Family Photography · Causeway Coast
Family Photos with Your Dog
For a lot of families, the dog isn’t an extra — they’re part of the family. Here’s why it’s worth including them in your next photoshoot.
Ask most families who their photos are really for, and the answer is simple: to remember exactly what this stage of life looked like. For families with a dog, that picture is incomplete without them in it — whether that’s a scruffy rescue who’s been there through everything, or a puppy who’s only just joined the family this year.
Every family session I photograph along the Causeway Coast already includes the family dog as standard. Here’s why it’s worth doing, and how it actually works on the day.
Your dog is part of the story, not a prop
A dog in the background of a family photo tells you something a posed portrait can’t — the real texture of daily life. Kids lean on dogs, dogs lean on kids, and that closeness photographs better than almost anything staged.
It relaxes everyone else
Dogs are brilliant at breaking tension in front of a camera. A dog doing something silly mid-shoot almost always gets a genuine laugh out of kids and parents alike — and that’s when the best, most natural photos happen.
Family compositions change — this stage won’t wait
Whether it’s an older dog who won’t be around forever, or a family growing to include a new puppy, this exact combination of people and pet only exists right now. It’s worth capturing while it does.
How it works on the day
We’ll usually start with the whole family together, dog included, while everyone (and every dog) is at their freshest. From there we can get a few more relaxed, candid shots — kids and dog playing, someone walking the dog while the rest of the family follows behind — before finishing with any dog-only portraits you’d like.
If you want tips specifically for getting your dog camera-ready, I’ve put together a full guide on how to prepare your dog for a photoshoot.
Multiple pets? No problem — just let me know in advance so I can plan enough time. Cats, rabbits and other pets are welcome too, though outdoor locations tend to work best for dogs specifically.
Common questions
Does including my dog cost extra?
No — your dog is welcome as part of a standard family session at no extra cost. If you’d like a set of dog-only portraits as well, just mention it when booking so I can build in a little extra time.
What if my dog won’t stay still during the family portraits?
That’s completely normal, and honestly it usually makes for better photos. I work quickly and candidly around dogs rather than waiting for a perfectly still pose, so a bit of movement or a dog looking the wrong way often becomes the most natural, memorable shot.
Can we do family portraits and dog-only shots in the same session?
Yes, this is one of the most popular options. We’ll typically start with everyone together while your dog is freshest and most cooperative, then move into a few dog-focused shots once the family portraits are done.
Bring the whole family — dog included
Get in touch to book a family session that includes everyone, two legs and four.
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