If you are planning a family photo shoot, you might be wondering whether you can bring your dog along. For many families, dogs are much more than pets. They are important members of the family, share everyday moments with us, and deserve to be included in those special memories.
As a family photographer working in Exmouth and the surrounding areas, I understand why families want photographs with everyone included, including their four-legged family members. Whether you are looking for a family photographer in Exmouth, a family photographer in Exeter, or a photographer elsewhere in Devon, bringing your dog along can be a wonderful way to make your family photographs more personal.
The good news is that dogs can absolutely be part of a family photo shoot, provided we choose a suitable location and plan the session around the needs of your family and your dog.
Why Bring Your Dog to a Family Photo Shoot?
Dogs Are Important Members of the Family
When we look back at family photographs years later, it is often the little details that bring back the strongest memories. Your children’s personalities, the way they played together, and the things your family enjoyed doing are all part of your story.
For many households, the family dog is a huge part of that story. Leaving them out of your photographs might mean missing an opportunity to capture an important part of your family life.
I believe there is real value in including your dog in at least some of your family photographs. They do not need to sit perfectly still or look directly at the camera for every picture. Sometimes, the photographs that capture their natural behaviour are the ones that mean the most.
Dogs Can Help Create Natural Family Photographs
One of the things I enjoy about family photography is capturing people interacting naturally rather than constantly asking everyone to pose and smile.
Dogs can help create these moments. Children might play with their dog, parents might walk alongside them, or the whole family might enjoy a little time together outdoors.
As a family photographer in Devon, I want your photographs to reflect your family as you really are. If that includes a playful dog running around while the children laugh, there is nothing wrong with embracing it.
Not every photograph needs to look like a formal portrait. A mixture of relaxed, natural photographs and a few more traditional family portraits can give you a much more varied gallery to enjoy.
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Where Is the Best Place for a Family Photo Shoot with a Dog?
The best location depends on your dog’s personality, how comfortable they are around other people, and the kind of photographs you would like.
When planning a family photoshoot in Exeter, Exmouth or the surrounding areas, I would always consider the dog’s needs alongside the family’s preferences.
Beach Family Photo Shoots
Beaches can be excellent locations for family photography with dogs, particularly if your dog enjoys walking, exploring and running around.
There is generally more space to move about than in a small indoor setting, allowing energetic dogs to burn off some of their excitement while the family enjoys spending time together.
Exmouth Beach and Sandy Bay Beach are examples of coastal locations that can offer lovely opportunities for natural family photographs, depending on access, conditions and dog restrictions.
However, it is important to check local rules before arranging your session. Some beaches have seasonal dog restrictions or designated areas where dogs are permitted. You should also consider how busy the beach is likely to be and whether your dog is comfortable around unfamiliar people.
If your dog loves the beach, a session built around walking, playing and enjoying the surroundings could be ideal.
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Gardens and Outdoor Locations
Gardens and suitable outdoor spaces can also work very well, particularly when you want a mixture of natural photographs and more traditional family portraits.
A private garden where dogs are welcome can be a good option if you would prefer a quieter environment. Parks and public gardens may also be suitable, provided dogs are permitted and the location is appropriate for your dog’s behaviour.
If you are searching for a portrait photographer in Exeter or a family photographer in Devon, it is worth discussing your preferred location before booking. The right setting can make a significant difference to how comfortable everyone feels during the session.
For energetic dogs, I would look for somewhere with enough space to move around safely. For dogs that become nervous around strangers, a quieter location or a home-based session may be a better choice.
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Can We Bring Our Dog to an Indoor Photo Shoot?
Yes, an indoor family photo shoot may be possible, depending on the space and whether dogs are permitted.
A home photo shoot can be particularly useful if your dog is more comfortable in familiar surroundings. It may also be a sensible option if your dog becomes stressed in busy public places or if the weather makes an outdoor session unsuitable.
Although a photography studio in Exeter might be ideal for some family portraits, not every studio allows animals. If you are considering a photo studio in Exeter, always check the photographer’s arrangements for dogs before booking.
For my approach to family photography, the important thing is finding a setting that works for you. There is no point choosing a beautiful location if your dog feels uncomfortable there.
What If Our Dog Is Excitable or Does Not Behave Perfectly?
This is something I would encourage families not to worry about too much.
Dogs have different personalities. Some are calm and happy to sit beside their owners, while others are energetic, curious and keen to investigate everything around them.
Your dog does not have to be perfectly calm for us to create lovely photographs.
