How to Plan a Dog-Friendly Photoshoot for Your Family

For so many families, your dog was your first baby—your practice kid, your cuddle buddy, your loyal shadow. It makes perfect sense that you'd want to include them in your family photos. And when it works, it’s so sweet to see your furriest family member right alongside your kids in photos you’ll cherish for years. But including a dog in your session takes a little extra planning to make sure everything runs smoothly—and safely. Whether we’re shooting in your home, or outdoors in one of the beautiful San Francisco or Marin locations, I’m always happy to make it a dog-friendly photoshoot when possible.

Here are some key tips for bringing your dog along to your dog-friendly photoshoot:

For Outdoor Sessions: Bring a Handler

Dogs and toddlers have one thing in common—they're often on the move. During an outdoor shoot, it’s incredibly helpful to have a designated dog handler (not someone also in the photos!) who can help manage your pup. That way, we can get those key shots with your dog included—like snuggling with your kids, walking together, or sitting sweetly as part of the family—and then your handler can take them for a walk or to the car so we can focus on other combinations.

Dogs must be on a leash at all times in outdoor sessions, both for safety and in accordance with location rules. If you're planning to bring your dog, please let me know in advance so I can make sure we're choosing a dog-friendly location that allows for a smooth and stress-free experience.

For In-Home Sessions: Consider Your Dog’s Personality

If your dog is a chill homebody who loves to hang on the couch and be in the mix, great—they can totally be part of the shoot. But if your dog gets nervous around strangers, needs time to warm up, or tends to get protective when someone new (like me) is interacting closely with your kids—tickling, playing, guiding poses—it’s smart to think ahead.

You might consider having a dog walker take them out for part of the shoot, or placing them in a closed-off room if they’ll be calm there. High-energy dogs especially can be a big distraction during the shoot, and I want to make sure we’re getting all the photos you’re dreaming of without having to dodge a hyper pup. If your dog truly won’t be comfortable or safe around a new person in your home, it’s okay to leave them out of this one.

Let’s Make It Work—for the Whole Family

I totally understand wanting your dog in your family photos—and whenever we can make that happen in a way that feels good for everyone, I’m all for it. A dog-friendly photoshoot just takes a bit of preparation to make sure we’re prioritizing safety, comfort, and the joyful moments you’re hoping to capture. If you're planning to include your dog, let me know when you book so we can build the perfect plan for your whole crew—fur babies included.