Pet-Friendly Family Photos a Guide to Studio Sessions with Pets

Pet-friendly family photography is becoming increasingly popular as pets are considered an integral part of the family. Including your furry friends in your family photos can make the memories even more special and heartwarming. In this blog post, I will share insights and behind-the-scenes details from a recent pet-friendly family photo session in my NE Minneapolis studio, featuring a family of four, two German Shepherds, and outfits from my client wardrobe.

The Importance of Preparation

Preparation is key to a successful pet-friendly family photo session. Pets, especially dogs, can be unpredictable, and it’s essential to prepare them for the photo shoot to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

In the recent photo session, the two German Shepherds were well-prepared and comfortable in the studio environment. The family took the time to familiarize their dogs with the studio space before the session, which helped reduce anxiety and ensured the dogs were relaxed and cooperative during the shoot.

Pet-Friendly Family Photography requires extra attention to detail when it comes to preparation. Consider the following tips:

Familiarize Your Pet with the Studio: Allow your pet to explore the studio space before the photo shoot to help them feel more comfortable and relaxed.
Bring Their Favorite Toys and Treats: Bringing along their favorite toys and treats can help keep your pet engaged and cooperative during the session.
Schedule the Photo Shoot During Their Calm Time: Choose a time of day when your pet is usually calm and relaxed to ensure they are in a good mood during the shoot.

Coordinating Outfits for the Whole Family

Choosing the right outfits for a family photo session can be challenging, especially when pets are involved. The key is to coordinate outfits that complement each other and keep the focus on the family.

In the recent photo session, the family of four and their two German Shepherds were all dressed from my client wardrobe, which is available to borrow from. The family opted for neutral-colored outfits, which not only looked stylish but also helped keep the focus on them and their loving interactions.

When planning a Pet-Friendly Family Photography session, consider the following tips for coordinating outfits:

Stick with Neutral Colors: Neutral-colored outfits, such as whites, grays, and earth tones, can help keep the focus on the family and their pets.
Avoid Busy Patterns and Logos: Busy patterns and logos can be distracting in photos, so it’s best to avoid them and opt for solid colors instead.
Coordinate but Don’t Match Exactly: Choose outfits that coordinate well together but avoid matching exactly to add depth and dimension to your photos.

Creating a Relaxed and Fun Atmosphere

Creating a relaxed and fun atmosphere is essential for capturing natural and candid shots in a Pet-Friendly Family Photography session. Encourage the family to interact with their pets and each other naturally and authentically to capture genuine emotions and expressions.

In the recent photo session, there was no shortage of love shared between the family of four and their two German Shepherds. The family was encouraged to cuddle, play, and interact with their pets, resulting in heartwarming and authentic photos that truly captured their bond and connection.

Here are some tips for creating a relaxed and fun atmosphere during a pet-friendly family photo session:

Encourage Natural Interactions: Encourage the family to interact with their pets and each other naturally to capture genuine emotions and expressions.
Use Props and Toys to Engage the Pets: Using props and toys can help keep your pets engaged and cooperative during the session.
Take Breaks When Needed: Pets can get tired or restless during photo shoots, so it’s important to take breaks when needed to allow them to rest and recharge.

Including pets in your family photos can make the memories even more special and heartwarming. With proper preparation, coordinating outfits, and creating a relaxed and fun atmosphere you can ensure a successful Pet-Friendly Family Photography session that captures the love and connection between your family and your furry friends.

I would love to hear your thoughts on including pets in family photos. Have you ever included your pets in a family photo session? What tips do you have for a successful pet-friendly family photo shoot? Please leave a comment below to share your experiences and insights!

Michele is a skilled family photographer serving North Oaks and the Minneapolis area, with over 13 years of experience. She captures heartwarming moments of children, families, and their beloved pets both on location and in her NE Minneapolis studio. mQn Photography specializes in fine arts luxury family and pet-friendly photography in the Twin Cities, offering lifestyle photography services including maternity, newborn, baby, and all things motherhood. Michele provides a client wardrobe for both on-location and studio sessions to ensure a cohesive and stylish look for your photos. She is also a proud member of PPA (Professional Photographers of America).

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5 Comments

May 7, 2024, 2:35:32 PM

Courtney Houk - Oh my goodness, you got those pups to look at the camera better than kids do! Not sure which is harder, haha! I love a session with those fur babies :)

May 7, 2024, 1:24:58 PM

Ashlie - These are such great tips for including pets in your portrait session! Thank you for sharing these. I'm so impressed with your skills in getting these German Shepherds to sit down and look at you.

May 7, 2024, 10:33:02 AM

Virginia Schultz - These are too sweet! I love including family pets in sessions. Love this!

May 7, 2024, 9:09:20 AM

Aleah Gregory - I had a german shepard growing up, so these images make my heart sing! I wish I had photos like this with him.

May 6, 2024, 4:09:10 PM

Alison Bell - Two dogs! WOW. One can be so tricky, but you nailed it with two!

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Pet-Friendly Family Photos a Guide to Studio Sessions with Pets

The Importance of Preparation

Pet-Friendly Family Photography requires extra attention to detail when it comes to preparation. Consider the following tips:

Coordinating Outfits for the Whole Family

Creating a Relaxed and Fun Atmosphere

Further Reading:

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