Maternity Photos With Your Dog: How to Include Your First Baby in the Session

Before you had a baby bump, you had a dog who slept at your feet, greeted you at the door, and somehow always knew when you needed a cuddle. So of course you want them in your maternity photos. And honestly? I love that for you. Including your dog in a maternity session can create some of the sweetest, most genuine captures of this whole season - but there are a few things worth knowing before you show up with a leash in one hand and a tennis ball in the other.

Yes, Bring the Dog - Here's Why It Works So Well

I genuinely love when dogs are part of a maternity session. There is something about having your first baby present while you are expecting your next one that just feels right. Dogs bring a relaxed, playful energy to a session, and that energy tends to loosen everyone up. The result? Captures that feel real, warm, and full of life.

The moments that happen when a dog is around are rarely planned - and that is exactly what makes them so beautiful.

Real Talk: What a Session With Dogs (and a Toddler) Actually Looks Like

I once had a session with two dogs and a toddler who had one thing on their mind - tennis. The toddler wanted to play, the dogs wanted to chase the ball, and the whole scene was full of movement and laughter and a little bit of beautiful chaos.

And you know what? That is parenthood. That is real life. Rather than trying to contain all of that energy into something stiff and posed, we leaned into it. Those chasing-the-tennis-ball moments became some of the most joyful images from the whole session.

I believe family photos should reflect your actual life - dogs included, toddler meltdowns and all.

How to Set Your Session Up for Success

Here are a few things I have figured out over time that make including your dog feel seamless rather than stressful.

Let the Dog Arrive Early and Explore

One of the best things you can do is get your dog to the location a little early so they can sniff around, burn off some energy, and settle in. A dog that has already explored the space is a much calmer dog once the session starts. A quick walk before we begin makes a real difference.

Please Tell Me You're Bringing Your Dog

This is the big one. Not every location allows dogs, and I want to make sure we are set up at a spot that works for everyone - including your pup. If you are planning to bring your dog, let me know when you book. It is an easy thing to plan around as long as I know ahead of time.

Keep Expectations Flexible (in the Best Way)

Dogs are not going to sit on cue every time. And that is fine. Some of the sweetest maternity photos I have ever taken came from a dog doing exactly what it wanted to do. Go in with an open mind and trust that the real moments will be the ones you love most.

Why This Matters More Than You Might Think

Your dog has been your family long before this baby arrives. They are part of your story right now, in this season. Having them in your maternity photos is a way of honoring that - of showing your child someday exactly who was there from the very beginning.

These are the details that make a photo session feel like your session rather than anyone else's.

I would love to help you create something that captures all of it - the bump, the dog, the chaos, and the connection underneath all of it.

Let's Create Your Session Together

If you are expecting and want to include your dog - and maybe your toddler and a tennis ball - I am so here for it. Reach out and let's start planning a session that feels relaxed, joyful, and completely you.

And seriously, just tell me about the dog when you book. It makes everything so much smoother for everyone, including your pup.