One of the number one questions I receive from potential clients is how we can incorporate pets into a newborn photo session.  There are so many ways!

Let’s start with a funny story….

When I was very (very!) pregnant with our first daughter, my husband and I decided to have some maternity photos done at the last minute. This was before I was a photographer, so my first instinct, like so many people, was to find a studio and go there to have our photos done. At the time, we had a dog who was our baby. He was a 140 lb Great Dane ‘baby’ who was terrified of almost everything, but it was important to us to have him as part of our photos. So, we loaded him up in the back of the car (you guys, that was already a challenge!) and we drove across town to the studio. When we get there, we were told our studio room was upstairs. Here’s the thing…our dog was scared of stairs…and these were hardwood stairs – even worse. But, if we wanted him in the photos there was no other option. So, my husband (the saint that he is) carried him up the stairs (my 38 week pregnant belly made it impossible to carry him!) . The session itself was a total gong show that involved more milk bone biscuits than I’d like to admit, and I couldn’t relax at all as I was completely terrified the dog was going to pee on the white couch in the studio.

Why am I telling you this?

So that you know I’ve been there and I’d never dream of putting you through that. One of us dealing with that gong show is more than enough!

Your dog (or cat!) is a part of your family, and I not only understand, but also respect, your wish to have him/her in your newborn photos. It’s your story, and your story wouldn’t be complete without your pets. And the reality of the situation is that pets aren’t with us forever, so it’s even more important to have these memories captured now. I want you to be able to pull out that beautiful album years from now and show your children the pictures of their first pet, and tell stories of how he would sniff their heads and lick their feet when they were babies.

Incorporating Pets Into Newborn Photos

My approach to integrating your pet into your photo session is to not force a single thing. There will be no bribing with milk bones or holding anyone down – we’ll simply wait and see what happens. If your dog likes to hang with you on the couch, then we’ll get everyone settled and see if the dog is up for joining in. Or if your dog is higher energy and likes to toss a ball in the backyard, then we’ll bundle baby up, head outside and toss a ball.  The point is that there isn’t a one-size-fits all when it comes to pets (just like babies!). As long as you’re willing to go with the flow and see what happens, I can assure you we’ll capture at least a few frames with ALL family members in them. After all, you’re going to be at home, so everyone, including your pets, is going to feel more relaxed from the get-go.

Ready to introduce me to your pet? Let’s do it! Send me a note about your fur baby and we’ll figure out together how his full-of-life personality can be captured along side your new little babe.

Below are a few of my vey favourite newborn photos that include furry family members.

Fiddle Leaf Photography offers in-home, unposed newborn photo sessions in Edmonton and surrounding areas including Sherwood Park, Spruce Grove, St. Alberta, Stony Plain, Beaumont and Leduc.