Should We Include the Dog in Our Family Portrait?

For many families - like ours - the dog isn't just a pet. They're part of the family. So it's only natural to wonder whether they should be included in your family portrait.

My answer is simple: it depends.

The biggest factor isn't the breed - it's the personality of your dog. If you have an older dog that's calm, well-trained, and happy to sit beside the family, they can be a wonderful addition to your portrait. Those sessions are often relaxed, and the dog becomes one of the highlights of the image.

A puppy or high-energy dog is a different story. In many ways, bringing an energetic dog is like adding another toddler to the session. It can absolutely be done, but it also raises the difficulty level for everyone involved.

The rest of the family matters too. If Mom, Dad, and a twelve-year-old can all sit patiently while I work to get the dog's attention, everything tends to go smoothly. If there are already two small children in the portrait, adding an excitable dog can quickly turn a relaxed session into controlled chaos.

If you decide to include your dog, bring a few favorite treats. They're often the easiest way to capture those alert ears and curious expressions.

I often compare it to taking your dog to a pet-friendly restaurant. It's fun having them there because they're part of the family - but you also know you'll spend part of the evening keeping an eye on them. The same is true for a portrait session.

With a little patience and realistic expectations, including your dog can create a family portrait that's every bit as meaningful as the rest of the family.

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