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.

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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!

nashville dog photographer mandy whitley

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.

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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.

Portraits with pets dog photographer

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.

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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!

The Parenteau Family {Nashville Pet Photographer}

On the blog this week are a few familiar faces: meet my friends Jourdan, Pete, and their two furry family members, Buzzy and Squirrel! We had a family photo session with the Parenteaus and their cats three years ago, and it was so nice to see them again!

Jourdan has had both cats since they were little fur babies, and now Buzzy is 13 and Squirrel will turn the same age in May! They're also siblings from different litters and have some similar colors and markings I just love. Plus, those green eyes get me every time.

They're both beautiful animals and I'm also glad to hear that Buzzy is recovering like a true champ from a recent leg amputation!  

Enjoy some of my favorites!

~ Mandy

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Include Your Pets in 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!