Let’s be honest — for a lot of families, the dogs are the babies. So when an actual baby arrives, it only makes sense that your four-legged family members get to be part of the celebration too.
As an Indianapolis newborn photographer who does a lot of in-home lifestyle sessions, I get asked about including pets all the time. And my answer is almost always: yes, absolutely. Some of my favorite images from newborn sessions have involved a golden retriever gently sniffing a sleeping baby, or a pup loyally curled up right alongside the family on the bed.
But there are a few things that make these moments go smoothly — so let me share what I’ve learned!
Why In-Home Sessions Are Perfect for Including Pets
One of the biggest advantages of an in-home lifestyle newborn session is that your pets are already in their element. Dogs are much calmer and more relaxed in a familiar environment, which means they’re more likely to cooperate (or at least not completely lose their minds when a camera comes out). Studio sessions with pets can work, but honestly? Home is where the magic happens for these shots.
Tips for Including Your Dog in Your Newborn Session
- Tire them out beforehand. This is probably the single most important thing you can do. Take your dog for a long walk or a run before the session. A tired dog is a calm dog, and a calm dog makes for beautiful photos. Aim to get their energy out at least an hour or two before we start so they have time to settle down.
- Have treats on hand. I always encourage families to keep their dog’s favorite treats nearby. A little positive reinforcement goes a long way when it comes to getting a pup to sit still for even 30 seconds. We don’t need long — we just need a moment.
- Let them sniff around first. Before we try to pose anyone, let your dog explore and settle. If they’ve already investigated all the new smells and decided nothing is threatening, they’ll be much more relaxed when it’s time to actually take photos.
- Plan for the dog shots early in the session. Dogs have a limited window of patience (honestly, same). As your Indianapolis newborn photographer, I typically like to get the pet shots done while the dog’s energy is still somewhat fresh and focused — usually during a natural transition in the session, like when we move from the nursery to another room.
- Know your dog honestly. You know your pet better than anyone, and that self-awareness is genuinely one of the most important things you can bring to a newborn session. The families whose pet shots turn out best are the ones who could already say with confidence that their dog is calm, gentle, and has a solid “sit” and “stay.” If your dog has any history of anxiety, unpredictability, or aggression — even mild — a newborn session probably isn’t the right moment to test those boundaries. And that’s completely okay! It doesn’t mean they’re a bad dog, it just means the timing isn’t right. Your baby’s safety always comes first, and honestly, a relaxed session without the dog will always be better than a stressful one with them.
- Don’t stress if it’s not perfect — or even if it doesn’t happen naturally. Some of the most genuine, laugh-out-loud beautiful images come from the almost moments — a dog turning away right as you click, or leaning in just a little too enthusiastically. And here’s a little secret: not every dreamy shot of a dog snuggled up next to a sleeping newborn happens exactly the way it looks. Dogs can be hesitant around new babies, which is completely normal and actually a sign of good, gentle instincts. A skilled newborn photographer knows how to work with what you’ve got — whether that’s patience, timing, or a little editing magic — to create an image that tells the story of your whole family together. The end result is what matters, and it will be something you treasure forever.
What to Expect From Pet-Inclusive Newborn Photos
The images that tend to be most powerful are the quiet, tender ones — a dog resting its chin near a sleeping newborn, or the whole family piled together on a bed with the baby tucked in between. These aren’t perfectly posed portraits. They’re real moments that show your whole family, and they are so worth capturing.
Years from now, your child is going to love seeing that your dogs were there right from the very beginning.
Ready to Book Your In-Home Newborn Session in Indianapolis?
If you’re expecting and want to include your pets (and your real life, your real home, and your real joy) in your newborn photos, I’d love to chat. As an Indianapolis newborn photographer, I specialize in relaxed, in-home lifestyle sessions that feel less like a photoshoot and more like a really lovely afternoon with your family.
Contact me to check my availability — I’d love to capture this season of life for your family.
KristeenMarie Photography serves Indianapolis, Carmel, Zionsville, Fishers, Westfield, Noblesville, Whitestown, and surrounding areas.
