Family portraits tell the story of who we are, and pets are an important part of that story. Including your furry companions in these moments adds authenticity, warmth, and joy to every frame. Faithful Photography is dedicated to capturing these genuine connections, ensuring your portraits reflect every member of your family. With the right preparation and approach, we create timeless images that celebrate the bond you share with your pets.
Key Takeaways
- Choose the right time of day for comfort and lighting.
- Bring toys or treats to keep pets engaged.
- Opt for simple outfits and a relaxed setup.
- Allow breaks to keep pets calm and happy.
- Communicate special needs for a personalised experience.
Why Include Pets in Family Photography?
We understand that pets hold a special place in your heart. They share your home, your routines, and countless moments of joy. Incorporating them into your family photography creates images that are not only visually appealing but emotionally meaningful.
Including pets in family portraits:
- Strengthens the bond: Showcases the connection between you and your furry companions.
- Captures true family moments: Adds genuine emotion and spontaneity to photos.
- Creates lasting memories: Keeps the memory of your pets alive for generations.
Our family photography sessions are designed to make every member of your family feel comfortable, including your pets.
Tips and Best Practices for Including Pets in Family Photography
When we look back on our favourite family photos, there’s something extra special about the ones that include our pets. They’re not just animals, they’re part of the family. Whether it’s our dog crashing a hug with a happy tongue-out grin, or our cat perched regally in the background, those little moments are priceless. Living in Sydney, with all its pet-friendly parks, beaches, and scenic backdrops, we’re lucky to have so many great options for capturing these memories.
If you’re planning a family photography session and you want to include your furry (or feathered!) friends, I’ve got some personal tips and best practices that have made our shoots way more relaxed and way more fun. Whether you’re shooting at a beach in Manly, a park in the Inner West, or right in your backyard, these ideas can help make your session a success.
1. Choose a Pet-Friendly Location
Living in Sydney, we’re spoiled for choice when it comes to stunning backdrops. But not every beautiful spot is ideal, or even allowed, for pets. So our first step is always checking whether the best locations are for family photoshoots and pet-friendly.
Some of our favourite spots include Centennial Parklands, which has designated off-leash areas, and beaches like Greenhills at Cronulla or Sirius Cove in Mosman. These places not only give us the space we need but also help our pets feel relaxed. They’re already familiar with some of these areas, which makes the shoot feel more like playtime than posing.
2. Time It Right
We’ve found that the best time for photos with pets is either early morning or late afternoon. That golden hour lighting is not only flattering but also cooler for our animals, especially during the warmer months in Sydney. We avoid the middle of the day because the heat can make pets uncomfortable and less cooperative. Plus, harsh sunlight can lead to squinty eyes and harsh shadows on both humans and pets.
3. Bring the Right Treats and Toys
If there’s one tip we swear by, it’s this: never show up to a pet shoot without pet food, dry or wet treats. Our pets respond so much better when we bring their favourite snacks and pet toys. These are great for grabbing their attention and rewarding good behaviour throughout the session. A squeaky toy or a ball held just above the camera works wonders for getting those adorable head tilts. And treats? They’re our secret weapon for getting pets to sit (at least for a few seconds).
4. Work with a Photographer Who Gets Pets
Not every photographer is comfortable around animals, and that’s okay, but for us, finding someone who gets pets has been a game-changer. When we book a best family photographer in Sydney, we always ask if they have experience shooting with pets. The right photographer knows how to capture spontaneous moments, stay patient when our pet gets distracted, and use creative techniques to bring out everyone’s best side, including our four-legged family members.
5. Practice Commands Beforehand
A quick refresher on basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” or “look” has made a big difference for us. We try to practice these in the days leading up to the shoot, especially in the kind of environment we’ll be shooting in, like a park or beach.
The more responsive our pets are to simple cues, the smoother the session runs. And even if they don’t behave perfectly, we’ve learned to embrace the chaos; some of the best shots are the candid ones.
6. Dress for Movement and Comfort
When we’re coordinating outfits for the shoot, we always consider our pet’s behaviour. If we know we’ll be chasing our dog through the sand or picking them up for cuddles, we dress accordingly. We go for comfortable clothes, neutral-toned (to keep the focus on faces and fur), and easy to move in. And if our pet has an adorable bandana or bowtie, we match it subtly to our colours, it ties everything together nicely without going over the top.
7. Expect the Unexpected
One thing we’ve accepted: no matter how much we plan, pets have their agenda. They might decide to roll in something smelly five minutes in or run off mid-shot. We’ve learned not to stress about it.
Instead, we build in extra time for breaks, play, and a few mishaps. The key is to keep the mood light and have fun with it. Honestly, some of our favourite photos are the outtakes, where we’re all laughing and just enjoying the moment.
8. Capture Their Personality
We always tell our photographer: “We don’t just want a pretty picture, we want our pet in the shot.” That means letting their personality shine, whether it’s our dog’s goofy grin, our cat’s curious stare, or our bunny’s snuggly side. Sometimes that means including their favourite blanket, toy, or bed in the photo. Other times, it’s just letting them run free while the camera captures the magic. These moments are pure, authentic, and so worth remembering.
9. Think About Safety
In outdoor settings, especially off-leash areas, we stay vigilant. We make sure collars are secure, tags are visible, and leashes are tucked away creatively if needed. If the area is too busy or unfamiliar, we opt to keep our pet on a lead and edit it out later. Safety is always more important than the perfect shot.
Conclusion
Including pets in your family portraits creates heartfelt memories that reflect your unique story. At Faithful Photography, we are committed to making every session comfortable, enjoyable, and full of life. Whether you prefer an outdoor or studio setting, we’re here to capture the moments that matter most. Contact us today to book your family photography session with your beloved pets and create timeless keepsakes.
FAQs:
Ensure your pet is well-rested and fed before the session. Bring familiar toys or treats, and let us know about any specific needs your pet may have.
We understand pets can be unpredictable. Our sessions are flexible, with plenty of breaks and patience to capture natural, relaxed moments.
Yes, we can discreetly edit out leads or harnesses from the final images to keep the focus on your family and pet.
Both settings can work well. Outdoor sessions offer space for pets to roam, while studio sessions provide a controlled environment. We help you choose the best option.
Sessions usually last between 1 to 2 hours, allowing time for breaks and to ensure everyone is comfortable and relaxed.
We welcome all family members, furry or otherwise.