Your dog is part of the family, so it makes sense that so many of our clients want their pup in the frame. Including a dog takes a little more planning than a typical family session, though, and the location you choose shapes how relaxed everyone feels, from the kids to the four-legged family member who would rather be chasing squirrels. Below are the pet-friendly spots around Atlanta that we like to recommend for family photos with dogs, along with the tips we share with every family who brings their pup along.
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Pet-Friendly Parks for Family Photos With Dogs in Atlanta
Public parks give dogs room to explore and give us a variety of backdrops within a short walk, which keeps the session moving before anyone gets restless. Most Atlanta parks require dogs to stay leashed, so plan on keeping a leash on for the whole session, and check each park’s current rules before you go.
Piedmont Park
Piedmont Park is one of Atlanta’s most recognizable settings, with open lawns, tree-lined paths, rolling hills and views of the Midtown skyline. Dogs stay on a leash outside the park’s fenced dog parks and stay out of the lake and playing fields. Weekends get busy, so a weekday session or a time closer to sunrise or sunset gives your dog fewer distractions and gives your family softer, more flattering light. You can see more of the park in our Piedmont Park engagement photos.
Freedom Park and Historic Fourth Ward Park
On the east side of the city, Freedom Park offers a long stretch of meadows, shaded paths and public art, which gives your photos a relaxed, natural feel without leaving town. Historic Fourth Ward Park is more polished, with modern walkways, bright green lawns and a pond, and it pairs beautifully with a city look. Both parks ask that dogs stay leashed, and pets stay out of the pond at Historic Fourth Ward Park. Our Old Fourth Ward engagement photos show how the neighborhood looks on camera.
Chastain Park
Chastain Park in Buckhead has wide open space, a shaded trail and plenty of room for a dog to stretch its legs between portraits. It works especially well for families who want a calm, neighborhood feel while staying close to the city.
Sweetwater Creek State Park
If your family loves the outdoors, Sweetwater Creek State Park in Lithia Springs adds wooded trails, rushing creek views and historic mill ruins. Georgia State Parks require dogs to stay on a leash six feet or shorter, and the park requires a parking pass, so plan for both before you arrive. Our Sweetwater Creek State Park engagement photos give you a preview of the setting.
Parks Around Marietta and Cobb County
Some of our favorite sessions happen at smaller parks outside the perimeter, where open pastures, wooden fences and rolling hills create a countryside feel without a long drive. These parks tend to be calmer than the in-town favorites, which helps dogs that feel overwhelmed by crowds. If you live in Cobb County, our Marietta photographer page has more ideas close to home.
River and Creek Views Close to Atlanta
Water adds so much to a portrait, and you don’t need to drive to the lake to find it. The Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area runs right through the metro area, and spots like Cochran Shoals, Island Ford and Vickery Creek near the historic Roswell Mill offer river views, wooded trails and rocky creek banks. Dogs are welcome on a leash six feet or shorter, including in the water.
Bring water for your pup and a towel in case your dog decides to go for a swim, and plan the session for the cooler, softer light of the morning or late afternoon.
Gardens and Farms Where Dogs Are Welcome
Cator Woolford Gardens
Tucked away near Druid Hills, Cator Woolford Gardens is a small estate garden with a grand stone staircase, winding stone paths and seasonal blooms, and dogs are welcome. Because the gardens are compact, you can enjoy a lot of variety in a short session without much walking, which suits dogs and young children alike.
The gardens ask visitors to reserve a time for photo sessions. Since that reservation is made ahead, we usually suggest reserving once the forecast is clearer, so your family and your dog can enjoy a beautiful day there. You can see more of the grounds in our Cator Woolford Gardens photos.
Prospect Farms
Prospect Farms in Lawrenceville rotates its outdoor sets with the seasons, from flower fields to rustic farm backdrops, and dogs are welcome on the outdoor sets across the property. The indoor sets are reserved for people, so plan on enjoying the farm’s outdoor spaces with your pup. Sets change throughout the year, so check with Prospect Farms for what’s currently available, and take a look at our Prospect Farms photos for a feel for the property.