Patience Makes a Difference
Just as children sometimes need time to settle into a photo shoot, dogs may need a little time to become comfortable with a new person, a camera and an unfamiliar environment.
I would rather allow time for everyone to relax than put unnecessary pressure on the family or the dog.
We can spend some time at the beginning of the session getting to know your dog and allowing them to become more familiar with the surroundings. This can help the experience feel more relaxed and give us opportunities to capture natural interactions.
If your dog is energetic, we can work with that. If they prefer to stay close to their owners, we can work with that too.
Natural Photographs Do Not Require Perfect Behaviour
Some families worry that their dog might jump up, move around or refuse to sit still. However, these behaviours do not automatically mean that the photographs will be unsuccessful.
A dog jumping excitedly towards a family member, a child laughing while playing with their pet, or a dog looking curiously away from the camera can all make wonderful photographs.
Of course, safety and comfort come first. Dogs should be managed appropriately, and we should choose activities and locations that suit their temperament.
My aim is not to force every moment into a perfect pose. It is to capture photographs that feel genuine and remind you of what your family was really like at that time.
How to Prepare Your Dog for a Family Photo Shoot
A little preparation can help make the session easier for everyone involved.
Consider Your Dog’s Personality
Think about how your dog usually behaves in different environments.
- Does your dog enjoy meeting new people?
- Are they comfortable around children?
- Do they become excited in busy public places?
- Would they be happier at home or somewhere outdoors?
- Can you keep them safely under control around other people and animals?
These questions can help us decide which location is likely to work best.
You know your dog better than anyone else, so your knowledge of their personality is valuable when planning the session.
Bring Anything Your Dog Might Need
Depending on your dog and the location, it may be useful to bring:
- A lead and any other appropriate equipment for keeping your dog safe.
- Water, particularly during warmer weather.
- Familiar toys or treats, if suitable for your dog.
- Waste bags and anything else needed to keep the location clean.
It is also worth considering the temperature and the length of the session. Dogs can become uncomfortable in hot weather, so we should plan around their needs rather than expecting them to continue when they are tired or struggling with the conditions.
Let Your Photographer Know in Advance
If you are booking a family photographer in Exmouth, Exeter or elsewhere in Devon, let them know that you would like to bring your dog.
This gives us an opportunity to discuss the location, any restrictions and how the session can be organised.
It also means we can consider your dog’s needs when planning the photographs, rather than trying to make last-minute changes on the day.
A Real Family Photo Shoot with Two Children, Two Adults and a Dog
I have photographed a family at the beach that included two adults, two children and their dog. The session went well overall, and although the dog was quite energetic and jumpy, it was not a major problem.
The beach provided space for the dog to move around and use up some of that energy naturally. Rather than treating the dog’s excitement as something that would spoil the session, we were able to work with the situation.
The children could play, the adults could interact with them, and the dog could be part of the experience. The photographs reflected a family enjoying time together outdoors rather than a group of people trying to hold a perfect pose.
I think this is an important point for anyone considering a family photo shoot with their dog. You do not necessarily need everyone looking at the camera at exactly the same moment to create a meaningful photograph.
Sometimes, a picture of the family enjoying a normal day out is much more representative of your life together.
This experience reinforced my view that dogs can be valuable members of family photography sessions. With a suitable location and a little patience, they can be included without making the whole experience unnecessarily complicated.
Do We Need to Include Our Dog in Every Photograph?
Absolutely not. In fact, I would recommend having a variety of photographs during your session.
Although your dog may be a very important member of the family, that does not mean they need to appear in every single image.
A Mixture of Family Portraits
You might want photographs of everyone together, followed by some without the dog.
For example, we could capture:
- The whole family together with the dog.
- The children playing with the dog.
- Parents and children together without the dog.
- A photograph of the adults as a couple.
- Individual portraits of the children.
- A few natural photographs of the dog interacting with the family.
This approach gives you more choice when you receive your finished gallery.
If you want a more traditional family portrait, we can take some photographs with everyone looking towards the camera. We can then allow the family and dog to interact naturally for a different set of images.
Making the Most of Your Session
I would usually suggest including the dog for part of the session and then taking some photographs without them.
Depending on the dog, we might arrange for another family member or accompanying adult to look after them briefly while we photograph the rest of the family.
This can help keep the session relaxed and provide more variety without making the dog the focus of every photograph.
Ultimately, the decision is yours. If you want your dog in nearly every photograph, we can plan around that where practical. If you prefer just a handful of photographs with your pet, that is equally fine.
