Your dog is part of the family and should be included in the first photos with your newborn. In this post, you’ll learn how to do this in a calm, safe, and natural way.
Are you expecting a baby and wondering if your dog can be part of the newborn photoshoot? Yes, he can. With the right sequence of events, a little preparation, and clear safety rules, you’ll end up with beautiful photos of your newborn and his four-legged friend. I’ll show you what’s important: from safety and preparing your dog to the workflow on the day of the shoot.
Here you will find a brief summary of the main content of the article:
- During a newborn photoshoot with a dog, the baby’s safety is the top priority: The newborn is kept safe at all times, and the dog is supervised and kept at a distance.
- The family decides for themselves whether a dog is suitable for the photo shoot, since they know their pet and its behavior best.
- First, the dog comes in front of the camera and gets to run around, and then the baby joins them for the photos together.
- A well-fed, well-rested dog and a well-nourished newborn are the most important prerequisites for relaxed, natural photos.
- The best photos are usually taken spontaneously—for example, when the dog lies down next to the sleeping baby or curiously sniffs at the basket.
- In short: Careful preparation and a little patience
- Is a newborn photo shoot with a dog safe for the baby?
- Why a Newborn Photo Shoot with a Dog Is Worth It
- Here's How to Prepare Your Dog for the Photo Shoot
- Here's How a Newborn Photo Shoot with a Dog Works
- Relevant photos featuring a newborn and a dog
- Frequently Asked Questions About Newborn Photo Shoots with Dogs
- Take a look at my offer for newborn shootings
- You might also be interested in these articles
When doing a newborn photoshoot with a dog, you should follow a few clear rules. The baby must be kept safe at all times; the dog must be supervised at all times and may only come as close as feels comfortable for everyone. The baby and the dog are never left together unsupervised, and I do not use any risky poses involving both of them.
One thing is important here: You know your dog best, so use your own judgment to decide whether you think he can handle the situation. That judgment—and keeping an eye on your dog—is up to you. I’ll make sure your baby is safe and that the photo shoot goes smoothly.
I use secure holds and stable positions. For photos of you and your baby together, your newborn will be safely placed in a basket or on a soft surface, and the dog will lie down next to the baby, not on top of it. This creates a sense of closeness in the photo without the dog’s weight or movement affecting the baby. The dog should not lick the baby’s face.
If your dog is excited or isn’t used to being around the baby yet, we’ll keep a greater distance. Safety always takes priority over any specific photo. You can read about how I generally ensure safety in my post ” Safety During a Newborn Photoshoot.”
A newborn photoshoot with your dog captures a moment that happens only once: the beginning of your life as a family of four. Your dog has long been your first “child,” and now he’s getting a little sibling. It’s precisely this new role that makes the photos so special—curious, cautious, and protective all at once.
For many families, the dog is a natural part of the family. That’s why he shouldn’t be left out of your first photos together. The best shots aren’t posed—they happen naturally: when the dog is sniffing his bed, curling up next to it, or just being there.
The photo shoot will go best with a dog that’s well-fed, well-exercised, and relaxed. A long walk before the session will help burn off any excess energy. Also, bring some treats and his favorite toy so he feels comfortable and is happy to participate.
- Get them moving beforehand: A walk or some playtime will help your dog be calmer in front of the camera.
- Bring along some familiar items: His blanket, his toys, and a few treats will help him feel secure in this new situation.
- Feeding Your Baby Well: A full, content newborn sleeps more soundly, and it’s precisely these quiet moments that we need for the photos.
- Let’s have a quick chat beforehand: Before our appointment, tell me about your dog—what commands he knows and how comfortable he is around strangers.
I usually take photos in a similar order: first the dog, then the baby. That way, your dog can let off some steam at the beginning and get the attention it needs before settling down for the quiet photos of the two of you together.
To start, let your dog arrive at his own pace and explore the room. Taking a few photos of just him helps take the pressure off, and he’ll realize that everything is relaxed. Only then do I bring the baby in for the photos together—usually when the baby is full and sleepy.
Along the way, we take as many breaks as the baby and the dog need: time to breastfeed, change diapers, and catch our breath. If the dog has been well-behaved, he gets a treat and a pat.
And if a planned shot doesn’t work out that day, that’s okay. I don’t force anything. Often, the most beautiful picture comes about anyway in a moment that nobody planned.
The best photo ideas featuring a newborn and a dog are the calm, natural ones. The dog lying down next to the sleeping baby. A paw next to the tiny feet. Your dog curiously sniffing the bassinet. A few shots that almost always work:
- The baby is sleeping in the bassinet, and the dog is lying quietly next to it.
- A close-up of a baby’s hand and a dog’s paw side by side.
- Your dog snuggles up to you while you’re holding the baby.
- A family photo where the dog is just part of the picture.
It’s important to me that the photos reflect who you are. If your dog is more active, I’ll capture him exactly that way—playful and lively—instead of forcing him into a pose. You can find more ideas for photos with your newborn under ” Newborn Poses.”
