Why You Should Include Your Dog In Family Photos
Man’s best friend. Your fur baby. And the perfect addition to your family photo! A lot of people worry about including their dog in their family photo shoot, but the truth is they make a wonderful addition to any photo. After all, they are family too! Here’s how to make your next family photo with Fido a success!
![Family holding hands walking along the beach at sunset with their pet dog.](https://www.baobabphotography.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/4P3A6543-1024x683.jpg)
The good news is that there are lots of dog-friendly locations around San Diego for a photo shoot, including several beaches. Depending on the time of year and the location they might need to be leashed, but America’s Finest City is a veritable puppy playground! Some of my favorite places for photo shoots with dogs are Dog Beach in Del Mar, Batiquitos Lagoon, and Felicita Park.
![Beach maternity photo shoot with dog at sunset.](https://www.baobabphotography.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/4P3A4428-1-1024x683.jpg)
Tips For Including Your Dog In Family Photos
- Bring snacks. Not just for the kids but for your pooch too! Dogs respond well to treats (I mean, who doesn’t??) and they are a great way to get them to look directly at the camera.
- Bring a favorite toy. It’s the same idea behind a treat – toys (especially squeaky ones) are a great motivator to get your pooch to look in the right direction.
- If you feel like it, accessorize! You have spent hours picking out beautiful outfits for the whole family – don’t forget your pup! Just make sure whatever they are wearing is comfortable for them.
![Beach family photo shoot with dog wearing a bowtie.](https://www.baobabphotography.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/4P3A0808-1024x683.jpg)
- If you can, bring an extra pair of hands. It’s always useful to have someone who can hold your pup’s leash when he’s not being photographed.
- Bring a neutral leash. Brightly colored leashes are fun when you’re out on a walk, but they can look very distracting on camera. A dark or neutral colored leash blends well into the background and doesn’t distract from the stars of the photo – your family!
- Take Fido for a walk beforehand. This is always a good way to wear off some energy before the shoot and it gives your dog a chance to smell all the smells of a new place so he isn’t so distracted.
![Family walking their dogs among the flowers.](https://www.baobabphotography.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/4P3A8274-1-1024x683.jpg)
So the next time you are wondering whether to include your dog in your next family photo shoot, don’t hesitate! Because with a face this handsome, how could you NOT?
![Woman kissing her French bulldog.](https://www.baobabphotography.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/4P3A1792-1024x683.jpg)