Can I bring my pet to my maternity photoshoot?

Yes, your pet may be included in your maternity photoshoot.

Dogs are not the only animals that have visited Natalie Vell Studio. I have also photographed a beautiful fold-eared cat and an African gray parrot.

Every animal requires a different approach, but the reason for including them is often the same: they are already an important part of the family waiting to welcome the baby.

Your pet is already part of the family

A maternity photoshoot celebrates more than pregnancy. It preserves the family story that is already unfolding before the baby arrives. For many women, that story includes an animal who has been beside them throughout this chapter.

Your pet may be the first family member to notice that something is changing. They may follow you more closely, rest beside your belly, or simply continue being the familiar presence they have always been.

Including them creates a portrait that feels personal to your real life — not only beautiful for the camera.

Dogs, a cat and an African gray parrot

As a professional maternity photographer in Roseville, California, I have experience creating studio portraits with different types of animals.

The largest group I have photographed included seven large dogs, several of them Newfoundlands. I have also welcomed a fold-eared cat and an African gray parrot into the studio.

Each animal responded differently to the environment, lighting, people, and posing. That is why their participation must be planned individually.

There is no single pose or technique that works for every animal. We work with their personality, attention span, comfort level, and relationship with their owner.

Can I bring my cat to a maternity photoshoot?

Yes, a cat may be included when the session is planned in advance.

Cats are independent and may need time to observe an unfamiliar room before they feel comfortable. They are not expected to sit perfectly or look directly at the camera.

Your cat may be photographed:

• In your arms
• Sitting beside you
• Interacting naturally with you
• Joining you and your partner
• Appearing in several carefully planned maternity portraits

We will work within the amount of time and attention your cat is comfortable giving us.

Please bring:

• A secure carrier
• A familiar blanket
• Favorite treats
• A toy that gets your cat’s attention
• A brush or grooming wipes
• Another adult who can assist

The cat should remain safely inside the carrier when not being photographed.

Can I bring a bird to my maternity photoshoot?

Possibly. Birds require careful planning before they enter the studio.

I have photographed an African gray parrot, and the experience was completely different from working with a dog or cat.

Before approving a session involving a bird, we need to discuss:

• The bird’s temperament
• Whether the bird is comfortable with unfamiliar people
• How the bird responds to new environments
• Whether a familiar perch is needed
• Who will handle the bird
• Whether the planned lighting is appropriate
• What helps the bird remain calm and attentive

A bird should never be placed in an unsafe or uncomfortable position for the sake of a photograph.

The goal is to create a meaningful portrait while respecting the bird’s natural behaviour and physical safety.

What other animals can be included?

Do you share your home with a rabbit, bird, reptile, miniature pig, or another unusual companion? Tell me about them.

Not every animal will be suited to a studio environment, so I cannot automatically confirm every request. The decision depends on the animal’s species, size, temperament, handling requirements, and comfort around unfamiliar people and equipment.

Before booking, please send:

• A recent photograph of your pet
• The type or species
• Approximate size
• A description of their temperament
• Any fears or triggers
• Handling requirements
• The number of animals you would like to include
• Your ideas for the maternity portraits

I will review the information and let you know whether we can safely include your animal.

Your pet does not need to attend the entire session

Your pet only needs to be present for the portion of the maternity photoshoot that includes them.

Whenever possible, bring another adult who knows the animal well. After we finish the planned portraits, that person can take the pet home or outside while we continue with your individual maternity looks.

This arrangement allows you to concentrate on:

• Changing maternity gowns
• Hair and makeup
• Individual posing
• Creative lighting
• Fabric and bodysuit looks
• Portraits with your partner and children

You will not need to manage your pet throughout the entire appointment.

What if my pet does not know how to pose?

Your pet is not expected to pose like a trained model. Animals may look away, move unexpectedly, become curious about the studio, or decide that they have finished participating.

We can work with:

• Favorite treats
• Familiar toys
• Natural interaction
• Short periods of attention
• Simple positions
• Breaks when needed
• Help from another adult

Sometimes the most meaningful image is not perfectly posed. It may be the moment your cat looks up at you, your bird moves closer, or your dog leans against your body. Those natural interactions can make the portrait feel even more personal.

How to prepare your pet

Bring everything your pet normally needs to feel safe and comfortable:

• A leash, carrier, or secure enclosure
• Favorite small treats
• A familiar toy
• Water
• A blanket or mat
• Grooming supplies
• Cleaning supplies
• A trusted adult who can assist

Do not introduce an unfamiliar outfit or accessory for the first time at the studio. If you would like your pet to wear something in the photographs, allow them to become comfortable with it before the appointment.

Important studio guidelines

All animals must be discussed and approved before the maternity photoshoot. Depending on the animal, the studio may require:

• A leash, carrier, or secure enclosure
• A separate adult handler
• A specific arrival time
• A shorter period inside the studio
• Additional preparation
• A modified lighting setup
• A plan for leaving after the pet’s portion is completed

Owners remain responsible for supervising and handling their animals throughout the appointment. Please disclose behavioural concerns, physical limitations, fears, triggers, or special handling requirements before arriving.

The comfort and safety of the animal, family, and studio always come before creating a particular pose.

Who is part of your family?

I have already photographed seven large dogs, an African gray parrot, and a fold-eared cat. Who would you bring?

If you have an animal you would love to include in your maternity portraits, send me a photograph and tell me about them before booking.

As a professional maternity photographer in Roseville, California, I want your photographs to represent the family story that is true to you — including the family members with paws, feathers, or personalities too important to leave at home.

Planning to bring a dog? Read the complete guide