The energy, connection and fun that shows through when we include our pets in family photos is like no other. From toddley bubs reaching out to meet the whiskers of a beloved family dog, to fluffy baby quails causing fits of laughter as they hop and skitter around the feet of two siblings. Including our furry (or feathery!) friends in family photography adds a lightheartedness and plenty of animation – perfect for those truly candid captures. 

But there’s one common hesitation to a family photoshoot with pets: the chaos. 

And while I understand the anxieties around including your pets – in particular those who are young or high energy – I want to convey the sentimentality of photography with pets. So, to ease your nerves, let’s start with your pet’s personality.

My pet is high energy, either less than a year old or “elderly” and/or nervous

Pets, in particular dogs, thrive behind the lens when they’re most comfortable. Here’s my top tips for family photography with dogs who have energy aplenty, are a little anxious or slowing down in their senior years. 

• Opt for an in-home pet family photographer. Bundling the family out the door can be stressful enough, let alone trying to bring along your (very) excited four-legged friend. And in a similar vein, coaxing an anxious or elderly pet into the car for a family adventure can add a layer of difficulty. To help keep everyone relaxed, I recommend opting for an in-home family photoshoot. 
• Let your pet’s personality shine. Everyone yearns for sentimental photography, but to do that, you’ll need to refrain from saying, “sit!” over and over again. If you have a busy border collie or a very sleepy schnauzer, I’ll prompt you to interact organically with them, so we can capture the moment in it’s beautifully imperfect and joyful glory.

My pet is cool as a cucumber, very sociable and loves an outing

If your pet is a seasoned pro when it comes to tripping around Brisbane, it opens up opportunities to leave the house and explore outdoor sessions. 

• Venture into the garden or beyond. Playing a polite game of fetch or wandering down to your local park adds plenty of fun to family photography with dogs – especially if your pet tends to be a little nonchalant at home. I have a long list of locations that are dog-friendly, so there’s no pressure to frantically trawl Google yourself!
• Have plenty of treats or toys at hand. If your pet tends to be quite aloof and prefers a late afternoon nap over high-energy activities, it can be helpful to bring along some treats for plenty of engaged, tail-wagging moments. 

A couple of final thoughts on family photography with dogs

The time we have with our pets is but a blip – so including them in our memory-making makes sense. To get the most out of your photoshoots, here’s a couple of other things to consider.

• Choose a pet family photographer – someone who’s comfortable with pets of all kinds. Growing up with a wagging tail by my side and the pitter patter of furry feet never far away, I know firsthand the big joy, chaos, and unconditional love pets bring into a home. A proudly declared ‘dog person’, I’m always excited to include pets in family sessions because they are such a big part of your family story.
• Let go of expectations. I will always provide some guidance with posing to help you feel confident and relaxed, but it’s important to not worry too much about what your pet is doing at any given moment.
• Consider including your pet in all the big moments. Whether you’re expecting a new baby or organising newborn photos, have a think about including your pet in these special captures  – it’s easy to take their constant presence for granted.

Oh, and before I sign off, I couldn’t wrap up this post without giving a little shout-out to Brisbane-based Pablo & Co. Their range of dog accessories is just the cutest thing I’ve ever come across – I’m already adding things to my cart for when we finally welcome a dog into our family! They’ve got everything from everyday collars and leashes, to travel must-haves like boot covers, and let’s not forget the irresistibly cute bow ties and party hats for when your pup really needs to steal the show. Just in case you need proof here’s a little roundup of my favourite finds.