Okay, let’s just put this out there—your dog is part of the family. Full stop. And I’m not talking about “Oh, he’s like family.” No, I’m saying your furry friend is basically the third (or fourth, or fifth…) wheel in your relationship, and we all know it. So, naturally, when it’s time for your family photoshoot, there’s no way your dog’s sitting this one out.
Recently, I had the pleasure of working with a young couple and their golden retriever, who—let’s be real—was the star of the show. I’m talking picture-perfect poses, tail-wagging enthusiasm, and that classic golden retriever grin that just melts your heart. Sure, the couple was great too (you know who you are), but let’s not kid ourselves—when a fluffy golden is involved, the spotlight gets shared whether you planned it or not.
So why include your dog in your family photos?
Oh, I’m so glad you asked. Let me break it down for you:
1. Dogs Bring Out Your Real Smiles
You know that forced smile you give when someone says “cheese”? Yeah, dogs are the antidote to that. They’ve got this magical ability to make you laugh—whether they’re pulling one of those goofy faces or simply being their lovable, awkward selves. You won’t need to fake a single smile when your dog is bouncing around, making the whole shoot ten times more fun.
2. They're Part of the Story
Your family photos tell a story—a snapshot (pun intended) of your life at that moment. And if your dog is part of your daily life (which, let’s be honest, they totally are), then it makes sense they should be part of that story too. Years from now, when you look back on these pictures, you’ll want to remember the family as it truly was: fur, drool, and all.
3. Dogs Are Masters of Spontaneity
Let’s be real—photoshoots can feel a little staged sometimes. But dogs? They don’t follow the script. They’re pure, unfiltered chaos, and that’s what makes it fun. Whether your dog decides to plop down right in the middle of the shot or give you an unexpected lick on the face, they’re bringing the kind of authenticity you just can’t plan for.
4. It’s All About the Memories
At the end of the day, family photos are about capturing memories. And some of your best memories probably involve your dog being a lovable goofball. Why not bring that into the photos? Trust me, you’ll treasure those moments when you look back on them.
So, if you’re thinking about booking a photoshoot and wondering, “Should we bring the dog?”—the answer is always yes. In fact, I’m kind of offended you even hesitated.
And hey, if your pup ends up being the real star of the show, don’t worry—you’ll still get a few cute shots of yourself in there too.
Ready to capture those moments (furry and otherwise)? Let’s chat. Your dog’s modeling debut awaits! 🐾
Photos taken by Kai's Kaptured Moments
