Can We Bring Our Dog to Holiday Family Photos?
Yes! Dogs are people. Your Whole Family Belongs in the Picture
For many families, a holiday portrait wouldn't feel complete without their pets. Dogs are part of the traditions, the celebrations, and the memories you create together each year. That's why I welcome well-behaved dogs to my holiday family photo sessions. Whether your furry family member appears in every portrait or joins for just a few favorite images, including them helps tell the complete story of your family.
Everything Los Angeles Families Need to Know About Including Pets in Los Angeles Christmas Pictures
Looking for Holiday Photos, Santa Photos and Baby’s First Christmas Photos?
For many families, the answer is simple:
Your dog is part of the family.
So when it's time for holiday family photos, it only makes sense to wonder if your four-legged family member can be part of the experience too.
The answer at my studio is:
Yes! Well-behaved dogs are welcome to join your holiday family photo session.
Whether you have a playful puppy or a calm senior dog, including them in your family Christmas pictures often creates some of the most memorable images of the day.
Should We Include Our Dog in Family Christmas Photos?
If your dog is an important part of your family's everyday life, there's a good chance you'll love having them in your holiday portraits.
Years from now, those photographs become more than Christmas cards.
They become a reminder of this season in your family's life—including the pets who shared it with you.
Many parents tell me their children think of their dog as a brother or sister. Including them helps tell the complete story of your family.
Are Dogs Allowed During Holiday Mini Sessions?
Yes.
Because every holiday family photography session at my studio is private, there is time to include your dog in a few photographs before they take a break.
You don't have to choose between family portraits and portraits with your pet.
Many families do both.
What Kind of Dogs Do Best?
Every dog has a different personality.
The dogs that enjoy photo sessions the most are generally:
Comfortable around new people.
Able to follow simple commands like "Sit" and "Stay."
Friendly around children.
Comfortable indoors.
Not easily frightened by new environments.
Your dog doesn't have to be perfectly trained.
They simply need to be safe and reasonably comfortable around people.
How Should We Prepare Our Dog?
A little preparation makes the experience much easier for everyone.
Before your holiday family photo session, I recommend:
Take a Walk First
A short walk before your appointment helps many dogs burn off extra energy and settle into the session.
Bring Treats
Bring your dog's favorite small treats.
Treats are wonderful for rewarding good behavior and helping keep their attention.
Bring a Favorite Toy
Sometimes a familiar toy helps your dog feel more relaxed in a new environment.
It can also help us capture those adorable head tilts everyone loves.
Bring Water
Especially if your appointment is later in the day.
Keeping your dog comfortable helps everyone enjoy the session.
Bring a Leash
Even if your dog is well trained, please bring a leash for entering and leaving the studio.
Safety always comes first.
What Should My Dog Wear?
Simple usually photographs best.
Consider:
A festive holiday bandana.
A beautiful collar.
A seasonal bow tie.
A classic red or green leash (removed during editing if needed).
Avoid bulky costumes that make your dog uncomfortable or restrict movement.
The goal is for your pet's personality to shine through.
Can Dogs Be in Every Picture?
Absolutely—but I usually recommend variety.
Many families choose a gallery that includes:
The whole family together.
Children with the dog.
Parents with the dog.
Siblings together.
Just the children.
Just Mom and Dad.
A few playful portraits of the dog.
This creates a well-rounded gallery you'll enjoy for years.
What If My Dog Doesn't Cooperate?
Dogs can have off days, just like children.
That's perfectly normal.
I don't expect pets to pose like professional models.
We'll work patiently, allow plenty of time, and capture natural interactions instead of forcing perfect poses.
Sometimes the unexpected moments become everyone's favorite photographs.
Can Puppies Be Included?
Absolutely.
Puppies often bring extra energy—and extra laughter—to a session.
If your puppy is still learning basic commands, don't worry.
We'll simply adapt the session to match their personality.
Why I Love Photographing Dogs
As a dog owner myself, I understand how deeply pets become part of a family.
They're present for holidays, birthdays, quiet evenings on the couch, and countless everyday moments.
Including them in your holiday family photos helps preserve your family's story exactly as it is today.
Years from now, those portraits often become even more meaningful.
Holiday Family Photos Throughout Los Angeles
Every holiday season I welcome families from Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, La Cañada Flintridge, Montrose, La Crescenta, Tujunga, and throughout Los Angeles who want relaxed, customized holiday family photography in a private studio setting.
If your dog is part of your family's holiday traditions, I'd love to include them in your Christmas photos as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can large dogs come to the studio?
Yes, as long as they are friendly, well controlled, and comfortable around people. Please let me know ahead of time so I can prepare the studio appropriately.
Should we bring treats?
Yes. Small, easy-to-eat treats are one of the best ways to keep your dog's attention during the session.
What if my dog sheds?
That's completely normal. I keep lint rollers available and allow extra time so everyone looks their best.
Can my dog stay for the entire session?
Usually, yes. However, some families prefer to have a friend or relative take the dog home after we've completed the family portraits. This often makes it easier to finish the remainder of the session with young children.
What if my dog barks?
An occasional bark isn't a problem. Holiday family sessions are relaxed and private. We'll simply work at your dog's pace and continue creating beautiful portraits.