Mayberry Acres
Mayberry Acres in Canton is a farm property with barns, gardens, greenhouses and a creek, and families north of the city will love having a farm setting close to home. Its sets change with the seasons, so ask us about it while we plan your session, and we’ll look at the current pet guidelines together.
Private Property and Your Own Backyard
If your dog gets nervous around other people and animals, a familiar setting can make all the difference. Photographing at home, in your backyard or on a family property means fewer distractions, more freedom to move and a setting that already feels like yours. If you’re renting a property for your session, check with the host first, since rentals such as Airbnb ask guests to get the host’s permission before a professional photo session.
Indoor Studios and Pets
During Atlanta’s hot summer months, we usually recommend an indoor location, which takes a little extra planning with a dog. Pet policies vary from studio to studio, so ask the studio about pets before you reserve your time. Our guide to indoor portrait locations in Atlanta is a helpful place to start.
How to Choose the Right Spot for Your Dog
Every dog is different, and the right location is the one where your pup feels comfortable enough to relax. A few things to consider as you choose:
- Leash rules: Most parks require a leash at all times, and fenced off-leash areas are better for play than portraits. Check the rules before you go so there are no surprises.
- Crowd levels: If your dog is easily distracted, choose a quieter park or a weekday time, when fewer people, dogs and squirrels are competing for attention.
- Comfort and safety: Look for shade, water nearby and even footing, and save hot pavement and steep, rocky trails for another day.
- Season and time of day: Spring and fall are lovely seasons for outdoor sessions in Atlanta. Early morning and the hours before sunset bring the softest light and cooler temperatures, which keeps everyone, especially your dog, comfortable.
How a Family Session With Your Dog Works
We love including dogs in family photos, and a regular portrait session is the right fit for it. Pets do their best with a little extra time to settle in, and a full session gives your family more time in front of the camera and more variety in your photos. A longer session also lets us move around the location at an easy pace, which makes a big difference with a curious pup.
The most important thing to bring is an extra person. We always recommend a pet handler, a friend or family member who holds the leash, keeps your dog comfortable and steps in whenever your pup needs a break, so you can relax and enjoy your own portraits. Many families include their dog for the first part of the session, and then the handler takes the dog home or out for a walk while we finish the family portraits.
Parks are full of distractions, from squirrels and cars to other people and their dogs, so we also ask you to bring your dog’s favorite treats and a squeaky toy. Your handler can hold them up just above the camera to catch your dog’s attention, which is how we capture those bright, alert expressions looking right at the lens. A few waste bags and a bottle of water round out the bag.
For more on getting ready, read how to prepare for family pictures with dogs, see our poses for family and dog photos, and browse what to wear for family photos for color palettes that look beautiful with a coordinating collar or bandana.
Family Photos With Dogs: Common Questions
Where can we take family photos with our dog in Atlanta?
Piedmont Park, Freedom Park, Historic Fourth Ward Park, Chastain Park and the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area all welcome leashed dogs. For a garden or farm setting, Cator Woolford Gardens and the outdoor sets at Prospect Farms welcome dogs too.
How do you take family photos with a dog?
Bring a pet handler, your dog’s favorite treats and a squeaky toy. Your handler keeps your dog comfortable between portraits and holds up treats or toys just above the camera so your dog looks our way, while we guide your family through natural poses and capture the moments in between.
What should we wear for family photos with our dog?
Choose two or three coordinating colors for the family, and let your dog join in with a collar, bandana or bow in one of those colors. Dark fur shows most on light fabrics and light fur on dark ones, so keep a lint roller handy. Our guide to what to wear for family photos has palettes for every season.
Can we bring our dog to Christmas mini sessions?
We love including pets, and a regular portrait session is the right way to do it. Pets do their best with a little extra time to settle in, and a full session gives you more time in front of the camera and more variety in your photos. For holiday photos with your dog, book a regular portrait session, and see our Christmas mini sessions for this season’s mini details.
Plan Your Family Session With Your Dog
Whether your crew includes a tiny pup or a Great Dane, we would love to help you plan photos that include every member of the family. Book a quick call in our online scheduler to talk through locations and timing, or reach out through our contact page. You can also review our portrait session pricing and see more of our family photography in Atlanta.
