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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

5 Unique Proposal Ideas for Pet Owners

Asking the love of your life to marry you is an exciting (yet sometimes intimidating!) question. Once you decide to propose, it’s important to consider how you’ll go about doing so! After all, this should be a memorable and romantic gesture -- shouldn’t it be something your partner will remember forever?

If you are struggling to come up with the right proposal idea, but you know your other half loves animals, consider involving your furry friend in the process! Check out a few of these pet proposal ideas to give you some inspiration!

1. The Four-Legged Ring Bearer

Is your pet well trained? Consider tying the ring to your dog or cat’s collar! And if you’re worried about the ring getting lost, you can try ring boxes, pillows or pouches to hold the ring in place.

2. The Puppy Proposal

Have you been talking about adopting a new puppy? Giving your soon-to-be-spouse a dog and a ring on the same day is a sure-fire way to melt their heart! How can anyone say anything but a definitive “YES!” to a puppy proposal?

3. Have Your Pets Ask For You

Another great idea is to order a new collar or tag that pops the question so you don’t have to! Many places allow you to create a custom order, which you can engrave with, “Will you marry me?” It’s also something that the love of your life likely won’t expect!

4. Dress Them Up

If your pet doesn’t mind wearing new things, you might consider dressing them up with a bowtie and placing the ring box next to them! This is a fun idea for an at-home proposal when your partner isn’t looking. Then you can call them into the room for a little surprise!

5. Involve Other Animals!

Looking for a few extra options to consider? Take a look at these examples of how you can involve other animals outside of your home!

• Use a trained owl to deliver a special package

• Sign up for a behind the scenes tour at your local zoo or aquarium

• Use your home’s fish tank to hold the ring in a treasure chest

Getting ready to propose? Capture the moment with Mandy Whitley Photography!

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!