Can You Bring Your Dog to a Maternity Photoshoot? (Yes — Here's How to Do It Right)
The question comes in at least twice a month, usually with a slight hesitancy — like the person asking isn't quite sure if it's a reasonable thing to want: "Is it okay if we bring our dog?"
It's absolutely okay. In fact, some of my favourite maternity images involve a dog. The candid moments — a dog pressing its nose to a belly, a mama laughing as her dog decides to completely ignore the camera — can be genuinely priceless. Dogs bring a particular kind of authenticity and warmth to a session that's very hard to manufacture.
Here's everything you need to know to make it work well.
What Type of Session Works Best for Dogs
Outdoor sessions are the natural fit. Calgary has excellent outdoor locations that are dog-friendly — Fish Creek Provincial Park, Edworthy Park, Bowness Park, and most of the major river pathways allow dogs on leash. The natural environment also gives a dog something to focus on other than "what is this person with a camera doing?", which reduces reactivity.
Studio sessions with dogs can work, but it requires a well-trained, calm dog. A studio is an unfamiliar environment with lights and equipment — for some dogs, that's fine; for others, it's stressful. Know your dog. If they get anxious in new environments, outdoor is the better call.
One important note for outdoor sessions: Inglewood Bird Sanctuary does not permit dogs. Great photography spot, not the one for the dog session.
Making the Session Work: Practical Tips
Tire them out beforehand. A long walk or run before the session means you arrive with a calmer, more relaxed dog. A dog with full energy and nowhere to put it is harder to work with.
Bring their favourite treats. And bring a lot of them. I'm not above using a treat to position a dog exactly where I need them. Whoever is holding the dog should have treats in their pocket and be prepared to do the "look here" command reliably.
Bring someone whose one job is the dog. If you're coming with a partner, designate the partner as Dog Person for the session. They hold the leash, they manage the treats, they call the dog's attention. This frees you to focus on yourself.
Brush them the day before (not right before — that leaves loose fur everywhere). Clean paws matter too, especially if they've been on muddy trails.
Have a containment plan for the non-dog portions. If the session includes just-mama or couple shots without the dog, someone needs to be able to stay back with the dog comfortably — a long leash tied to a tree, a car, a calm sitter. A dog who can hear you but not get to you can become vocal and disruptive.
What Makes the Best Dog Images
The candidly posed moments tend to photograph best. A dog pressed against a belly, looking up at the mama, or a couple walking with the dog between them — these work because the dog's attention is genuinely engaged.
"Sit and stay" formal poses can look stiff and often don't last long. Movement and genuine interaction produce the images you'll actually love.
A Word About Timing Within the Session
I typically recommend doing the dog portion in the middle or near the end of the session — after the clean, styled solo and couple shots are complete. Dogs are unpredictable (beautifully so) and a post-dog romp might mean some hair and muddy paws. Get the formal looks done first; embrace the chaos after.
FAQ
Is there an extra charge for bringing a dog?
For outdoor sessions, no. For in-studio dog sessions, there may be a cleaning fee depending on the dog — just ask in advance and we'll discuss.
What if my dog is reactive or doesn't do well around strangers?
This needs an honest assessment on your part. A reactive dog in a session environment will be stressed, and that stress shows in photos and in you. If your dog is nervous around new people or environments, it may be kinder to leave them at home and include a special image of them in a more comfortable setting separately.
Can cats be in the session?
Theoretically yes, though most cats have opinions about being carried to locations. Indoor lifestyle sessions with a resident cat can be beautiful — they tend to do their own thing and sometimes wander into frame at exactly the right moment, which is honestly perfect.
Thinking about a session with your furry family member included? Let's plan it — I love meeting the whole family.
Fernanda Bautzer Photography · Calgary · Maternity · Newborn · Family.