Before there was a baby, there was a dog.
I meet this couple often. They have been together for years, and somewhere along the way a very loved four-legged creature became the centre of the household. He sleeps on the bed. He knows the sound of the car in the driveway. And now, as the bump grows, he has started resting his head against it, as though he already knows.
If that sounds like your home, then your dog belongs in your maternity photographs. Here is how to make it joyful rather than chaotic.
Why pets belong in the story
A maternity portrait is a picture of a family before it changes.
For many of us, the pet is part of that family in every way that counts. Including them records the household exactly as it was in this particular season: the couple, the bump, the dog, and all the small habits and rituals that will soon be rearranged.
There is also something tender about it. Dogs sense changes in routine, scent and mood, and many become noticeably gentle around a pregnant mother. Those soft moments, a nose resting on the bump, a paw on a lap, are the sort of thing you will treasure when the baby arrives and the dog's place in the house quietly shifts.
Is your dog right for a session?
Be honest about your dog's temperament, because it makes everything easier.
A calm, relaxed dog who is comfortable around strangers and can stay in one place for a few minutes will do beautifully. A very excitable dog, a nervous one or one who does not like new places may be better photographed at home, where they feel secure, or for a short segment only.
None of these is a problem. I simply shape the plan around the dog we have. A short, well-timed ten minutes with the pet is better than an hour of strain for everyone involved.
Choosing the right location
Familiar usually wins.
At home. Often the most relaxed option. Your dog is on their own territory, the light through the windows is lovely, and the photographs have meaning because they are taken in the place where you actually live. Our in-home sessions work well for this.
A local park or quiet beach. Beautiful for an active dog who needs to burn some energy first. Check that the location allows dogs and that the beach is off-leash friendly or a quiet spot where a lead is acceptable. Early morning is best, before it gets crowded.
The studio. Possible for calm dogs, though the unfamiliar space can be a lot. If you would like a studio session with your dog, tell me in advance so I can plan for a short, quiet segment.
How to prepare your dog
A little preparation goes a long way.
Take your dog for a good walk beforehand, so the excess energy is spent. Bring their favourite treats and a toy, because a distracted dog is a calm dog. Make sure they have been groomed, and if they have a favourite bandana or collar, bring it along. A well-fitting, clean collar looks lovely and a simple lead can be edited out or kept in the frame if it is part of the charm.
If your dog knows "sit", "stay" or "lie down", practise them in the days before. And bring a second person if you can, such as a friend or relative, whose only job is to handle the dog out of frame while you pose.
What I do on the day
Patience is the most important tool I carry.
I let the dog sniff, explore and settle before I take a single frame. I work at their pace, keep the energy low and use small movements. Sometimes the best photograph comes when I simply wait while you sit on the floor and the dog wanders over by choice.
We usually begin with the dog at your side or lying nearby, then move to closer frames: a hand on the head, a cheek against fur, the dog looking up at you while you look down at the bump. If your partner is there, we add them in, and we finish with some frames of just you and your belly so the dog is never the only focus.
What to wear when there is fur involved
A practical word.
Dark clothes show light fur, and light clothes show dark fur. A mid-tone or textured fabric, like oatmeal knit, dusty rose or soft grey, hides it best. Avoid very fine, silky fabrics that attract hair, or bring a lint roller and keep it in reach. Fur on a dress is nothing a little editing cannot fix, so please do not worry about it too much.
Other pets are welcome too
Cats, rabbits, even horses have appeared in my sessions. Cats are the most unpredictable, and a cat who will sit on a blanket on the sofa at home is a gift. For any animal, the principle is the same: choose the setting where they are most comfortable, keep the time short and let their personality lead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my dog to my maternity photoshoot?
Yes, in most cases. Dogs are very welcome at outdoor and in-home sessions, and often in the studio for a short segment. Let me know about your dog's temperament and size in advance so I can plan the right setting.
What if my dog will not stay still?
That is normal. I work around it with patience, short bursts of photography, treats and small distractions. Some of the loveliest images come from movement and spontaneous interaction rather than a perfect pose.
Should I have someone else to help with the dog?
It makes a real difference. A friend or family member who can hold the lead, offer treats and manage the dog out of frame lets you relax and gives me more freedom to photograph the moments that matter.
Is it safe to be photographed with my dog while pregnant?
Generally yes, provided your dog is well behaved and you feel comfortable. Avoid anything that could cause you to be pulled over, such as a strong dog on a long lead, and sit down for the closer frames.
Can I include my pet in a newborn session later?
Absolutely. Introducing the baby to the family pet is one of the sweetest stories a photograph can tell, and it is worth doing once your dog has met the baby and settled. I will share more on that in a future article.
The whole family, as it is right now
The family you have today will not look exactly like this again. A baby will arrive, the dog will adapt, and the little rituals of the household will shift.
If you would like to include your four-legged family member in your maternity photographs, I would love to plan it with you. Please get in touch and tell me about your dog, and we will find the setting that suits you both.
Sincerely yours, Anastasia
