Family photos with pets work best when the pet is calm, the session is short, and someone other than the parents is there to hold the leash between shots. Tell your photographer about your pet, bring their favorite treats and toy, and plan the pet photos for the start of the session. Not every photographer accepts pets, so check the profile first. Here's how to approach dogs, cats and the rest of the family in a studio.
Is your pet a good fit for the studio?
Most pets can be photographed. The question is whether a studio session will be fun for them or stressful.
A pet who will likely enjoy it:
- Is comfortable in new places and with new people.
- Can sit or lie down on request, at least most of the time.
- Is fine on a leash or harness for an hour.
- Doesn't react strongly to unfamiliar sounds.
If your dog barks at every stranger, or your cat hides under the bed when the doorbell rings, it may be kinder to plan a shorter session with the pet in only a few frames. You know your animal better than anyone. Be honest with yourself, and with your photographer.
What to tell your photographer
Before the day, they'll want to know:
- What kind of pet, their size and age.
- Temperament. Nervous, playful, excitable, sleepy, protective of the kids.
- Commands they know. Sit, stay, down, look.
- Anything they're scared of. Hats, loud noises, other dogs, being picked up.
- Treat and toy preferences. What actually gets their attention.
- Health or mobility notes. Older dogs may need to lie down rather than sit.
This helps plan where to place the pet on the set, how long to keep them in frame, and when to bring them in.
Bring a handler
This is the biggest tip: bring one extra person whose only job is the pet. A friend, a grandparent, an older child, a dog walker the pet trusts.
Why it matters:
- Parents can relax. If you're holding the leash, you're not in the photo properly, and you can't join the prompts used for natural family poses.
- The pet has a safe person. Between shots, the handler can walk them, give water, and calm them down.
- The photographer can work faster. The handler keeps the pet just out of frame, then lets them in at the right moment.
When the pet is in the photo, the leash can often go slack or be held just out of frame, then retouched out where it's practical.
Dogs in the studio
Dogs are the most common pets in family sessions, and they can be wonderful in photos.
What helps:
- A walk before. A good walk before the session takes the edge off a lot of nervous energy.
- Pet photos first. Dogs, like toddlers, have a limited attention span. Photograph the family with the dog at the start, then let the handler take the dog out while the session continues.
- Treats held near the lens. A small treat held just above the camera brings the eyes and ears forward.
- Noises. A squeak or an odd sound right before the shot gets the head tilt.
- A favorite blanket. Placing it on the set gives the dog a familiar spot to settle.
Big dogs often look best lying in front of the family, with kids leaning on them or hugging around the neck. Small dogs can sit on a lap or in a child's arms.
For holiday sessions, see Christmas photos with your dog, and for a full plan of how one runs, read the sample session with the family dog on a Christmas set.
Cats in the studio
Cats are a different story. Many cats don't enjoy travel or new places, and that's fine. If your cat is relaxed in a carrier and curious in new rooms, they can be photographed. If not, a cat probably isn't a good candidate for a studio session.
If you do bring a cat:
- Keep them in a carrier until the moment they're needed.
- Use a harness and lead, held by the handler just out of frame.
- Plan for very short appearances. Two or three minutes in a lap may be all you get, and that's enough for a few photos.
- Hold rather than pose. A cat in someone's arms is the most reliable frame.
- Calm, quiet set. Kids should be calm too, so ask them to keep things gentle while the cat is out.
Safety, for pets and kids
A few simple precautions for any session that includes a pet:
- Pets stay on a leash or harness whenever they're on the set.
- Some props can be a hazard. Small ornaments, artificial snow, candles and edible-looking decorations can be tempting. Move anything risky out of reach before the pet comes in.
- Water and breaks. Bring a water bowl, and give pets breaks with their handler.
- Watch little kids with big dogs. Toddlers should hug gently and never be left alone with a nervous animal. The toddler photoshoot tips cover keeping little ones calm on set.
- Clean-up. Bring bags and a small towel, just in case.
If your pet seems stressed, stop and give them a rest. A calm photo later beats a nervous one now.
What to pack
- Small, soft treats your pet loves and won't drop crumbs everywhere.
- A squeaky toy or something they always respond to.
- Their usual leash, plus a shorter one for photos.
- A water bowl.
- A favorite blanket or bed.
Quick answers
Do pets count as one of the people in the session?
Policies differ by photographer, and some charge for extra guests. Check the profile, and tell your photographer how many pets are coming so they can plan the set and the timing.
How long can a dog be in the photos?
Many dogs do well for 10 to 20 minutes of active photos with breaks. It usually works best to photograph them first, then continue with the family.
Can we bring more than one pet?
Ask your photographer before booking. Two calm dogs can work beautifully with a handler for each. More than that gets tricky in a studio.
Find your photographer
Mention your pet when you message your photographer so they can plan around them. Browse family photographers in NYC and Long Island and check each profile for pet-friendly sessions.