Seattle area families love their dogs

Did you know the Seattle are is the #1 city in the entire country where dogs outnumber kids in married families? As it turns out, Seattle is the nation’s capital for young married couples with no kids but with a dog or cat, according to this Seattle Times article that came out in 2024. As your family photographer, I love and hope that you are able to include your pet dog in your family, maternity or newborn photos. If you've had a stressful experience with bringing your dog to your photo shoot in the past, I am here to hopefully make it a little easier this round.

1) Choose a location familiar to your dog

Like humans, dogs also get anxious when they go to new places for the first time. If there's a dog park that you love in the Seattle area, let us put that on our suggested areas for your family photos. Your dog will have fewer smells to get used to and be a little less distracted. Another suggestion I have is to do the photos at your home. I think family homes are great for photos and I know your dog will be at ease the entire time.

2) bring treats in your go bag

Almost every dog is highly motivated by treats. Some dogs won't take a treat if the environment they are in is very activating. Regardless, I suggest that you bring a small baggie or dog treats in your pocket or go-bag to get your dog's attention on you at all times. As your family photographer, I carry these Charlee Bear dog treats to every photo session that includes a dog. They are also available in the pet section of your neighborhood Trader Joe's, if you want to buy them in person.

Seattle family photography: A family of 4 with their dog at a family photo shoot in Bothell WA
Seattle family photographer: A mother and father with their baby and dog at a home photo shoot in Queen Anne neighborhood in Seattle WA

3) brush their fur

You'll be getting ready yourself for your family, maternity or newborn photos so why not include your pet's look as well? Regardless if your dog has long or short fur, a brushing is a great bonding activity before a new experience like a photo session. They will come out of it looking so gorgeous too and are likely to shed a little less.

Seattle maternity photographer: A dog sits on the edge of the bed at a home photo shoot
Mukilteo Family photographer: A dog sits in the window at a family photo shoot at home in Mukilteo WA

4) give them a walk before the session

Another way to make it a little easier on your dog during a family photo session is to take them on a walk earlier in the day. Walks are a great mental stimulation for dogs and it helps bond them to you. You all know how important it is to me to have a connected photo shoot! If you aren't able to time in a one on one walk with your fur baby, then you can plan to come to the photo shoot location a little earlier and walk them around the area. This will give them a sense of where they are before the photos.

Seattle family photographer: A couple sits at a picnic table during a photoshoot with their pet Bulldog
Seattle dog photographer: A dog sits on his pet parents' lap during a family photo shoot in Shoreline WA

5) Accessorize accordingly

Leash, collars, harnesses should ideally match with your outfits or have a neutral color (black, brown, white). Any dog clothing or accessories will blend in a lot better with the family when they are matched well. Make sure you don't have any dog poop bags or poop bag dispensers on your dog's leash (but carry some with you in your go-bag, as I will too).

ALL ABOUT YOUR seaTTLE FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER:

EGD Photography is located outside Seattle, WA in Everett, WA. Edlyn G D'Souza is the friendly face behind the family, maternity and newborn and senior photography business. Edlyn works with families in Seattle, Everett, Edmonds, Bothell, Mukilteo, Lynnwood and most surrounding areas in Snohomish and King County WA. She brings a calm and curious nature to every photo session.