If you would like to know how a newborn photoshoot with a dog can look, then you are in the right place!
When having your newborn photoshoot, I’m always happy to include your pets! Your furry friends are usually your first babies, and they are always welcome at your newborn session.
When having your newborn photoshoot in your home, your pets are already there, and comfortable in their own space. They are often excited when I first arrive (especially dogs), but once I’ve taken some time to pat them they generally calm down.
What’s funny, and has been true for many newborn sessions, is that people will say they’d love to include their dog but the dog is quite shy and they aren’t sure if I’ll be able to get anything from them, and then the dog has proceeded to want to be included in every photo and looks at me excitedly waiting for their turn again!
People often say ‘Never work with babies or animals’, but I love it! Maybe it’s the challenge, and maybe it’s just the sheer happiness that children and animals give because they live so in the moment.
Today I’m sharing Amanda and Joe’s newborn photoshoot.
I had already met both Amanda and Joe and their gorgeous dog Gracie at their maternity photoshoot. This really helps, because families are already relaxed and comfortable with me from the start. Often, I am one of the first people outside of immediate family to come in to the family home when the baby is born. While I have received feedback that people have felt comfortable with me fairly quickly, just having that trust already in place really helps.
Gracie loved to be everywhere that Amanda and Joe were, which was so sweet to watch. Any time we changed rooms, she hopped straight up and followed us, then lay back down in the new room.
Working with dogs, I am always mindful firstly of how well they are trained and also the personality of the dog. I own a Doberman myself, and have taken part in a lot of dog training with him, so have a fair idea of what to look out for when it comes to safety. I also chat with the family I am with about how the dog is with new people and how it has been since the baby has come along. Resource guarding can be a big one, and you will see there are lots of photos where Gracie and baby Luca are super close to each other.
This was done with great discussion with Amanda and Joe, reading the dogs behaviour myself and ensuring someone was always close at all times to assist if required.
I am always so grateful that families share such a special time in their life with me. Here are a selection of my favourites from their newborn photoshoot.
If you would be like to book your own newborn photoshoot or ask me any questions, you can contact me here.
You can also follow along with tips and tricks via Instagram here.
