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I’m not a pet photographer — I’m a family photographer.
My goal for every in-home family lifestyle session is to document the current chapter of a family’s life — to tell their story as it is right now. That means including all the characters: mom, dad, siblings, baby… and of course, the family pet!
Whether the family dog was mom and dad’s “first baby,” or a new puppy, kitten, lizard, or hamster is the latest addition, pets are an important part of family life. They’re part of the story. Years from now, families will look back at these photos and remember the way their tiny kitten fit in the palm of their hand, or smile through tears recalling a beloved senior dog who crossed the rainbow bridge.
By including pets in family photo sessions, I’m giving my families a complete story of this chapter in their lives — a full spectrum of memories and details to treasure for years.
I photograph all sessions in a relaxed, documentary style, helping everyone — furry and human — feel at ease so I can capture authentic moments. Here are my top tips for including pets naturally in family photo sessions.
1. Let’s Say Hello — Without My Camera
When I arrive, parents know what to expect — but kids and pets often don’t. Sometimes I’m greeted with tail wags and giggles; other times, a cautious peek from behind the couch.
I take time to get on their level, greet them warmly, and set a calm, friendly tone. The more comfortable the pet feels, the more natural and genuine the moments I’ll capture later.
You can help with this, too — should I give Ranger a treat when I get there (you’ll sneak me his favorite, of course)? Is there a magic word that puts him at ease? Pet management is part of our collaboration.
2. Let them be themselves
In lifestyle photography, I aim to capture your family as you are, so I do minimal posing. I’ll watch how your pet naturally interacts with your family — whether that’s following the kids around, napping in a sunny spot, or keeping a watchful eye from their favorite perch.
Often, parents later tell me that I caught moments with deep personal meaning — things they may not have mentioned beforehand but are precious parts of daily life.
3. Loosen the rules (just for the session)
Just as I suggest letting kiddos get a little bit naughty to avoid power struggles, I encourage families to relax pet rules for our shoot. Maybe the dog isn’t usually allowed on the couch — but if he always jumps up to greet dad when he comes home, that’s a real and cherished memory worth capturing.
4. Keep safety first
Pets can be unpredictable, and I don’t know them the way their humans do. I’ll talk to you ahead of time about boundaries — especially around small children.
Fun, playful moments like a puppy chasing a child through the living room can make great photos, but only if everyone is safe and comfortable. The goal is joyful memories, not tears. You know the limits of what’s safe and what you and your kids are comfortable with, and you’ll be in charge of keeping an eye on and enforcing those limits.
5. Showcase their tricks and talents
Does the family pet know tricks? Can they shake hands, roll over, or “dance”? I’ll ask you to show off these amazing abilibities! This’ll get everyone interacting — and the hugs, treats, and belly rubs that follow make for wonderful candid moments.
6. Include pets in formal portraits
Even in my mostly candid sessions, I like to bring everyone together for a few posed family portraits — and that includes pets.
To get a dog’s attention, my go-to trick is to bark (yes, really). It perks their ears up, makes the kids laugh, and brings a little joy to the parents’ faces too. Other times, I’ll use a whistle, party horn, or duck call for that perfect head tilt.
Why Pets Matter in Your Family Photo Session
Anyone who has loved a pet knows they are more than “just animals” — they’re woven into the fabric of family life. Including them in photography sessions helps preserve not just how the family looked, but how the family felt.
Thanks for looking,
~Jaye
Jaye McLaughlin is a lifestyle family photographer serving New York City, Westchester County, and Southern Connecticut. Known for combining in-home lifestyle imagery with environmental portraits and candid storytelling, she captures the small, fleeting moments that make up a family’s unique story.
