One of the questions I hear from parents is, “Can our dog be in our newborn photos?”
The answer is always yes.
Whether you have a playful Labrador, a sleepy senior dog, a curious cat, or another beloved pet, they are part of your family. I never want parents to feel like they have to leave them out of such an important milestone.
Because one day, these photographs won’t just remind you of when your baby was tiny. They’ll remind you of everyone who loved them from the very beginning.
My First Babies Had Four Legs
I was single for most of my adult life.
I moved to the United States when I was 19, traveled constantly for work, and became very comfortable being independent. Growing up, I always wanted a dog but never had one.
So when I finally had a place of my own, I adopted a Boxer.
Then I adopted another.
If you knew me back then, you knew I was rarely seen without my two big dogs. They were my babies long before I became a mom.
When my first child was born, there was never a question about whether my dogs would be included in our newborn photos. They belonged there just as much as we did.
That portrait still hangs on the wall in our home today.
By the time my twins were born, we had lost one of our Boxers and only one remained. I specifically asked our photographer to include her in our newborn session.
When I received the gallery, I searched through every image.
There wasn’t a single photograph of her.
I was devastated.
Not long afterward, we lost her too.
Thankfully, I still have that framed portrait from my oldest child’s newborn session with both of my dogs. My twins often point to the picture and ask who they are.
Every single time, it makes me smile.
Those photographs remind us that they will always be part of our family’s story.
Your Pets Are Always Welcome
Sometimes parents hesitate to ask if their pets can be included.
They worry their dog might be too energetic.
They wonder if I’m comfortable around animals.
Or they assume photographers simply don’t allow pets.
Please know this:
Your pets are always welcome.
In fact, one of the reasons I chose in-home lifestyle newborn photography for my own family was because I wanted my dogs to be part of those memories.
Your home is where everyone is comfortable, including your pets.
There are familiar smells, favorite spots to curl up, and plenty of opportunities for natural moments that simply can’t happen in a studio.
What a Newborn Session With Pets Looks Like
When I arrive, I don’t immediately pull out the camera and expect your dog to cooperate.
Instead, I let them get comfortable first.
I always allow pets to approach me on their own. If they come over, I kneel down, extend my hand, and let them sniff me.
I never get them overly excited.
Even the most energetic dogs usually settle down once they realize I’m simply another person visiting their home.
Before we begin photographing, I’ll also ask you questions like:
- What word makes them sit?
- How do you get their attention?
- Is there a favorite toy or sound that makes them look toward the camera?
Those little details make a big difference.
We Start With Everyone Together
One thing I’ve learned over the years is that it’s best to photograph the entire family together first.
That includes your pets.
We begin with the family portrait while everyone is fresh and engaged.
Once we’ve captured those images, your dog is free to relax, wander around the house, or join us whenever they naturally choose.
Some of my favorite photographs aren’t perfectly posed at all.
They’re the quiet moments when your dog curls up beside the couch while you’re feeding your baby.
Or when they gently peek into the nursery.
Or rest at your feet while your newborn sleeps peacefully in your arms.
Those candid moments often become the images families treasure the most.
Every Family Looks Different
Some families have one dog.
Some have three.
Some have cats that quietly observe everything from across the room.
Others have older pets who move a little slower these days.
Whatever your family looks like, they’re welcome.
Because years from now, those photographs become more than newborn pictures.
They become a reminder of an entire season of life.
One that passes far too quickly.
Newborn Photos With Pets in Atlanta
If you’re planning newborn photos with pets, I’d love to help you tell the complete story of your growing family.
We’ll create relaxed, in-home photographs that include everyone who makes your house feel like home—whether they have two legs or four.
If you’d like to learn more about my in-home newborn sessions, you can visit my newborn photography page for details and availability.
