Should I bring my pet to my family photoshoot?

I get this question a lot! Can I bring my pet to my family photoshoot?

I say, YES! I think including your family pet in a family session is so fun! Having just lost my sweet Lucy I really think that it’s something that is important. We outlive our buddies and so I’m all for it.

BUT there are some things to consider when you do.

Do ask your photographer just in case where you are shooting doesn’t allow pets or if they have a good reason to suggest otherwise like maybe they are allergic or afraid of dragons … yes, someone did have their pet bearded dragon in a photo session, it was cool, I was terrified, but I wasn’t about to say no, I mean she was the family pet!! And super-duper cool.

Bring #2 bags for pick-ups. You don’t want to be “that guy”. Just sayin’.

Keep your pet on a leash. We can strategically hide the leash or when it’s time you can hold on to your pet’s collar.

Try to get to the shoot early so that your pet can calm down a bit after an exciting ride and/or new location. This helps so much. It also gives your photographer and your pet a chance to bond, which, just like kiddos helps ALOT.

Last but not least, have fun. Pets bring a bit of whimsy to a shoot and you have to go with it. As long as you know that, and relax into it – it will all be good

I’ve had clients bring their turtles, lizards, cats, dogs, and horses to a shoot! It’s fun! Just make sure you put a little extra thought into preparing for the session and great images will for sure be captured.