How To Get A Family Photo With Dog
Including your furry friend in your family photos is such a sweet way to capture the full picture of your life together. As a Cleveland family photographer who has worked with many pet-loving families, I know how special these moments can be. As well as how challenging they can be! Whether you’re planning a fall photo session at Edgewater Park or a cozy in-home shoot, here’s how to get a family photo with dog that feels joyful and relaxed.
Bring the Dog to the Location Early
Before your session officially starts, arrive at your photo location about 15–20 minutes early. Giving your pup time to sniff around, burn off some energy, and get familiar with the surroundings. This makes a big difference in how they behave during the shoot.
Especially if we’re photographing in a new place for your dog, they will likely be very curious. Letting them explore beforehand helps reduce distractions when it’s time to pose.
Bring Their Favorite Treats (and Maybe a Toy)
One of the best ways to capture a perfect family photo with dog is simple: bribery. Bring along your dog’s favorite treats or a squeaky toy to grab their attention and reward them for sitting still. High-value treats work wonders for getting your pup to focus and look at the camera.
As your photographer, I’ll use lots of silly noises and tricks too, but nothing motivates a dog quite like a treat from their favorite human!
Don’t Plan to Include the Dog in Every Photo
It’s tempting to want your dog in every single shot, but it’s actually more effective to plan for a mix. Include them in some photos at the beginning (while they’re still fresh and cooperative), then transition to photos without them.
This keeps your session flowing smoothly and ensures you still get gorgeous family portraits even if your pup gets tired or distracted.
Bring a Friend or Family Member to Help
One of my top tips for how to get a family photo with dog? Bring a helper. A friend, grandparent, or dog-loving neighbor can make all the difference.
They can hold your pup’s leash while we take a few couple or sibling photos, help wrangle the dog between shots, or even take them home early if we’re doing a longer session. Having that extra set of hands allows us to get more variety without the stress.
Use a Leash That Looks Good in Photos
A neutral-colored leash (think leather, black, or soft neutrals) photographs much better than a bright neon one. If your dog needs to stay leashed for safety, especially in open parks or busy areas, we’ll do our best to pose in ways that hide the leash or edit it out later if needed.
Practice “Sit” and “Stay” Before Your Session
Even if your dog isn’t perfectly trained, practicing a few basic commands like “sit” and “stay” in the weeks leading up to your session will go a long way. Consistency helps your dog feel confident and gives us more opportunities to get that perfect shot.
Keep It Light, Fun, and Flexible
At the end of the day, dogs have their own personalities, and that’s part of the charm! Whether your pup is camera-shy, full of zoomies, or a total ham, we’ll roll with it and capture genuine moments that reflect your family’s love.
Some of my favorite family photo sessions with dogs are the ones where we embraced the chaos and let things unfold naturally. Trust me, even the silly outtakes make beautiful memories.
Including Your Dog in Your Family Photos
Knowing how to get a family photo with dog is all about preparation and flexibility. With the right timing, a few treats, and a laid-back approach, your pup can absolutely be part of your session in a meaningful and fun way.
If you’re planning your next Cleveland family photo session and want to include your dog, I’d love to help you make it happen! Let’s create something timeless that showcases your whole family, paws and all.
