Should You Include Your Dog in Family Photos? An Elk Grove Photographer's Take

One question I get asked all the time is: "Can we bring our dog to our family session?" And my answer is always the same—absolutely! Your furry family members deserve to be in your photos too. Disclaimer - as long as the location we’re shooting at allows animals. There are some that don’t!

This sweet family gets it. Over the four sessions we've done together over the years, their adorable pup has been right there alongside them for 2 of them. He seems to show up every other year, and honestly? Those photos with their dog are some of my favorites we've captured.

Why Including Your Pet in Family Photos is Worth It

They're Part of Your Story Let's be real—your dog isn't just a pet, they're family. They're there for the everyday moments, the chaos, the cuddles, and everything in between. Years from now, you'll want to remember this chapter when your furry friend was by your side.

Kids and Dogs = Pure Magic There's something so incredibly sweet about the bond between kids and their pets. That genuine love and joy? You can't fake it, and it makes for the most authentic, heartwarming photos. Just look at this sweet girl with her pup—pure happiness!

Tips for Including Your Dog in Your Elk Grove Family Session

Bring Treats and a Handler Having someone off-camera to help wrangle your pup with treats and commands makes everything so much smoother. We'll get those perfect family shots, then bring in your dog for a few special moments.

Don't Stress About Perfect Behavior Your dog doesn't need to sit perfectly still for an hour. We'll work them into a few key shots, and if they're being goofy or distracted? Even better. Those candid moments often turn out to be the best ones.

Make It Part of Your Family's Legacy Pets don't live forever, and that's the hardest truth about loving them. Having professional photos that capture your dog at this stage of life—alongside your kids at these exact ages—becomes incredibly meaningful as time passes.

This family understood that from day one, and I'm so glad we've been able to document their journey together, furry friend included!

Ready to book your Elk Grove family session—with or without your four-legged family member? Contact Racquel Cowen Photography today. Let's capture all the love, fur and all!