“Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.” -
This lovely family was welcoming a new grandchild for the first time as their daughter lives in Europe and traveled back to Texas with her entire brood (yes, her husband, new son, AND the family dog) for the holidays so family portraits were a must!
We took the opportunity to photograph all the families; the newly wedded son and his bride, the daughter and son-in-law with their senior pup, the new family of 3 (4 if you count their dogs), the newly-minted grandparents, and the grown siblings. I never want to miss the opportunity to capture these smaller family portraits when everyone's in the same place together.
This is a family of dog lovers so when they asked if their dogs could join them in the large family photo, I said "Absolutely!". They were amazed at the final result; 8 adults, 4 dogs, and 1 baby - we knocked it out of the park!
Pets are Members of the Family so Yes, They Belong in Your Family Portraits
If you need more convincing to include your pup in your family photos, here are a few great reasons to include the family dog(s) in your family portrait session.
Years later when you look back on the images, you'll miss seeing Fido or Fluffy in the pictures. They're in your life every day. They greet you at the door when you come home at night and you spend a lot of one-on-one time with them on morning and evening walks. You might even share your bed with your pup, how can you not include them in your family photos?
Whether they're well-behaved or misbehaved, dogs are always good for a laugh so bring them along to lighten the mood - and if your pup is likely to be the latter, don't worry about it. I've photographed hundreds of dogs and a great number of them were rabble-rousers, it just adds to the levity of the session. Candid images of your family cracking up over the dog's antics are priceless (and a little peek into your daily life at home that you'll forever cherish).
Have quarreling siblings? There's nothing like a neutral party - the family dog - to set the family dynamic on its ear. A dog gets everyone out of their head and into the moment because dogs live IN THE MOMENT (there's something we can learn from!). There are all sorts of ways we can have fun with the family dog in your session, so let loose and bring'em along. Lastly, our dogs are never with us long enough. Don't miss the opportunity to freeze a moment in time with them to never forget that time in your life.
All Around the Pet Photographer's Blog Circle
We're getting a sneak peek into pet photography sessions this week in the pet photography blog circle and first up is Kim Hollis of BARKography explains how she's able to photograph untrained dogs, then continue clicking on the link at the bottom of each post for an around-the-world tour of fabulous pet portraits, when you land back here you will have completed the circle!
Tracy Allard of Penny Whistle Photography is a Certified Professional Photographer with the organization Professional Photographers of America; a designation held by fewer than 2,000 photographers nationwide and a hallmark of consistency, technical skill, artistry, and professionalism. Tracy enjoys photographing families with their pets, so bring those dogs, cats, horses, bunnies, and more to your family portrait session. They're all welcome and I never charge more to include your family pets.
Penny Whistle specializes in both on-location and studio photography providing pet, equine, family, couples & engagement, and high school senior portraits as well as corporate headshots and commercial photography services in her studio located in historic downtown Carrollton as well as on-location in Coppell, Grapevine, Southlake, Flower Mound, and surrounding communities in Dallas – Fort Worth, Texas.