One question I get often is, “Can we include our dogs in our newborn photos?” As an OKC newborn photographer, I am here to make sessions be special for families and I love getting to include all the family members. Over the years I have found that to have smooth newborn photos with dogs there are a few tips that make it go much easier for everyone involved.

Tip #1 for newborn photos with your pups – Get the wiggles out

Taking a good walk with your dog(s) before the session helps for two reasons: one it gives a good way to get energy out for your dog. And secondly it gives you some focused time with your dog to fill up their love tank before a few hours solely focused on baby!

What to expect during your newborn photography session with your dogs?

Most likely your dog will be quite excited when I enter! I will be happy to greet them and be on their level. Usually as things move along, just like kids and adults they will relax. There are two different approaches I take during our newborn session with your pets. One is including your dog at the beginning and then letting them to go their own place. Or we focus on doing a good part of the session and then bring your dog back out.

As with all my newborn sessions we let the baby take the lead and that goes for dogs too. I often recommend starting in a room where the dogs can just watch for a while and then come up and join us. Another way to make things smoother is to have a space or other person there to take care of them so they don’t have to be a part of everything.

Put Baby’s Safety First.

I put a high priority on baby’s safety during my newborn sessions. Unless it happens naturally, I do not do photos of dog alone with baby. A few different photos we can get are baby in crib with dog next to it, dog nuzzling baby while in parent’s lap, etc. Another is one parent holding the dog and one holding the baby. Never force a photo of a dog and child. Even the most gentle, calm dog can get agitated with a stranger with a camera and that aggressiveness can come out.

Have treats handy

Having a special treat handy can help your dog a lot.

Keep expectations low

Often times the best photos with dogs are the ones that happens naturally. Keep your expectations low and being very flexible is the key to including your dog in your in home newborn photos. And just like with toddlers or your baby, we can take lots of break for snacks, going into another room, etc.

Including your dog in your newborn photo session is another way to make it so meaningful! I believe my job as the photographer is to help your family remember the special chapters of your lives as they unfold into a story. It’s a honor getting to include all who are important to you.

Are you looking for a newborn photographer to help you celebrate this new chapter of your lives too?

I offer several different packages to fit families needs and would be honored to celebrate you new little one with you. Contact me here!

if you enjoyed this post you might find these other ones helpful…

– pregnancy and postpartum resources for new parents in OKC

– how to prep for you in Fresh 48 photo photography session

– in home photo session with a toddler

author bio:

Charis of Charis Elisabeth Photography is a professional newborn photographer serving the metro OKC area during newborn photoshoots in the area of OKC, Edmond, Midwest City and more. In home, relaxed newborn sessions are her speciality and she would love to serve your family! She is a member of PPA and master family photographer with NAPCP.