Your Pets Belong in Your Newborn Photo Session (Yes, Really)

If you've been quietly wondering whether to include your dog in your newborn session - or assuming I'd prefer you didn't - I want to clear that up right now. Not only am I completely fine with your pet being part of the day, I will probably get distracted photographing them and have to remind myself that you actually hired me for the baby. (Fair warning.)

Pets are family. For a lot of people, they were the first baby. And when I show up to document your life at home with your baby, your dog sprawled across the couch or your cat perched on the armrest is part of that story. It belongs in the frame.

The Dog Who Stole the Show

This past spring, I arrived at a newborn session and noticed the family's dog was nowhere to be seen. I asked about him, and they told me he was a reactive dog and they'd put him away - partly because they weren't sure how he'd do, and partly, I think, because they weren't sure how I'd react.

I told them not to worry about it. We'd keep him settled for now and maybe try bringing him in later.

About halfway through, when we were hanging out in the living room and the energy in the room had shifted to something easy and calm, I suggested we give him a shot. They let him out. He came over, smelled me, jumped on me a little (totally fine), and then just... settled. By the end of the session, he was actively trying to get into every single frame. Full main character energy.

That session is a good reminder of something I've seen over and over: when the environment feels normal and low-pressure, pets usually do too.

How I Actually Think About Pets in a Session

I always encourage pets to be part of it. I grew up with dogs, rescued my first pup straight out of college (he was the most special - I still think about him), and now I have an 85-pound golden retriever who is genuinely the biggest snuggle bug you've ever met in your life. I also have a stray cat who made his way into our home and decided to stay, so yes - dogs and cats are both very welcome.

My perspective on this is pretty simple: when I walk through your front door and your dog is already there to greet me, that's usually the smoothest outcome. They smell me, they figure out I'm not a threat, and they settle into the session like it's just another Tuesday. Which it basically is.

The alternative - keeping them contained and then releasing them midway through - can also work well, especially if you feel more relaxed that way. But if having your pet out is going to cause you anxiety, I'll notice that. And a calm session is always the goal.

A Few Things That Actually Help

These aren't rules - just things I've noticed make the whole experience easier for everyone, including the dog.

Let them come to me first.

Skip the leash introduction if you can. Just let your pet meet me, sniff, and get their bearings. I'll stay calm, and if they jump on me, I genuinely don't mind - I just won't pet them while they're doing it, because I'm not trying to reinforce that behavior. Once they've done their investigation and realized I'm boring, they usually move on.

Normal day energy goes a long way.

The more the session feels like a regular day at home - same routine, same vibe, same furniture - the more comfortable everyone gets, pets included. This is part of why I love in-home sessions in general. There's no unfamiliar studio smell, no weird lighting equipment your dog has never seen before. It's just home.

Don't stress about timing.

There's no perfect moment to introduce your pet. If they're out from the start, great. If you want to wait until things feel settled, also great. I'll read the room and let you know when it feels right to try. That's kind of my job.

Cats count too.

If you have a friendly cat, please do not lock them away on my account. I have one at home. I get it. If they want to wander through the frame, I am here for it.

Why This Matters More Than You Might Think

Here's the thing about documenting a newborn season: the goal is to photograph your actual life, not a tidied-up version of it. And your actual life probably includes a dog who is very interested in what's happening on the couch, or a cat who has claimed the bassinet as his own.

Those details are the ones that make your photos feel like yours years from now. Not generic. Not borrowed. Yours.

I've watched my own golden grow up alongside my daughter Millie, and that relationship - the way they've figured each other out, the way she trusts him and he's gentle with her - is something I treasure. When I see that kind of bond starting with a family I'm photographing, I want to document it. Even if it means getting a few frames of a very excited dog before we circle back to the baby.

(I will always circle back to the baby. I promise.)

Ready to Book Your In-Home Newborn Session?

If you've been holding off on reaching out because you weren't sure whether your pet would be welcome, consider this your sign to just go ahead and ask. Tell me about your dog. Tell me your cat is technically feral but also somehow very sweet. Tell me all of it.

I photograph growing families in their homes around Nashville - including Franklin, Brentwood, Nolensville, East Nashville, Green Hills, and beyond. If you're expecting and starting to think about newborn photos, now is a great time to get in touch. I'd love to hear about your family - all members included.