Planning a family portrait session and wondering if you should include your dog in family photos? As a Lake Tahoe family photographer, I get this question all the time. The short answer is yes, absolutely, if it feels right for your family! Our beloved pets are often cherished family members, and including your dog in family photos can add so much personality, fun, and genuine connection to your images. But to make sure we set the session up for wagging tails and beautiful results, there are a few things to consider when deciding to include your dog in family photos for the best outcome.
Know Your Dog’s Personality for Pet-Friendly Family Photos
When you choose to include your dog in family photos, it enhances the warmth and authenticity of the moment, showcasing the love that exists within your family.
Including your dog in family photos is a great way to capture the bond between your pet and your loved ones, creating lasting memories that truly reflect how much your dog means to your family. Remember, to include dog in family photos is to celebrate the joy they bring.
When you include your dog in family photos, the joy and love shared can really shine through, reflecting the special place they hold in your lives. They mostly can create real smiles, and the memories captured are invaluable when you include dog in family photos.
Every dog brings its own energy to a family photo session. If your pup is playful or excitable, we may take a little extra time to ease them in and capture natural, joyful moments. That is completely fine! I have plenty of experience working with pets and know how to create a calm, fun environment where everyone feels at ease. If your dog is more mellow, we can smoothly include them, often at the start or end when they are most relaxed. Including your dog in family photos can sometimes mean a little extra patience. Maybe you even have a dog in a fun outfit? like found here. Anything goes!
Best Dog Friendly Locations in Lake Tahoe and Truckee
Finding the perfect location where you can include your dog in family photos is essential for a successful portrait session.
Because we are photographing outdoors around Lake Tahoe and Truckee, it is important to know that some beaches do not allow dogs, while others require leashes at all times. I will help guide you to dog-friendly locations that fit your vision and make sure we follow local guidelines so everything runs smoothly. This local knowledge is part of what makes working with an experienced Lake Tahoe family photographer so valuable.
Tips for Smooth Pet Friendly Portrait Sessions with Your Dog
Ultimately, including your dog in family photos brings a unique charm to the portraits that reflect your family’s true essence.
It is always helpful to bring along an extra set of hands, a friend, relative, or dog walker, who can help care for your pet when they are not in the frame. This lets us focus fully on both pet-inclusive shots and human-only portraits without added stress. We will also take breaks to let your dog explore, relax, or have some playtime. Bringing their favorite treats or toys helps grab attention when needed, and I will guide you on how to position everyone for natural, happy photos, making sure to include your dog in family photos seamlessly.
What If You Decide Not To Include Your Dog?
No worries! Family portraits can feel complete and meaningful without pets, especially if you want a simpler session. We can always plan a separate mini-session just for your dog another time.
Including your dog in family photos is not just about the picture; it’s about creating lasting memories that include every member of your family.
Ready to start planning your session? Don’t forget to consider how to include your dog in family photos for a complete family experience. Contact me to begin, your North Lake Tahoe, Truckee, and Reno family photographer.
Let’s Make Your Lake Tahoe Family Session Fun
Including your dog in family photos is all about celebrating the full story of your family. From candid moments to posed portraits, every shot can shine a light on the love you share with your furry friend. I am here to make it smooth, fun, and low-pressure. And just for the record, I am more of a cat person and have yet to photograph an outdoor session with a cat. If you are a cat loving family, let’s make it happen! I would absolutely love the chance to create something memorable with your feline friend.
Once you are booked, you will receive a detailed client guide to help you prepare and feel confident.
Ready to start planning your session? Contact me to begin, your Lake Tahoe, Truckee, and Reno family photographer.
FAQ: Including Your Dog in Family Photos
1. Should we include our dog in our Lake Tahoe family portraits?
Yes — if your dog is a part of your family, they’re absolutely welcome in your portraits! Including your dog adds warmth, personality, and fun to your family session.
2. Are there dog-friendly photo locations in Lake Tahoe and Truckee?
Definitely. I guide you to beautiful outdoor spots where dogs are welcome. Some beaches require leashes or limit access, so I help you pick a location that’s pet-friendly and stunning.
3. What should we bring if our dog is part of the session?
Bring treats, favorite toys, a leash, waste bags, and ideally an extra person to help when your dog isn’t in the frame. These small steps make a big difference in keeping things relaxed and fun.
4. What if our dog is high-energy or nervous?
No problem! I have lots of experience photographing pets of all temperaments. We ease them in gently and allow breaks — capturing natural, joyful moments that reflect your real family dynamic.
5. Can we do some photos without the dog too?
Absolutely. We’ll plan the session so we can include your dog in part of the shoot and capture some beautiful portraits of just the humans too. A balanced mix works best!
+ view the comments
