For many people (including myself), dogs are furry members of the family! It comes as no surprise that they want to include their dog (or cat, or...) in their family photos. Including your pet in your Santa Barbara family photo session does require a little extra preparation, but it is certainly doable and worth it!

Happy black Labrador dog smiling at camera with tongue out while wearing collar and tags.
Family walking on scenic trail with black dog and expecting baby in golden autumn field.
Playful moment on nature trail with black dog and family against rural backdrop.
Family enjoying outdoor picnic with black dog in autumn field.
Family sitting in golden meadow with black dog on sunny day.
Child running through golden field with black dog in background.

Below are a few tips to prepare you for your photo session with your dog

 

Dogs can get very excited when new people are around so let your pup become acquainted with your photographer beforehand. Bring treats and toys that your dog enjoys so that you have something to use to grab their attention if necessary. 


Keep a leash or harness ready, just in case. Even though your dog might be well trained, it never hurts to be prepared. You may also want to arrange your poses so you can hold onto your pup securely without it looking like you are hanging on for dear life. Your photographer will help you with this.


As a pet owner you probably know how perceptive your animals are to energy and emotions, so it’s important that you are relaxed when you get to your photo session.


For the best results, try and work with a photographer that has previously worked with animals (ME!). This will help make the process of photographing your pets even more enjoyable.
Close up portrait of a black and white husky with striking blue eyes.
Two dogs, a Husky and brown dog, lounging on dark leather couch with decorative pillows.
A relaxed brown dog rests on a light colored couch cushion.
Couple relaxes on couch with their Husky and brown dog while looking at something together.
Close up of hands petting Husky dog while resting on floral pattern fabric.
Two dogs cuddle with their family on an orange bed near a window.
A couple relaxes with their dogs on a cozy orange bed.
A husky and another dog relax on a bed in a sunlit room.
A husky and brown dog lounge with their family on an orange bed.
A husky and brown dog pose on a bed in a cozy bedroom setting.
A baby lies on an orange bed while being dressed.
A baby in a floral onesie gets dressed on an orange couch.
A baby lies naked on orange bedding in natural window light.
A husky watches over a baby lying on orange bedding.
Two dogs curiously investigate a baby on an orange bed.