Safely Including Pets in Your Newborn Photography Session
By Elizabeth Lang Photography, Surrey
As a pet lover, it's only natural that you'd want to include your furry family members in your newborn photography session. They’re an important part of your family, after all! However, it's essential to keep safety in mind when including your pets in these precious moments. The well-being of your baby is always the top priority, and while pets can be a loving addition to your photos, there are a few important things to consider. Here are some tips for safely incorporating pets into your newborn photography session.
1. Limit Pet Involvement to the End or Beginning of the Session
Pets can be unpredictable, so it’s a good idea to limit their participation to either the beginning or the end of the session. This allows your newborn to be the focus of the session while also ensuring that the pet isn’t overwhelmed or stressed. Additionally, you’ll want to make sure that the environment is calm for both your baby and your pet, so limiting their time in front of the camera will reduce the chances of any accidents or surprises.
2. Have a Friend or Family Member Take the Pet Out
While you’re busy focusing on your newborn's photos, having a trusted friend or family member on hand to look after your pet is crucial. This will not only give you peace of mind but will also ensure that your pet is comfortable and not in the way when it's time to focus on the baby. This way, you can avoid any distractions or interruptions during the shoot. Having someone ready to take the pet out when they’re no longer needed ensures that the session goes smoothly for everyone involved.
3. Assess Your Pet’s Temperament
Before deciding to include your pet in the session, it’s important to evaluate whether they are properly trained and friendly around babies. Some pets may be more comfortable than others in new situations, and some might not be as tolerant of the commotion that comes with a newborn photo session. Be sure to consider whether your pet has a calm demeanor and is non-aggressive. A sudden movement or sound could cause stress or fear for your pet, which may lead to unpredictable reactions.
4. Consider Your Pet’s Size and Weight
When thinking about involving your pet in newborn photography, size matters! Larger pets, particularly dogs, may unintentionally knock things over due to their size and weight, which could be dangerous for your baby. Even if your pet is gentle, their presence in close quarters with a newborn may be risky if they get too excited. You might want to avoid including large or energetic pets in close shots with the baby for safety's sake. For the best results, keep your pet a little further from the baby, and always supervise them closely.
5. Keep Your Pet on a Leash
Leashing your pet during the session is a simple yet effective way to ensure that they stay controlled and safe. A leash can help prevent your pet from getting too close to the newborn, bumping into props or furniture, or acting out unexpectedly. It also gives you better control if your pet begins to get agitated or overstimulated. Even if your pet is usually well-behaved, it’s always best to have that extra layer of safety. In addition to safety, please be considerate of your photographers clean space and baby props. Please ensure your dog stays off of the furniture, out of the newborn sets and away from newborn props and toys.
6. Ensure Your Pet is Groomed and Clean
Before bringing your pet to the photography session, make sure they are clean and well-groomed. Not only will this ensure that your pet looks their best in photos, but it also minimizes the chance of dirt, shedding, or other messes that could impact your newborn’s safety or comfort. Additionally, it’s a good idea to make sure your pet has had time to toilet before the session starts. Accidents can happen, and you want to avoid any disruptions during the shoot. Not everyone loves pets, or pet hair, so minimizing pet messes is a must for a clean and comfortable studio for all.
7. Have Treats on Hand for Cooperation
Treats are a great way to encourage your pet to cooperate during the photo session. Rewarding your pet for calm behavior helps them stay focused and relaxed, which is essential for a smooth and successful shoot. By having their favorite treats available, you can help keep them engaged and calm, and encourage them to stay in position for the photos. A well-rewarded pet is much more likely to be cooperative and less stressed during the session.
8. Consider Composite Images for Safety
For ultimate safety, consider having your photographer create composite images. In this approach, your pet is photographed in a scene or prop without the baby, and then the baby is photographed separately. Later, the two images are seamlessly combined using Photoshop. This method ensures that your baby is always safe, even if your pet’s presence in the scene might cause potential hazards, such as bumping into props or knocking things over. Composite images are a great way to safely include your pets in the memories without putting your newborn at risk.
In Conclusion
Including your pets in your newborn photography session can create beautiful, meaningful images that capture your whole family, but it’s crucial to prioritize safety above all else. By taking the proper precautions—limiting their involvement, keeping them under control, and considering composite images—you can ensure that both your baby and your pets are safe while creating precious memories that will last a lifetime. If you are worried that your pet will bee too excited, too scared or too aggressive it's better to be safe than sorry! Leave your pets at home and take this time to focus on special photos of your sweet baby! There will be many opportunities Ito photograph your pet over time. f you're considering a pet-inclusive newborn session, make sure to discuss your ideas with your photographer ahead of time to make sure the session goes smoothly.
At Elizabeth Lang Photography, we’re dedicated to capturing beautiful moments in a safe and thoughtful way. Let us help you create timeless memories with your newborn and pets—together, safely!