Finding the Right Family Photographer in Exmouth, Exeter and Devon
When choosing a family photographer, it is worth looking for someone who understands that family life is not always perfectly organised.
A good family photo shoot should take account of your children’s personalities, your preferences and the needs of any pets joining the session.
Whether you are looking for a family photographer in Exmouth, a portrait photographer in Devon, or a photographer in Exeter, I would recommend discussing your ideas and any concerns before the day.
I work with families in Exmouth and the surrounding areas, and choosing a suitable location is an important part of planning a successful session.
Depending on where you live, you may be looking for a family photographer in Sidmouth, a family photographer in Topsham, a family photographer in Dawlish, a family photographer in Teignmouth, a family photographer in Honiton or a photographer in Newton Abbot. Wherever your session takes place, the same principle applies: the location should suit the people and pets being photographed.
If you are comparing photographers in Exeter, consider more than just the photographs on their websites. Think about whether their approach feels right for your family, whether they offer suitable locations and whether they are happy to discuss your requirements before booking.
You might also come across searches for a photographer in Exeter, a portrait photographer in Exeter or a family photographer in Exeter. These are all useful starting points, but finding someone whose approach suits your family is just as important as finding someone in the right location.
For families considering an indoor session, it is worth checking whether the photographer has a suitable home studio or access to a photography studio in Exeter that accepts dogs. An indoor session is not automatically unsuitable for pets, but the arrangements need to be agreed in advance.
Final Thoughts: Yes, Your Dog Can Be Part of Your Family Photo Shoot
My advice is simple: if your dog is an important part of your family, it is absolutely worth considering including them in your family photographs.
You do not need to worry about achieving perfect behaviour or making every photograph look posed. With the right location, a little preparation and patience, we can capture a mixture of traditional portraits and natural moments that reflect your family.
Always check local dog restrictions, consider your dog’s comfort and let your photographer know in advance that you would like to bring them.
Most importantly, remember that your photographs are there to preserve memories. A dog looking away from the camera, jumping excitedly or playing with the children might not be the image you originally imagined, but it could become one of your favourite photographs.
If you are planning a family photo shoot in Exmouth, Exeter or the surrounding areas of Devon and would like to include your dog, get in touch to discuss your ideas and find a suitable location for your family.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bringing Dogs to Family Photo Shoots
1. Can we bring our dog to a family photo shoot in Exmouth?
Yes, dogs can be included in family photo shoots, provided the location permits them and the session is planned around their needs. Let your photographer know in advance so you can choose a suitable location.
2. Are beaches good locations for family photos with dogs?
Beaches can be excellent for dogs that enjoy exploring and running around. Exmouth Beach and Sandy Bay Beach can offer opportunities for natural family photographs, but always check the relevant seasonal restrictions and local rules before your session.
3. What if our dog is too excitable to sit still?
Your dog does not need to sit perfectly still for every photograph. We can work with their personality and capture natural interactions, provided everyone remains safe and comfortable.
4. Can we have an indoor family photo shoot with our dog?
Yes, an indoor session may be possible at home or in a suitable studio that allows dogs. Discuss the arrangements with your photographer before booking.
5. Should we bring treats and toys to the photo shoot?
Treats and familiar toys can be useful, depending on your dog’s needs and behaviour. Water and a lead are also sensible items to bring, particularly for outdoor sessions.
6. What happens if our dog gets nervous around strangers?
A quieter location or a home photo shoot may be more suitable. Allowing your dog time to become comfortable with the photographer and surroundings can also help make the experience less stressful.
7. Does our dog have to appear in every photograph?
No. I recommend a mixture of photographs with and without your dog. This gives you a more varied gallery, including traditional family portraits, couple photographs and natural interactions with your pet.
8. Can we include our dog if we have young children?
Yes, provided the dog is comfortable around children and the session can be managed safely. The photographer can plan activities and photographs around the ages and personalities of your children and your dog’s temperament.
9. How do we choose the best photographer for a family shoot with a dog?
Look for a family photographer whose style you like and who is happy to discuss your dog’s needs, location preferences and the types of photographs you want. If you are searching for a family photographer in Exeter, Exmouth or elsewhere in Devon, confirm that dogs are welcome before booking.
10. How far in advance should we tell our photographer about our dog?
Ideally, mention your dog when you first enquire about your session. This allows time to check location restrictions, discuss your dog’s personality and make suitable arrangements before the day of your family photo shoot.
