Why You Should Include Your Pet in Your Family Portraits

Getting your family’s photo taken  is a momentous occasion. It’s a chance to get together and create more memories to look back on as the years go by.

While you’re making sweet memories, doesn’t it make sense to include every member of the family? Before getting snapped by the camera, don’t forget about the pets!

Pets make your family complete and are sure to make the photo complete too. Here’s why you should include your pet in your family portraits.

family portraits with pets nashville family photographer

Your Pet is a Member of the Family

First and foremost, your pet is just as much a part of the family as you are! You brought them into your lives, and they’re involved in every other aspect of your day to day lives, so why not include them in your family photo?

No matter how many kids, fur babies or members there are in your family, everyone deserves to make an appearance in the family portrait. Imagine taking the photo and looking back, wondering why Fido wasn’t in the picture — it just wouldn’t be the same!

nashville dog photographer mandy whitley

Lightens Up the Mood

Pets exude joy and have a playfulness about them that’s hard to ignore. No matter what type of pet you have,  animals bring a lighthearted energy to the photoshoot which is ideal if you’re feeling nervous.

With everything that’s involved with family photos — the coordinating, people managing, and making sure everyone looks nice — getting photos taken can sometimes be stressful. Bringing your pet along for the fun can change the whole mood and turn nervous energy into relief and relaxation.

Mandy whitley dog photographer in nashville

Puts a Smile on Everyone’s Faces

Think about all of the family photos you’ve received over the years. While we love to see the people in our lives posing happily with their families, it’s safe to say we all smile when we see a pet make an appearance in the photo too.

We’re all fond of our furry friends which is why we love to see others showing off their pet in fun ways.

Portraits with pets dog photographer

Something to Remember Them By

Just like with any photo, you want to be able to capture a moment and freeze it in time. You want to be able to look back fondly at the time period when this family photo was taken and think about the sweet memories that were made. Including your pet is just another way to remember them by.

You are a part of their entire life, so it only makes sense that they’re part of yours with a photo you can cherish forever.

nashville family photographer

Reach Out to Mandy for Your Family Portraits!

Mandy Whitley Photography is Nashville's premiere pet photographer. Mandy Whitley creates fun and playful photographs with pets and their people. She photographs portrait sessions, family sessions, couple portraits, and weddings - as well as just pets! To inquire about booking a photo session, contact Mandy!

The Watkins Family {Nashville Pet Photographer}

Today's blog will celebrate the life of another furry friend, Joey. This adorable little pup passed away a few months ago, but I wanted to share some of my favorites from this last photo session with him and his family. 

Joey was a 12-year-old dachshund, and was adopted by his parents when they were in college. They came up with the name Joey because he liked to hop, just like a baby kangaroo (how cute!). 

He loved being around people and being the center of attention. Although he was a small dog, he had a big personality: always alert, turning his head to the side when you talk to him, and hated being left out of activities. Dachshunds are courageous, curious, and confident, and he was a great example of all of these wonderful traits.

~ Mandy

Best Dog Photographer in Nashville
Nashville Pet Photographer Mandy Whitley
Dog Photographer in Nashville TN
Family Photographer in Nashville TN
Best Dog Photographer in Tennessee

Pets Are Family, Too!

Mandy Whitley Photography is Nashville's premiere pet photographer. Mandy Whitley creates fun and playful photographs with pets and their people. She photographs portrait sessions, family sessions, couple portraits, and weddings - as well as just pets! To inquire about booking a photo session, contact Mandy!

The Rowland Family {Nashville Family Photographer}

Meet the Rowland family: Mark, Keri, Collier, Caris Brooks, Cortlin, and their sweet pup Coco.

It was a gorgeous day for family photos during this fall mini, and they all wore perfect outfits for the session! And Coco is one of the cutest little dogs ever. Coco is a maltipoo (a Maltese and Poodle mix) and is only a little over a year old. Since all three kids have "C" names, Keri and Mark thought it'd be perfect to name her Coco to fit right in with the rest of the family. 

Coco is a snuggler and enjoys playing with the kids. She's a super easy-going, laid back and lovable dog!

~ Mandy

Dog Photographer in Nashville TN
Nashville Family Photographer
Best Child and Family Photographer in Nashville
Family Photographer in Nashville TN
Mandy Whitley Photography Nashville TN

Bring Your Pets to Your Next Family Portrait Session!

Mandy Whitley Photography is Nashville's premiere pet photographer. Mandy Whitley creates fun and playful photographs with pets and their people. She photographs portrait sessions, family sessions, couple portraits, and weddings - as well as just pets! To inquire about booking a photo session, contact Mandy!