Having your pup join in at your engagement session is a great way to add another element of fun to your shoot. Not only will your photos be unique and memorable, but you’ll also get to celebrate the bond between you and your four-legged best friend.
Let’s talk about the advantages of including your pup in an engagement session. For one thing, it's a way for me to get to pet a dog and I'm all for that. :)
Second, having your dog in the session can also be incredibly therapeutic and calming. People often feel nervous before their engagement photos, so having a furry friend by their side can help alleviate some of that anxiety. Plus, since dogs tend to have short attention spans, they often provide welcome comic relief during long shoots. The end result? Unique photos that capture not just the two of you, but also the special bond between you and your pet!





If you decide that including your pup in an engagement session is right for you and yours, there are a few things that need to be taken into consideration ahead of time. First, I always recommend bringing someone to help with your dog. Bonus points, if it's someone your dog is already familiar with. That way you don't have to stress about your dog for the photos. We can take some with the dog and some without.
You should also take time to prepare your dog ahead of time—make sure they’re groomed properly and if you know where we are going maybe take them there before our scheduled time so they can sniff around and get familiar with the area. A new place can make a dog very excited.
Bringing treats to help them look at the camera is always a helpful thing as well :)
Finally, don’t forget safety measures like leashes.


Having a dog at an engagement session is more than just adding another prop or decoration—it’s about celebrating the unique bond that exists between humans and animals alike. If it feels right for both of you, then go ahead and make plans to include him or her in the day's festivities! With careful preparation on both front ends you'll get fantastic results that will last forever. Pets are like family and I think adding them in to a session is a perfect way to capture that bond.





