Can You Include Your Pets in Your Maternity Photos?
For so many families, pets aren't just animals. They're a much-loved part of the family.
So when you're expecting a baby, it's completely understandable to want your four-legged family members included in this beautiful chapter too.
The lovely news is that pets can absolutely be considered for maternity photographs! With a little planning, we can create beautiful images that celebrate the family you have now and the little one you're waiting to meet.
From dogs to horses, I've photographed maternity sessions with some very special four-legged companions.
Including Your Dog in Maternity Photos
Dogs have a wonderful way of becoming part of every important family moment.
Whether your dog has been by your side for years or is about to become a very proud big brother or sister, including them can make your maternity photographs even more personal.
Natural Moments Together
Some of the sweetest photographs are also the simplest.
Sitting together, gentle cuddles, a quiet moment with your bump or a relaxed walk can create beautiful, meaningful portraits.
Working With Your Dog
Your dog doesn't need to sit perfectly still or look directly at the camera in every photograph.
We'll keep the experience relaxed and work with their personality, always making sure everyone feels safe and comfortable.
Sometimes the sweetest family photographs include a wagging tail.
Maternity Photography With Horses
As a horse lover myself, I understand just how special the bond between a woman and her horse can be.
For some expecting mums, their horse has been part of their life long before their baby was on the way.
Including that connection in maternity photographs can create something incredibly meaningful.
A Beautiful Experience That Needs Planning
Horse maternity photography requires a little more organisation than a traditional studio session.
We need to consider the location, your horse's temperament, safe handling and how the session will be structured.
I love natural, elegant photographs that celebrate the connection between horse and owner without asking either of you to do anything uncomfortable.
Horse photography is arranged individually in advance, and any additional location or session requirements will be discussed before booking.
What Should You Know Before Bringing a Pet?
A little preparation helps everything run smoothly and ensures we can focus on creating beautiful photographs together.
Plan Ahead
Please mention your pet when enquiring so we can discuss the most suitable location and session arrangements.
A Familiar Handler
Having someone your pet knows and trusts to assist is ideal, especially when they're not being photographed.
Safety Comes First
We'll work around your pet's comfort and behaviour, without forcing poses or creating unnecessary stress.
Where Can Pet Maternity Photographs Be Taken?
The location will depend on your pet, the style of photographs you'd love and the collection you've booked.
Outdoor Maternity Photography
Outdoor locations can be lovely for relaxed photographs with dogs, particularly when there's space for gentle movement and natural interaction.
My Deluxe Maternity Collection includes studio and nearby outdoor photography. Pet inclusion at a suitable location needs to be discussed beforehand.
Special Locations & Horses
For horses or locations further from my studio, we'll need to discuss the arrangements individually.
Travel, access, safety and any additional costs will be confirmed before the session is booked.
Why Include Your Pets?
Maternity photography is about remembering this chapter of your life before everything changes.
Your pets are part of that story too. They've shared your everyday routines, your adventures and so many moments along the way.
Including them gives you a beautiful reminder of what your family looked like before your newest little member arrived.
Do Pets Have to Be Perfectly Behaved?
They don't need to perform tricks or look at the camera constantly.
They do, however, need to be manageable and safe to photograph. If your pet is anxious, highly reactive or uncomfortable around unfamiliar people, please let me know beforehand so we can decide whether including them is suitable.
The most important thing is keeping Mum, baby and everyone involved safe.
Every family has its own story, and sometimes that story has four legs and a tail.
Let's Create Something Beautiful Together
Whether you're dreaming of elegant maternity portraits, beautiful photographs with your partner or something special with your four-legged companion, I'd love to hear your ideas.
Based in South Auckland, I create fully guided maternity photography experiences with timeless styling and a personal, relaxed approach.
If you'd love to include a pet, please mention this when enquiring so we can plan the session together.
