Including Pets in Your Newborn Session: Why It’s Always a Good Idea (and How We Keep It Safe & Fun!)
As a lifestyle newborn photographer here in Northern New Jersey (serving the Maplewood, South Orange, and Westfield areas), one of my favorite things is when families ask, “Can we include our dog or cat in the session?”
The short answer? Absolutely yes!
At home, I’m a big animal lover myself — I have a senior dog, two cats, a stray I feed outside, and even a bearded dragon. So when I say I love working with pets, I really mean it. And honestly, some of my favorite newborn sessions have featured four-legged (or scaly!) family members right alongside their tiny new sibling.
Why Include Your Pet in Your Newborn Photos?
Your pets are part of your family. Including them in your newborn session not only makes your photos more personal but also helps set a relaxed, natural tone for the shoot. In fact, pets often help big siblings (toddlers especially) feel more at ease during the session. And sometimes, they even steal the show—whether it’s your dog sneaking in a kiss or your cat finding the perfect spot to snuggle nearby.
Many families tell me ahead of time, “Our dog is shy,” or “He’s not great with strangers.” But time and again, those same pets surprise everyone — sometimes becoming total stars in the session! And even in those rare situations where a pet isn’t feeling very social, I have a few creative tricks up my sleeve to safely and subtly include them without adding any stress.
Safety First — Always
Of course, safety is always my top priority, especially when it comes to newborn photography with pets involved. You know your dog or cat best. If your dog is large and excitable, for example, we might avoid having them on the bed or too close to the baby. But that doesn’t mean they can’t be included! I have plenty of ways to position pets in the frame while keeping everyone safe and comfortable.
One important note: if your pet hasn’t yet been introduced to your newborn, it’s best to wait on including them until they’ve had some time to adjust prior to the session. We want everyone—human and furry alike—to feel calm and familiar with each other.
Managing Expectations: Real-Life Pet Portraits
When it comes to pets in newborn photos, it’s helpful to go in with realistic expectations. Your dog or cat might not sit perfectly still or look directly at the camera on command — and that’s okay! Some of the best, most meaningful photos happen when your pet is simply doing what they do best: being themselves in their home environment. I’ll often catch a quick moment of eye contact for a classic shot, but many of my favorite images are those candid, genuine interactions — a dog sniffing baby’s tiny toes, or a cat lounging nearby while the family snuggles.
Pro Tips for a Smooth Session with Pets
Stay relaxed. Your baby and your pets can both sense your energy. The more calm and natural you are, the more relaxed they’ll be.
Have treats handy. A little kibble or a few treats can go a long way in guiding your pet to where we want them for the shot.
Trust the process. I’ve worked with pets of all temperaments and sizes. Whether they’re shy, playful, or somewhere in between, we’ll find ways to include them beautifully.
Ready to Book Your Newborn Session (with Pets Included)?
If you’re in Northern New Jersey — especially around Maplewood, South Orange, or Westfield — and you’re expecting a new baby (or just added one to your crew), I would love to help capture this special season of life, pets and all!
Feel free to reach out and we’ll plan a session that includes every member of your family — fur, feathers, or scales included. Contact me!