Some of my favorite family portraits have the dog right in the middle. The whole family is there, someone’s laughing, and the dog is leaning into whoever is closest. That portrait ends up in the living room or foyer. Everyone’s in it, the way it should be.
Fall is when many families start planning portraits, especially with the holidays coming and everyone finally under one roof. If that’s you, here’s a question I always ask: would you like to include your dog?
Why the Dog Belongs in the Family Portrait
Your dog is part of your everyday life. They’re at the door when you get home, they follow you from room to room (bathroom trips included), and they end up on the couch next to you every night. A family portrait without them can feel like someone missed the invitation.
A few more reasons families say yes:
- Everyone relaxes. With their best friend by their side, teens, grown kids, and even camera-shy adults loosen up, and real smiles follow.
- It celebrates your family. The people you love and the dog who loves them back, all in one portrait.
- One session, more options. Portraits of you with your dog, the whole family together, and a solo portrait of your dog all come naturally from the same session.
“But Will Our Dog Actually Cooperate?”
This is the question I hear most, and it’s a fair one. Here’s how I make it easy:
- Nothing is rushed. I build in plenty of time for your dog to settle in, sniff around, and get comfortable, whether we’re in my studio or outdoors.
- Breaks are part of the plan. Lots of praise, lots of pauses, and a focus on keeping your dog happy and feeling safe.
- Your dog doesn’t need to be perfectly trained. Sits and stays are nice, not required. I have my own tricks (and a few silly noises) for getting their attention.
- You know your dog best. Tell me what they love, what makes them nervous, and which treat they’d do anything for. That helps me plan a session that works for them.
Outdoor Sessions: Safety Comes First
Outdoor sessions are especially popular this time of year, and The Woodlands has beautiful parks and trails to choose from. Wherever we go, your dog’s safety comes first.
- Your dog stays on leash. Every outdoor session, every time. Even the best-trained dog can be tempted by a squirrel, another dog, or a sudden noise. Don’t worry, leashes look natural in family poses, and they’re removed completely when your dog is posed individually.
- A standard leash works best. Please bring a regular 4 to 6 foot leash rather than a retractable one. It gives you more control and keeps your dog close.
- A snug, secure collar. Check the fit before your session so it can’t slip over your dog’s head.
- Locations are chosen with your dog in mind. I look for spots away from busy roads and heavy foot traffic, where your dog can relax.
- Water and breaks. Even in the fall, Texas afternoons can be warm. I bring water and plan plenty of shade breaks so your dog stays comfortable.
Planning a Family Portrait With Your Dog
Every session starts with an in-home design consultation. I meet your family and your dog, we look at the room where your portrait will hang, and I measure the wall. By the time your session comes, your dog knows me, you know me, and we have a plan.
Here’s what we’ll talk through:
What to wear. Your dog is part of this answer. Choose 2 to 3 colors that work together and complement your home. Avoid wearing the same color as your dog so they don’t blend into your clothes. A black lab disappears against a black sweater, and a white pup gets lost in all white. Simple is better than busy, so skip big logos and loud patterns. (For more ideas, see my post on what to wear for dog photos.)
Your dog’s look. A groom a few days before, plus a collar and leash that complement your outfits and the setting. Since the leash will be part of your family portraits, this might be the perfect time for a new set. (Wondering about grooming timing? Here’s my take on grooming before a session.)
Which groupings you’d like. Families often choose a mix:
- The whole family with the dog
- You (or the two of you) with your dog
- Your kids with the dog
- A solo portrait of your dog, which many families choose as its own wall piece
Where your artwork will live. A large portrait above the fireplace, a gallery wall in the foyer, or an album on the coffee table. Knowing this helps me plan the orientation, background, and poses.
The Perfect Time to Plan: When Everyone’s Together
Holidays and family celebrations bring everyone home. Thanksgiving, Christmas, a milestone anniversary, or the weekend the kids are back from college or visiting from out of town. With the whole family in town, it’s a natural time to plan a family portrait.
If your kids grew up with your dog, a portrait of them together is one they’ll want for their own walls.
This time of year also gives Houston, The Woodlands, Spring, and Conroe a welcome break from the heat, which makes outdoor sessions more comfortable for everyone, especially your dog.
From Your Session to Your Wall
About 7 to 10 days after your session, we’ll meet for your ordering appointment, online or in your home, whichever is easier for you. You’ll see your portraits previewed on your own walls, at the right size, so choosing feels simple.
Once your artwork is ready, I inspect every piece, deliver it, and in most cases hang it for you. Nothing left on your to-do list.
Let’s Plan a Portrait With Everyone in It
If you’ve been thinking about family portraits this season, I’d love to help you include the whole family, dog and all. It starts with a quick, easy call. We’ll chat about your family, your home, and your dog, and I’ll take it from there.
Schedule a call, and let’s plan something beautiful together.