One of the questions I get asked surprisingly often is:
“Can our dog be in the newborn photos too?”
My answer is almost always the same.
“Of course!”
Because for many families, their dog isn’t just a pet. They’re family.
Long before your baby arrived, they were there. They sat beside you through pregnancy, kept you company during late-night snack runs, and probably spent months wondering why all this tiny baby furniture suddenly appeared in their house.
When your newborn arrives, they’re adjusting too.
And that’s part of your story.
Your Family Looked Different Before Baby
Before there was a newborn, there was often a couple and a dog.
The dog who came on weekend adventures.
The dog who claimed the best spot on the couch.
The dog who was treated very much like a first child.
Then suddenly there’s a new baby in the house, and everything changes.
Those early interactions between dogs and newborns are often incredibly sweet and worth remembering.
The curious sniff.
The protective watch from across the room.
The way they settle beside mum during a feed.
These moments might feel ordinary now, but one day they’ll be memories.
Every Dog Joins the Session Differently
One of the things I love about photographing newborn sessions in clients’ homes is that pets can simply be themselves.
If your dog is an inside dog, they’ll often become part of the session naturally.
As we move around the house, they tend to come along too.
I’ve photographed dogs sitting beside the bassinet, curling up on the bed during family photos, and quietly supervising the entire session from a nearby rug.
They don’t need instructions.
They just do what they always do.
And that’s usually where the magic happens.
What About Outdoor Dogs?
If your dog spends most of their time outside, that’s absolutely fine too.
We’ll simply include them in a way that feels natural for them.
This might mean heading outside for a few family photographs together or capturing some relaxed moments in the backyard.
There’s no rule that says every photo has to happen indoors.
The goal is to tell the story of your family as it really is.
If your dog is happiest outside, that’s where we’ll photograph them.
They Don’t Need to Be Perfect
Just like babies don’t need to behave perfectly during a session, dogs don’t either.
They don’t need to sit still for long periods.
They don’t need to stare at the camera.
They don’t need to perform tricks.
Some of the most meaningful images happen when everyone simply relaxes and interacts naturally.
A dog resting their head on mum’s lap.
Walking alongside the family.
Watching over their newest little human.
These are the moments that feel real.
The Photos You’ll Treasure Most
Years from now, your baby won’t remember these early days.
That’s one of the reasons photographs matter so much.
They preserve the little details that disappear all too quickly.
The tiny fingers.
The sleepy cuddles.
The nursery you’ve spent months preparing.
And yes, the family dog who was right there in the middle of it all.
Because they’re part of your family’s story too.
So if you’re wondering whether your dog can be included in your newborn photos, the answer is simple.
If they’re important to your family, they’re important to the story we’re telling.
If you are looking for a relaxed and natural newborn photoshoot in the Cairns area and have pets you would like to include, I’d love to hear from you. You can contact me here, and don’t forget to follow along on instagram here.
