Walking shots, playtime, or casual cuddles often work better than traditional posed portraits.
Why These Photos Matter More Than You Realize
Here’s the bittersweet truth: our dogs’ lives are too short. Those puppy days when your human kids were in elementary school? Gone in a flash. The way your dog still acts like your college graduate is a little kid? That won’t last forever.
These photos become priceless when:
- You look back on your dog’s entire life
- Your living situation changes with moves or new homes
- You realize how much both your human and canine “kids” have grown
As a dog mom myself – I treasure every image I have with my pups. And appreciate them so much more once they start getting cute, old and grey.
The True Value: Capturing Your Family Story
Ultimately, family photos aren’t about perfect outfits or flawless smiles. They’re about freezing a moment in time—preserving the way your son still pets the dog exactly like he did as a child, or how your dog somehow always ends up in your daughter’s lap, even though she swears she’s “not really a dog person.”
So bring the dog. Bring the grown kids. Bring the treats and the leash and don’t worry about the dog hair. The chaos is part of your family’s story, and that’s exactly what we want to remember.
Years from now, when you look at these photos, you won’t think “I wish we’d all stood straighter.” You’ll think “Remember how Buddy went crazy every time the kids came home?” And that’s what makes these photos truly special.
Thinking about scheduling a session with your whole family, pets included? As your local pet & family photographer, I’d love to help capture your family exactly as you are right now – real, loving, and perfectly yourselves.
Megan Engeseth Photography provides a full service experience for your senior portraits, headshot, family, and fine art photography needs in the Twin Cities Minnesota area and beyond
