Can I bring my dog to my photoshoot?

Yes. Absolutely. Dogs are always warmly welcomed at Natalie Vell Studio.

For many families, a dog is not simply a pet. They are part of everyday life, family traditions, major milestones, and the story you are creating together.

If your dog is part of your family, it makes perfect sense to include them in your photographs.

Your dog belongs in your family story

Clients sometimes hesitate to ask whether their dog may come to the studio. They worry that the dog may be too large, too excited, too curious, or unable to sit perfectly for a photograph.

None of those things automatically prevent us from creating a meaningful portrait.

Your dog does not need modeling experience. They do not need to understand studio lighting, look directly at the camera in every photograph, or remain perfectly still throughout the session.

We plan the dog’s portion of the photoshoot with patience, realistic expectations, and enough flexibility to capture the relationship you share.

One dog or seven

The largest dog family I have photographed together included seven large dogs, several of them Newfoundlands. Yes, all seven came to the photoshoot.

Working with that many large dogs required preparation, space, patience, and a sense of humour, but it also created photographs that could never have been recreated without them.

That experience confirmed something I already believed: the perfect family photograph does not require every participant to behave perfectly. It requires connection, preparation, and a willingness to work with the real personality of the family — including the four-legged members.

Dogs can be included in many types of sessions

• Maternity portraits
• Family photography
• Couples portraits
• Birthday sessions
• Motherhood portraits
• Pregnancy announcements
• Personal branding sessions
• Other studio portrait experiences

The photographs may include the entire family, individual portraits with the dog, or a few carefully planned images within a larger session.

Please tell the studio about your dog before the photoshoot so that we can plan the timing, clothing, backgrounds, and safest way to include them.

Including your dog in maternity photos

A maternity session celebrates the family that is preparing to welcome a baby — and for many clients, their dog is already an important part of that family.

Your dog may be photographed:

• Sitting beside you
• Standing next to you and your partner
• Resting near your maternity gown
• Interacting naturally with you
• Joining a full family portrait
• Being included in a pregnancy announcement

We do not need to include your dog in every look. In most cases, it is easier to plan a specific portion of the session for the dog and then continue with your individual maternity portraits, wardrobe changes, and more detailed posing.

What if my dog does not sit still?

That is completely normal. Some of the most meaningful photographs happen when a dog is looking at their owner, moving toward them, leaning against them, or simply behaving like themselves.

We can use treats, familiar sounds, toys, movement, and short breaks to help maintain their attention.

The goal is not to force the dog into an uncomfortable position. The goal is to create a portrait that reflects your connection while working safely with the dog’s temperament and attention span.

Not every attempt will become the final photograph — and that is okay. We allow time for adjustment and work toward the moments that feel natural.

Large dogs are welcome too

Large size alone is not a problem. I have photographed very large dogs and multiple large dogs together in the studio.

What matters most is knowing in advance:

• The dog’s approximate size
• How many dogs will attend
• Whether they are comfortable around unfamiliar people
• Whether they respond to basic commands
• What helps get their attention
• Whether another adult will be available to assist

This information allows me to prepare the studio and plan the dog’s part of the session more effectively.

What should you bring?

• A secure leash and collar or harness
• Small favorite treats
• A favorite toy or attention-getting object
• Water and a portable bowl
• Waste bags
• A towel or grooming wipes
• A lint roller for clothing
• Any meaningful accessory you would like included

Avoid giving the dog a large meal immediately before the photoshoot if that normally makes them tired or uncomfortable.

A short walk before entering the studio may also help an energetic dog settle, but follow the routine that is safest and most familiar for your dog.

Bring someone who can help

Whenever possible, bring another adult who knows your dog. After we complete the photographs involving the dog, that person can take them outside, sit with them, or bring them home while the rest of your session continues.

This is particularly helpful during maternity sessions because you should not have to manage the dog while changing gowns, receiving posing directions, or moving between sets.

For sessions involving several dogs, additional adult assistance may be necessary. We will discuss this during planning.

What should your dog wear?

Your dog does not need an elaborate outfit. A simple, clean collar or harness is usually enough. Neutral colors tend to work well because they do not compete with faces or clothing.

Depending on the style of the photoshoot, you may also bring:

• A simple bow tie
• A neutral bandana
• A floral collar
• A meaningful tag
• A pregnancy-announcement sign
• A small accessory connected to the baby

Avoid accessories that are uncomfortable, restrictive, or unfamiliar to your dog.

What should the family wear?

Your dog does not need to match the family perfectly. Instead, coordinate the family’s clothing with the overall color palette of the session. Neutral colors, black, cream, beige, denim, and other simple combinations often allow the relationship between the family and the dog to remain the focus.

If your dog has very light or very dark fur, I can help choose a background that creates enough separation and allows their features to remain visible.

What if my dog is anxious or reactive?

Please tell me before the session. You know your dog better than anyone else. Information about their fears, triggers, physical limitations, or previous reactions in unfamiliar environments helps us make responsible decisions.

We may adjust:

• The arrival process
• The order of the photographs
• The number of people in the room
• The amount of time the dog remains in the studio
• The poses we attempt
• The background and lighting setup

Safety and the dog’s comfort always take priority over creating a particular pose. If the studio environment is not appropriate for your dog, we can discuss whether another approach would be safer and more comfortable.

Studio guidelines for dogs

• Dogs must be discussed with the studio before the appointment
• Dogs should remain leashed when they are not being photographed
• Owners are responsible for supervising and controlling their dogs
• Please bring supplies to clean up after your dog
• Tell the studio about behavioural or health concerns before arrival
• Additional assistance may be required for multiple dogs
• The dog’s portion of the session may be scheduled for a specific time

These guidelines allow us to welcome dogs while protecting the family, the animal, the studio, and the photography equipment.

A photograph of the entire family

Your life will continue changing. Your baby will arrive. Children will grow. Your home and routines may look different several years from now.

The photographs you create today preserve not only how your family looked, but also who was beside you during this part of your life.

Sometimes that family member has four legs, leaves hair on your clothing, refuses to look at the camera, and makes the photograph more meaningful because of it.

Your dog is welcome here.