If your dog has been part of your family long before a baby was in the picture, including them in your maternity photos probably feels like an easy yes.
Figuring out the logistics can take a little more thought. Who holds the leash? What happens when you want photographs without your dog? And does your dog need to be particularly well behaved for this to work?
As a maternity photographer serving Nocatee, Jacksonville, State Augustine and the surrounding areas, I’m happy to help you plan those details. Your dog doesn’t need to sit perfectly for every photograph, but a little preparation can make the experience more comfortable for everyone.
Tell me about your dog before we choose a location
First and foremost, if you plan on bringing your dog, you must tell me before the session date. Not every location is dog friendly, so knowing this detail will help me to suggest the location. best suited for your family.
It also helps to know a little about the dogs personality as this will impact the best location for your session. For example, are they comfortable around unfamiliar people? Do other dogs distract them? Are they happy walking on sand, or would a quieter setting suit them better?
Those details matter when choosing where we photograph. A beautiful location also needs to work for you, your pregnancy, and your dog. We’ll consider walking distance, how busy the area may be, and the pet rules for the specific location.
If you have more than one dog, let me know so we can plan for that as well.
Bring someone who can help
My biggest suggestion is to bring a friend or family member who can help with your dog. After we photograph everyone together, your helper can take your dog for a walk or keep them entertained while we focus on portraits of you alone and with your partner.
These photographs are meant to convey mood, emotion, and intimacy, and it can be difficult to settle into those moments when you’re watching your dog or holding a leash. Having someone you trust looking after them gives you the space to slow down, be close, and focus on each other.
Give your dog time to settle in
Arriving a little early gives your dog a chance to sniff around, take a bathroom break, and get familiar with the surroundings before we begin.
A familiar walk beforehand may help them settle, but there’s no need to wear them out. We want them comfortable and interested, especially when it’s warm.
If your dog needs a few minutes to adjust to me and my camera, we can allow for that too.
Pack a small bag of essentials
You don’t need much, but a few things are helpful:
Water and a portable bowl
Waste bags
Small, familiar treats
A favorite toy, if it helps get their attention
A simple leash and a secure, properly fitted collar or harness
A towel for sandy paws or a little drool
For photographs, a plain leash in a neutral color is an easy choice. Your dog’s usual secure equipment should always take priority over how an accessory looks.
Plan for photographs with and without your dog
Your dog can be part of the session without being in every image.
We can plan to include them early, then move into maternity portraits while your helper takes over. That way, you have photographs of your family as it looks right now, along with images that focus on your pregnancy and your relationship.
There’s also room to adjust. If your dog needs a break, we can change the order instead of trying to push through.
Leave room for a little personality
Some dogs look straight at the camera. Others lean against your legs, ask for attention, or decide your partner needs a kiss.
Those interactions can make lovely photographs. I’ll offer gentle direction, but your dog doesn’t need to perform a series of poses for their presence to feel meaningful.
We’ll work with what they’re comfortable doing, whether that’s walking beside you, sitting close, or joining you for a few affectionate moments.
It’s okay if coming along isn’t the best fit
If your dog finds new places overwhelming, including them may be easier at home. An in-home maternity session is worth discussing if being in familiar surroundings would help everyone feel more comfortable.
Also. if bringing your dog would make it difficult for you to enjoy the session, it’s okay to leave them with someone you trust. You know your dog best.
Planning your maternity session in Nocatee
I photograph maternity sessions for families in Nocatee, Ponte Vedra, and St. Augustine, with guidance on locations, clothing, and the details that help your session feel like you.
If that includes your dog, tell me when you reach out. We’ll make a plan for them from the beginning, including where we’ll meet, what to bring, and who can help.
Ready to plan your maternity photos? If you are unsure about when to schedule your maternity session or have nay other questions, get in touch. You can also visit my maternity page for more details.
