According the National Pet Owners Survey conducted in 2023-2024 sixty-six percent of U.S. households, or about 86.9 million families own a pet. Our fur babies are often thought of as members of the family, so it is of no surprise that we are often asked if pets (usually dogs) can join the family photos. And the answer is … yes! (We are New Orleans’ pet friendly photographers and we’ve even heard a rumor that Marianne speaks dog!!)  We are happy to have your four-legged family members join in, with a few caveats.

Dogs are welcome, but bring a handler just for the dog!

The main thing that we ask is that if your dog(s) will be joining the family shoot, especially if we are at a park, that a handler be brought along just for the dog. When we shoot a family session, we shoot many different images and poses in order to give your family the best choices for a final product. Experience has shown us that when dogs are involved, we are limited in the amount of images we can get from the family. If you think toddler attention span is short, doggie attention span is even shorter. By allowing us to set up the family shot and get what we need with the dogs included, we can then give the dogs to the handler, and proceed with getting more and varied images for the family.

When giving the dog to the handler, be sure that your dog is on a proper leash and that the dog is used to following commands. Having the the dog break away in the middle of the shoot can be upsetting and create undue stress! Remember Rule #1: It’s gotta be FUN! Other than that, your four legged fur baby is welcome to come along and help make memories with the whole family!

Want more info on setting up your family photo shoot with ALL your family members?  Fill in the form below and we’ll get right back to you!